In a gripping semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 held at the Dubai International Stadium, India put up a commanding all-round performance to defeat Australia by four wickets and book their place in the tournament final. The match, filled with intense moments, saw India’s bowlers set the foundation before Virat Kohli anchored the chase with a stellar knock, ensuring the team’s safe passage into the final showdown.
This victory further solidifies India’s reputation as one of the most dominant forces in world cricket, setting up an eagerly anticipated final on March 9.
India’s Bowlers Shine, Australia Struggles to Capitalize
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Australia looked set for a big total, but India’s bowlers ensured they never fully took control of the innings. The Aussies were bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs, a competitive total but not quite enough against India’s strong batting lineup.
Shami and Bumrah Lead the Charge
Mohammed Shami was the star with the ball, picking up 3 wickets for 48 runs in his 10-over spell. He was well supported by Jasprit Bumrah, who maintained relentless pressure with his precision bowling, taking 2 wickets for just 42 runs. Ravindra Jadeja, too, played a crucial role, picking up key wickets in the middle overs and restricting Australia’s scoring rate.
Despite decent contributions from their top order, Australia failed to build a match-winning partnership. Steve Smith (52 off 68) and Alex Carey (41 off 47) looked in good touch, but timely dismissals from Indian bowlers prevented them from capitalizing.
Late Resistance from Australia’s Lower Order
With wickets falling at regular intervals, Australia found themselves struggling at 208 for 7 in the 42nd over. Just when it seemed they might collapse under 250, captain Pat Cummins (33 off 27) and Mitchell Starc (22 off 16) added valuable runs in the final overs. Their contributions helped Australia reach 264, a respectable total but not quite enough to challenge India’s formidable batting unit.
Kohli’s Class, Rahul’s Finish Take India Home
Chasing 265 in a high-pressure semi-final, India suffered early setbacks as both openers—Shubman Gill (18) and captain Rohit Sharma (22)—fell cheaply, leaving the team struggling at 43 for 2 in the eighth over. Australia’s pacers, especially Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, were breathing fire early on, making run-scoring difficult.
Kohli Anchors the Chase with a Masterclass
With India under pressure, Virat Kohli once again rose to the occasion. Playing a mature and composed knock, the veteran batter built the innings brick by brick. His 84-run innings off 98 balls was filled with elegant stroke play, timely singles, and occasional boundaries that kept the scoreboard ticking.
Kohli stitched a crucial 75-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer (37 off 45), steadying the innings after the early hiccups. When Iyer fell, KL Rahul walked in and ensured that the momentum was not lost.
A Nerve-Wracking Finish
As the innings progressed, Kohli’s dismissal in the 42nd over brought some tense moments for India. With 59 runs still needed and six wickets down, the match was delicately poised. However, Rahul (42* off 34) and Hardik Pandya (28 off 24) absorbed the pressure brilliantly, mixing caution with aggression.
With India needing 10 runs off the last two overs, Rahul stepped up and smashed a huge six in the penultimate over, effectively sealing the match. The winning runs came with four balls to spare, sparking wild celebrations in the Indian camp.
India Sets Its Eyes on the Trophy
With this victory, India has stormed into the final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa. The final, scheduled for March 9, will be played at the same venue in Dubai.
India’s unbeaten run in the tournament, coupled with their exceptional balance in both batting and bowling, makes them strong contenders to lift the trophy. The team, led by Rohit Sharma, will now shift its focus to the final as they aim to add another ICC trophy to their illustrious collection.
Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly waiting for the grand finale, expecting another thrilling contest as India inches closer to Champions Trophy glory.