IND vs AUS: India Storms Into ICC Champions Trophy Final with a Thrilling Win Over Australia
IND vs AUS ICC Champions Trophy Semi Final:
Dubai, March 4, 2025: After an exciting victory over Australia in the first semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Team India has guaranteed their spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final. India won by four wickets after chasing down Australia’s target of 265 runs with 11 balls remaining, led by an incredible performance by Virat Kohli.
Match Summary: India vs Australia, 1st Semi-Final
- Australia: 264 all out (Smith 73, Carey 61, Shami 3-48, Jadeja 2-40)
- India: 267/6 in 48.1 overs (Kohli 84, Iyer 45, Rahul 42*, Ellis 2-49)
- Result: India won by 4 wickets
- Player of the Match: Virat Kohli (84 off 98 balls, 2 catches)
India’s Triumph is Guided by another King Kohli Special
Once more, Virat Kohli demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the best chasers in ODI history. Arriving at a pivotal moment, Kohli led India’s chase with elegance and precision with a brilliant 84-run performance. Throughout the chase, India remained in a great position because to his ability to manage the innings, rotate the strike, and find boundaries when needed.
During the game, Kohli also accomplished a noteworthy milestone: he became the first hitter to reach 8,000 runs in successful ODI chases. Even though he didn’t reach a century, his knock put India in a strong position to complete the chase.
Australia Put Up a Strong Fight but Lost
Even though they were without some important players, Australia fought hard. Australia scored a respectable 264 runs with Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61) batting first. To prevent Australia from hitting a higher total, though, Mohammed Shami (3/48) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) produced significant breakthroughs.
The Australian bowlers got off to a strong start by getting rid of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill early on while defending 265 runs. But Nathan Ellis (2/49) and Adam Zampa (2/60) were unable to prevent India’s middle order from seizing the initiative.
KL Rahul & Hardik Pandya Finish in Style
After Kohli’s departure, KL Rahul (42) and Hardik Pandya (26)* guided India home. Rahul, known for his calm finishing abilities, sealed the victory in style with a massive six over long-on off Glenn Maxwell.
What’s Next?
With this victory, India books a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final, set to be played in Dubai. They will now wait to see who they will face in the title clash.
Kohli on Chase Strategy: “Opposition Can Only Come Into the Game with Wickets”
Virat Kohli led India to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final with a game-winning knock of 84 off 98 balls, demonstrating once again his extraordinary ability to lead a chase. His solid performance helped India defeat defending ODI World Cup champions Australia in the semi-final by ensuring that they successfully chased down 265 on a difficult Dubai wicket.
Kohli’s Composed Approach in a High-Pressure Chase
Speaking after receiving the Player of the Match award, Kohli emphasized the importance of handling pressure in knockout games.
- “This game is all about pressure, especially in big matches like semi-finals and finals. If you stay at the crease and have enough wickets in hand, the opposition usually gives in, making the game easier,” Kohli stated.
The seasoned batsman highlighted the importance of staying aware of overs left and required runs rather than panicking under pressure.
- “Even if the gap is 25-30 runs and we need six an over, I’m not bothered if we have six or seven wickets in hand. Two set batters can turn the game around, and the opposition can only come back by taking wickets. That was our plan.”
Key Partnerships that Built India’s Victory
Coming in to bat early in the fifth over with India at 30 for 1, Kohli anchored the innings with crucial partnerships:
- 91-run stand with Shreyas Iyer
- 44-run partnership with Axar Patel
- 47-run stand with KL Rahul
These partnerships laid the foundation for India’s successful chase before KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya finished the game in style.
Singles Over Boundaries: Kohli’s Adaptability on a Tough Pitch
Kohli’s innings was a masterclass in patience and strategy. He scored 56 out of his 84 runs in singles, hitting only five fours and no sixes. Given the tricky nature of the Dubai pitch, Kohli adapted his approach, much like he did against Pakistan earlier in the tournament.
- “It was pretty similar to the game against Pakistan. I hit about seven fours when I got to a hundred in that match. It’s about understanding the conditions and preparing my game accordingly. Rotating strike and building partnerships were key on this pitch.”
Despite his controlled approach, Kohli attempted to accelerate in the 43rd over, targeting Adam Zampa’s wrong ‘un, but was caught at long-on. However, by then, he had already laid the platform for India’s victory.
“Taking Pride in Singles is When You Know You’re Playing Good Cricket”
Kohli also reflected on his mental composure during the chase, stating:
- “My timing, my composure at the crease—I wasn’t feeling desperate. I was happy knocking ones around. When a batsman takes pride in hitting singles into the gaps, that’s when you know you’re playing good cricket. It helps settle nerves, build partnerships, and chase targets efficiently.”
India Awaits Their Final Opponent
With this win, India has secured a spot in the Champions Trophy final. Their opponent will be determined in the second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday. The grand final will take place on Sunday in Dubai, where India will aim to lift another ICC trophy.
