Dubai: Virat Kohli played a masterful knock of 84 runs as India defeated Australia by four wickets to secure a place in the Champions Trophy final. India chased down a target of 265, winning with 11 balls to spare at the Dubai International Stadium.
Strong Start for Australia
Australia won the toss and chose to bat, posting 264 runs before being bowled out in 49.3 overs. Steve Smith led from the front with 73, while Alex Carey contributed 61. Travis Head provided a quick start with 39 runs.
Mohammed Shami was India’s standout bowler, taking 3 for 48. Spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with two wickets each.
Kohli’s Classy Knock Sets Up the Chase
India faced early setbacks, losing two quick wickets. However, Kohli and Shreyas Iyer (45) steadied the innings with a crucial 91-run partnership. Rohit Sharma had earlier scored 28 before being trapped LBW by Cooper Connolly, who replaced the injured Matthew Short.
Australia’s attack lacked experience as key pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were out injured. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa dismissed Iyer, while Nathan Ellis bowled Axar Patel for 27.
Nervous Finish but Rahul Seals the Win
Kohli, who was dropped by Glenn Maxwell on 51, was finally dismissed for 84, caught at long-on off Zampa. With India still needing 40 runs, KL Rahul (42*) and Hardik Pandya (28) guided the team home. Pandya hit three sixes before getting out, but Rahul sealed the victory with a six, sending the Indian crowd into celebration.
India Eyes the Trophy
With this win, India advances to the final in Dubai, where they will face either South Africa or New Zealand. The final is set for Sunday. India has played all its matches in Dubai, as the team refused to travel to host nation Pakistan.
The second semi-final takes place in Lahore on Wednesday.
Teams
Australia: Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Steven Smith (capt), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha.
India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy.
India’s victory marks redemption after their loss to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. They now look to clinch the Champions Trophy title.
