Virat Kohli Leads India to Champions Trophy Final with a Masterclass Against Australia

Virat Kohli produced a stunning knock to guide India to a four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, securing a spot in the final. The win in Dubai was a moment of redemption for India, avenging their heartbreaking loss to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

Chasing a competitive target of 265, India registered their highest successful run chase against Australia in an ICC event, surpassing their 261-run chase in the 2011 World Cup quarter-final. The pursuit began with a mix of caution and aggression. Rohit Sharma, sticking to his attacking approach, had two lucky escapes after dropped catches but couldn’t capitalize and was dismissed for 28 off 29 balls. Shubman Gill struggled to find rhythm and was bowled for just 8 by Ben Dwarshuis.

With India at 43/2, Kohli anchored the chase, crafting a crucial 91-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer, who played a composed knock of 45 before being bowled by Adam Zampa. Axar Patel contributed a handy 27 before falling, and KL Rahul maintained composure with an unbeaten 42, striking at a steady pace.

Kohli looked set for another ODI century but fell while attempting to accelerate the scoring, departing for a well-compiled 84 off 98 balls. His dismissal left the match finely balanced, but Hardik Pandya turned the tide with two massive sixes off Zampa, tilting the momentum back in India’s favor.

With the finish line in sight, Hardik aimed for a grand conclusion but was caught by Glenn Maxwell for 28. KL Rahul took charge, sealing India’s victory in style with a towering six over wide long-on, guiding the team to 267/6 in 48.1 overs. Nathan Ellis (2/48) and Zampa (2/60) were the pick of the bowlers for Australia.

Earlier, Australia, having won the toss and chosen to bat, suffered an early setback as Cooper Connolly’s promotion to opener failed, with the youngster dismissed for a nine-ball duck by Mohammed Shami. Travis Head counterattacked, smashing boundaries off Hardik and Shami before falling to Varun Chakravarthy for 39 off 33 balls.

Steve Smith anchored the innings, forming a 56-run stand with Marnus Labuschagne, who contributed 29 before being trapped leg-before by Ravindra Jadeja. Smith carried on to register a fighting 73 off 96 balls, but his dismissal by Shami ended Australia’s hopes of a big total. Alex Carey played a brilliant knock, scoring 60 off 57 balls, with Ben Dwarshuis chipping in with 19.

Australia’s lower order struggled, with Maxwell (7), Inglis (11), and Zampa failing to make an impact. Shami (3/48) was the standout bowler, while Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) and Jadeja (2/40) played crucial roles. A sharp direct hit from Shreyas Iyer ran out Carey, and Australia was bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs.