Photo Courtesy: icc-cricket.com
March 5 2025 – Dubai
In a thrilling semi-final clash at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India edged past Australia by four wickets to secure their spot in the Champions Trophy final. Australia, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted 264 in 49.3 overs. Despite solid contributions from Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61), the Kangaroo’s innings faltered under sustained pressure from India’s disciplined bowling attack by Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, and Ravindra Jadeja, whose timely wickets dismantled Australia’s middle order.
India’s reply got off to a rocky start with early wickets, including Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma falling in the opening overs. However, the middle order steadied the ship as Virat Kohli, in sublime form, scored an 84-run masterpiece that anchored the chase. Shreyas Iyer’s 45 and Rahul played a crucial cameo, scoring an unbeaten 42 to guide India to the target of 265 in just 48.1 overs, with 11 balls remaining.
Photo Courtesy: icc-cricket.com
Australia’s fielding lapses and missed chances allowed India to build vital partnerships. As celebrations begin to resonate among Indian fans, Kohli’s brilliance and the team’s collective resilience have once again reaffirmed their stature in international cricket.
The stage is now set for an enthralling Champions Trophy final, with India riding high on confidence and momentum will face the winner of the semi-final clash between South Africa and New Zealand in what promises to be a cracker of a contest.
