Dubai (Web Desk): India secured their place in the final of International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025 with a hard-fought four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
The chase of 265 looked dicey at times, but India managed to claw their way through, booking a spot in the final for the third consecutive edition of the tournament. They will now await the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand.
Australia, after winning the toss, decided to bat first and scored 264 runs before being bowled out in 49.3 overs.
Steven Smith was the anchor for the Australian innings, top-scoring with 73 runs off 96 balls, while Alex Carey chipped in with a gritty 61 runs off 57 deliveries.
Despite a solid start, with Smith and Travis Head (39 off 33 balls) providing a 50-run partnership, Australia was pegged back by tight bowling.
Mohammed Shami was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming three crucial wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with two wickets each. Australia’s innings faltered after Smith’s dismissal, and despite a late flurry from Carey, they were eventually all out.
In response, India’s chase began poorly, with early wickets falling to put pressure on the batting side.
Shubman Gill was dismissed cheaply, and Rohit Sharma followed soon after, leaving India on shaky ground at 30/2. But a steadying partnership between Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer turned the tide.
Kohli, in typical fashion, played an anchor role, compiling 84 runs off 98 balls, while Iyer contributed with 45 runs off 62 balls. Their 91-run stand put India back on track.
As the chase continued, partnerships between Kohli, Axar Patel, and KL Rahul guided India to within reach of the target. Hardik Pandya played a vital cameo, adding 28 runs, and Rahul finished unbeaten on 42, taking India across the line with four wickets remaining.
Australia’s bowlers, led by Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa, each claimed two wickets, but it wasn’t enough to halt India’s progress.
The victory ensured India’s place in the final, continuing their strong run in the tournament and setting up a potential showdown with either South Africa or New Zealand.
Teams
India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy
Australia: Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Steven Smith (capt), Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, Adam Zampa
