Dubai International Stadium witnessed a high-stakes battle as India took on Australia in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025. With a spot in the final at stake, both teams were under immense pressure. Australia won the toss and opted to bat first, setting up a competitive total, but India’s composed chase ensured they crossed the line with four wickets in hand.
Australia’s Batting Struggles and Fightback
Australia’s innings got off to a shaky start as opener Cooper Connolly departed for a duck after facing just 9 balls. However, Travis Head (39 off 33) played aggressively before falling at 54-2. Marnus Labuschagne (29 off 36) tried to stabilize, but wickets kept tumbling.
The biggest contribution came from Steve Smith, who played a crucial knock of 73 runs off 96 balls, anchoring the innings when Australia was under pressure. Josh Inglis (11 off 12) and Glenn Maxwell (7 off 5) couldn’t make an impact, but Alex Carey (61 off 57) and Ben Dwarshuis (19 off 29) helped push the total beyond 250.
India’s bowlers kept things tight, with Mohammad Shami leading the attack, taking 3 wickets. Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja bagged 2 wickets each, while Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel chipped in with one wicket apiece. Australia was eventually bowled out for 264 in 48.3 overs, setting India a target of 265 runs to reach the final.
India’s Chase – Kohli’s Class and Rahul’s Finishing Touch
India’s run chase began cautiously but suffered early setbacks. Shubman Gill fell for just 8 runs off 11 balls, and soon after, captain Rohit Sharma departed for 28 off 29 balls, leaving India at 43-2. Under pressure, the experienced duo of Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings, ensuring no further damage. Shreyas Iyer contributed a vital 45 off 62 balls before falling at 134-3.
The chase looked in control, but Axar Patel’s dismissal for 27 off 30 balls at 178-4 brought some nervous moments. However, Virat Kohli played a magnificent knock of 84 runs off 98 balls, guiding India close to victory before getting dismissed at 225-5. Hardik Pandya played a crucial cameo of 28 off 24 balls, easing the pressure before falling with India just a few runs away. KL Rahul (42 off 34) took charge and sealed the match with a six, taking India to 267-6 in 47.2 overs.
India Books a Spot in the Champions Trophy Final!
With this thrilling four-wicket win, India has now secured its place in the Champions Trophy 2025 final. This victory was not just about reaching the final but also about redemption , avenging the heartbreak of November 19, 2023, when India lost the ODI World Cup final to Australia. The team now awaits its opponent in the grand finale, with just one step left to claim the prestigious trophy. Can India go all the way? The nation waits in anticipation!
