In a high-stakes Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai, India secured a commanding four-wicket victory over Australia, chasing down 265 with 11 balls to spare. A masterful knock of 84 from Virat Kohli anchored the chase, ensuring India’s place in the final and bringing a sense of redemption after the disappointment of the 2023 World Cup final.
With Steve Smith captaining Australia in Pat Cummins’ absence, the decision to bat first backfired. The pitch had been tricky for scoring throughout the tournament, and despite promising starts, Australia’s batters failed to convert them into a dominant total.
India’s pursuit began with an aggressive approach, as openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill targeted Australia’s pace attack. Ben Dwarshuis and Nathan Ellis faced early punishment, but Australia soon found an opening when Gill inside-edged Dwarshuis onto his stumps. Rohit, though dropped twice, couldn’t capitalize and fell for 28, trapped lbw while attempting a sweep against left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly.
From a slightly uneasy 43 for two, Kohli and Shreyas Iyer settled things with a composed 91-run partnership. The chase was controlled, with Kohli accumulating smartly and Iyer finding occasional boundaries. Kohli had a lucky escape when Glenn Maxwell missed a tough chance, but Iyer soon perished to Adam Zampa after reaching 37. Axar Patel followed with a quick 24 before being bowled by Ellis, leaving India at 178 for four.
KL Rahul then took charge, accelerating the scoring and easing any lingering pressure. With Kohli at the other end, India always looked in control. The former captain seemed poised for another century but fell for 84 while attempting an uncharacteristic slog-sweep off Zampa. Though his dismissal left India 40 runs short, the result was never in doubt. Hardik Pandya, struggling with an injury, had a few miscued swings but connected cleanly with two crucial blows, nearly sealing the game. He fell in the final stretch, but Rahul finished in style with a six to wrap up the chase.
Earlier, Australia had shown glimpses of promise but were undone by their inability to consolidate key moments. The innings had a solid foundation at 54 for one and later 110 for two, but wickets at crucial junctures halted any major acceleration.
Varun Chakravarthy, recently introduced into India’s ODI setup, struck with his very first ball, dismissing Travis Head for 39. Marnus Labuschagne and Smith attempted to rebuild, but Labuschagne fell lbw to Ravindra Jadeja for 29. Smith, Australia’s standout performer, crafted an impressive 73, balancing caution with well-timed aggression. However, just as a century looked within reach, he misjudged a full toss from Mohammed Shami and was bowled. Maxwell soon followed, falling to Patel in a near-identical manner.
With the lower order looking fragile, Alex Carey played a fighting knock of 61, but he was run out towards the end by a direct hit from Iyer. Australia were bowled out for 264 with three balls left, a total that seemed below par given the strong starts they had built.
While Kohli’s innings lacked the final flourish of a century, his efforts ensured India was always in control. His departure did little to alter the outcome, as Rahul and Pandya finished the job comfortably.
With this win, India advances to their first major 50-over final since the 2013 Champions Trophy. The final will be held in Dubai rather than Pakistan due to political constraints, and India will face either New Zealand or South Africa. Australia, meanwhile, will head home, left to ponder their missed opportunities.
