Indian cricket fans had a night to remember in Dubai as Team India stormed into the Champions Trophy 2025 final with a thrilling win over Australia. With a composed knock of 84 runs from Virat Kohli and a stellar bowling performance by Mohammed Shami (3/48), India successfully chased down Australia's total of 264, winning the semi-final by 5 wickets.
It was a classic India vs. Australia knockout clash—full of tension, comebacks, and moments of brilliance. Australia looked set for a bigger total, but Shami’s experience helped India fight back. Then, Kohli anchored the chase before KL Rahul (42*) and Hardik Pandya (28) finished things off in style. Now, India awaits the winner of the second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa, with the final set to take place in Dubai on Sunday.
Australia’s Innings – A Strong Start But A Shami Masterclass
Australia, opting to bat first, got off to a solid start but faced hurdles along the way:
- Steve Smith (73 off 96) held the innings together, playing a crucial role.
- Travis Head (39) started aggressively but was dismissed by Varun Chakravarthy.
- Alex Carey (61 off 55) provided late acceleration.
At one point, Australia looked set to post a score above 300, but Shami had other ideas.
- He dismissed Smith with a perfect yorker, shifting the momentum.
- Soon after, Axar Patel bowled Glenn Maxwell (7), putting India back in control.
- Shreyas Iyer’s brilliant run-out of Carey ensured Australia couldn't finish strong, and they were bowled out for 264 in 49.2 overs.
India’s Chase – A Kohli Special, But Rahul Seals the Deal
Chasing 265 on a slow pitch was never going to be easy. The early setbacks made things tense:
- Shubman Gill (12) was dismissed early, and soon after, Rohit Sharma (28) fell, putting India under pressure.
- Then came Virat Kohli, the chase master, alongside Shreyas Iyer (45), and they built a crucial 91-run partnership.
Kohli’s ability to read the game was on full display. He rotated the strike well, tackled Adam Zampa's threat smartly, and brought up his 73rd ODI half-century.
- After Iyer fell to Zampa, Axar Patel (27) kept the scoreboard ticking but got out to Nathan Ellis.
- Kohli, just 16 runs away from a century, got out on 84, giving Australia a chance to make a comeback.
With India needing 47 runs, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya stepped up:
- Rahul (42 off 34)* played a calm, calculated knock.
- Pandya (28 off 18) hit some big shots to ease the pressure.
- In the 48th over, Rahul finished the game in style with a six off Glenn Maxwell, sending the Indian dugout into celebration!
What’s Next? Can India Lift the Trophy?
With this win, India has reached its third consecutive Champions Trophy final (2013, 2017, 2025). The team is just one step away from glory, but will they handle the pressure and lift the trophy?
The final showdown is set for Sunday, and Indian fans can’t wait!