By Bootballer Desk • Cricket • Mar 05, 2025 00:25 AM • 222 views
Dubai, UAE – Team India has stormed into the ICC Champions Trophy final for the third consecutive time, securing a hard-fought four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
With this win, the 2013 champions inch closer to reclaiming the coveted title, having finished as runners-up in the 2017 edition after losing to Pakistan in the final.
Kohli Leads the Chase as India Clinch Thriller
Chasing a competitive 265-run target, India won 48.1 overs, losing six wickets. Virat Kohli led the charge with a composed 84 off 98 balls, lacing his knock with five fours, while Shreyas Iyer (45), KL Rahul (42), Hardik Pandya (28), and Rohit Sharma (28)* played crucial supporting roles.
A 91-run third-wicket stand between Kohli and Iyer steadied the chase after early breakthroughs. Despite some late pressure from the Australian bowlers, Rahul and Axar Patel (27) ensured India got over the line comfortably.
Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa picked up two wickets for Australia, while Benjamin James Dwarshuis and Cooper Connolly chipped in with one apiece.
Smith's Fighting Knock in Vain as India's Bowlers Deliver
Earlier, Australia posted 264 runs in 49.3 overs after opting to bat first. Steve Smith anchored the innings with a gritty 73 off 96 balls, supported by Alex Carey (61 off 57), Travis Head (39), and Marnus Labuschagne (29).
Smith was involved in three key partnerships:
🔹 50 runs for the second wicket with Head
🔹 56 runs for the third wicket with Labuschagne
🔹 54 runs for the fifth wicket with Carey
However, India's disciplined bowling attack kept Australia in check. Mohammed Shami led the charge with three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja grabbed two apiece. Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel also chipped in with a wicket each, restricting Australia from posting a bigger total.
Road to the Final
India will now face the winner of the second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa in the grand finale. With momentum and confidence, the Men in Blue will be eager to lift their third ICC Champions Trophy.
