India vs Australia Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final Highlights
India edged past Australia in a thrilling semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025, securing a spot in the final with a four-wicket victory. A composed 84-run knock from Virat Kohli, supported by crucial contributions from Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, ensured a successful chase of 265 at the Dubai International Stadium. The match was a testament to India’s resilience, tactical execution, and ability to chase under pressure in a high-stakes encounter.
Clinical Bowling Restricts Australia to 264
Opting to bowl first, India put up a disciplined bowling performance to dismiss Australia for 264. The Indian bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami, proved too much for the Australian lineup. Shami returned with impressive figures of 3/48, consistently troubling the batters with his impeccable line and length.
Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja also played their part, picking up two wickets each, while Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel maintained tight control in the middle overs. The Indian fielding unit was sharp, preventing easy runs and applying pressure on the Australians, who struggled to accelerate in the latter half of their innings.
Steve Smith played a valiant knock, scoring 73 off 96 deliveries, anchoring the innings after the early dismissal of Travis Head. Despite getting a reprieve on 36, Smith could not capitalize to post a bigger score. Alex Carey contributed a vital 61, taking on the spinners effectively and playing innovative shots to push Australia past the 250-run mark.
However, the Australian middle order faltered under India’s tight bowling and Rohit Sharma’s proactive captaincy. Key dismissals, including Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, pegged Australia back. The final 10 overs saw the Indian bowlers apply immense pressure, conceding just 51 runs, preventing Australia from posting a more formidable total.
Kohli’s Masterclass Guides India Home
Chasing 265, India needed a steady start, and Rohit Sharma provided exactly that. The skipper set the tone with an aggressive approach, finding the gaps with ease. Though his stay was short-lived, his quickfire 28 ensured that the required run rate never spiraled out of control.
Kohli, along with Shreyas Iyer, built a strong foundation, adding 91 runs for the third wicket. Their partnership was a perfect blend of caution and aggression, as Iyer played with confidence against the spinners, using cuts and sweeps to find boundaries. Kohli, on the other hand, showcased his experience, maneuvering the field effortlessly and maintaining a healthy strike rate.
Despite losing Iyer, Kohli carried on, stitching together crucial partnerships with Axar Patel and KL Rahul. The former India captain was at his fluent best, picking gaps, rotating the strike, and punishing loose deliveries. His innings was filled with authoritative pulls and elegant drives, reflecting his ability to handle high-pressure chases.
A crucial moment in the match came when Kohli, on 51, was dropped by Glenn Maxwell. Taking full advantage of the reprieve, he ensured that India remained in control of the chase. However, with just 40 runs needed, Kohli attempted an aggressive lofted shot against Adam Zampa but was caught at long-on, falling 16 runs short of a well-deserved century.
Rahul and Pandya Finish in Style
With Kohli departing, the responsibility of finishing the match fell to KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya. Rahul played a composed knock, remaining unbeaten on 42 off 34 balls. His innings included crucial boundaries, ensuring there were no last-minute hiccups. Pandya, known for his aggressive stroke play, entertained the crowd with a quickfire 28 off 24 deliveries, which featured three massive sixes.
The duo made sure that India comfortably crossed the finish line, registering their first knockout-stage win over Australia in an ICC event in 14 years. The victory was a statement of intent from the Indian side, showcasing their depth and ability to handle pressure situations effectively.
India Awaits Final Opponent
With this emphatic win, India now sets its sights on the grand finale of the Champions Trophy 2025. The Men in Blue will face the winner of the South Africa vs New Zealand semi-final. The Indian squad will be brimming with confidence, looking to carry forward their winning momentum and clinch another ICC title.
The final is expected to be a high-voltage encounter, and the Indian team, with its experienced core and in-form players, will be eager to put up another stellar performance on the grand stage. The team management will be keen on ensuring that their strategies and execution remain top-notch as they prepare for the summit clash.
