VICTORY!!! India Stuns Australia in Semi Final
India move to the finals of the ICC Champions Trophy after decisively defeating Australia.
India delivered a breathtaking performance to defeat Australia by 4 wickets in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, advancing to the final with a thrilling chase of 265. The match showcased India’s resilience and depth, cementing their status as title contenders.
Australia, opting to bat first after Steve Smith won the toss, posted a competitive 264 all out in 49.5 overs. Smith led with a composed 68, supported by Travis Head (42) and Marnus Labuschagne (47). However, India’s bowlers mounted a spirited comeback. Mohammed Shami (3/48) struck crucial blows, while Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/49) stifled the middle order. A late collapse, triggered by Hardik Pandya’s dismissal of Glenn Maxwell (33), kept Australia from crossing 270.
India’s chase began brightly with Rohit Sharma (34) attacking early, but his exit at 102/3 shifted the pressure onto Virat Kohli. Kohli’s 84 off 98 balls, including a record-breaking 161st ODI catch overtaking Ricky Ponting, anchored the innings. Despite losing Axar Patel (27) and Kohli with 40 runs still needed, India stayed in the fight. Hardik Pandya’s explosive 28 off 24 balls, featuring two towering sixes off Adam Zampa, swung the momentum decisively. KL Rahul (36 not out) sealed the victory with a boundary in the 49.3rd over, finishing at 265/6.
Australia’s bowlers, led by Nathan Ellis (2/47) and Zampa (2/58), were valiant but undone by fielding lapses, including dropped catches of Sharma and Kohli. The loss ends their campaign, while India marches to the final on March 9, awaiting the New Zealand-South Africa winner.
This victory, blending experience with clutch finishing, signals India’s intent to reclaim the Champions Trophy, last won in 2013. Fans erupted in celebration as Rohit Sharma’s men etched another memorable triumph.
