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India Triumphs Over Australia in Thrilling Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinal Showdown

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Dubai, March 04, 2025 – In a pulsating encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India secured their place in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a gripping four-wicket victory over arch-rivals Australia in the first semifinal. The match, played under sunny skies and a vibrant atmosphere, showcased India’s resilience and composure as they chased down a challenging target of 265, finishing at 267/6 with 11 balls to spare. Virat Kohli’s masterful 84, supported by crucial contributions from Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya, ensured India’s progression to their fifth Champions Trophy final, avenging their loss to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

Australia Set a Competitive Total

The day began with Australian captain Steve Smith winning the toss and electing to bat first on a pitch known for its balance but tendency to slow down as the game progresses. Australia’s innings got off to a shaky start with opener Cooper Connolly, replacing the injured Matthew Short, falling for a duck in the third over, caught by KL Rahul off Mohammed Shami. However, Travis Head (39 off 33) and Smith (73 off 96) steadied the ship with a 52-run stand, displaying intent and control against India’s potent bowling attack.
 
Smith anchored the innings with a well-crafted half-century, stitching together further partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne (29) and Alex Carey, who top-scored with 61. Australia looked poised for a total beyond 280, but India’s bowlers struck back in the latter stages. Mohammed Shami dismissed Smith in the 38th over, and Axar Patel accounted for the dangerous Glenn Maxwell (7) shortly after. The late collapse saw Australia lose their last four wickets for just 29 runs, bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs. Shami (3 wickets) and Hardik Pandya (2 wickets) were pivotal, while Ravindra Jadeja’s tight spell and a crucial catch added to India’s dominance in the field.

India’s Chase: Early Wobbles and Kohli’s Class

Chasing 265, India’s innings began with aggression from captain Rohit Sharma, who survived two dropped chances early on. However, the openers couldn’t capitalize fully, with Shubman Gill (8) bowled by Ben Dwarshuis and Rohit (22) trapped lbw by Connolly, leaving India at 43/2 after eight overs. The stage was set for Virat Kohli, and the chase master did not disappoint.
 
Kohli, in his 301st ODI, combined elegance and grit, forging a 91-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer (45). His ability to rotate the strike on a sluggish Dubai pitch kept the scoreboard ticking, while Iyer’s fluency provided momentum. Australia’s spinners, Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell, struggled to contain the duo, with Kohli reaching his half-century and surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most ODI runs in chases (8000+). However, Zampa broke through, bowling Iyer in the 32nd over, and Nathan Ellis dismissed Axar Patel (caught for 17), shifting the pressure back onto India at 179/4.

Rahul and Pandya Seal the Deal

With 87 runs needed off 90 balls, KL Rahul (42* off 34) and Hardik Pandya (28 off 24) stepped up in a match-defining 40-run stand. Pandya’s aggressive intent shone through with three sixes, including a towering hit off Zampa, while Rahul anchored the chase with calm precision. Australia’s fielding lapses, including a dropped catch of Kohli, proved costly. Pandya fell in the 49th over, caught by Maxwell off Ellis, but Rahul sealed the victory in style, smashing a six over long-on off Maxwell to finish unbeaten and spark wild celebrations.

Key Moments and Standout Performances

  • Steve Smith’s 73: The Australian captain’s composed knock gave his team a fighting chance, but his dismissal triggered a collapse.
  • Virat Kohli’s 84: A chase-defining knock that underlined his reputation as one of the game’s greats, earning him the Player of the Match award.
  • India’s Spin and Pace Combo: Shami’s new-ball breakthroughs and Pandya’s death-over strikes restricted Australia effectively.
  • Rahul’s Finishing Touch: Emulating MS Dhoni’s flair, Rahul’s towering six capped a clinical chase.

Historical Context and Road Ahead

This victory marked India’s third win over Australia in Champions Trophy knockout matches, following triumphs in 1998 and 2000. It also made Rohit Sharma the first captain to lead India to the finals of all ICC tournaments – the World Test Championship (2023), ODI World Cup (2023), T20 World Cup (2024, won), and now the Champions Trophy (2025). India’s chase of 265 is the joint-highest successful pursuit in Champions Trophy knockout history, showcasing their batting depth.
 
Australia, despite the loss, fought valiantly but were hampered by the absence of key players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. Their campaign ends in the semifinals, while India now await the winner of the second semifinal between South Africa and New Zealand, scheduled for March 5 in Lahore. The final will take place on March 9 in Dubai, where India will aim to clinch their third standalone Champions Trophy title.
 
The India vs. Australia semifinal was a testament to the enduring rivalry between these cricketing giants. India’s ability to absorb pressure, capitalize on Australia’s errors, and deliver in crunch moments propelled them forward. As fans revel in this triumph, anticipation builds for what promises to be an electrifying final. For now, Team India stands one step closer to glory, with their eyes firmly set on the coveted trophy.
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