Monitoring Desk
Virat Kohli rolled back the years with a composed 84 as India defeated Australia by four wickets to secure a spot in the Champions Trophy final. The thrilling semi-final, held at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday, saw India successfully chase down a 265-run target with 11 balls to spare.
Despite losing Kohli in the closing stages, KL Rahul’s unbeaten 42 guided India to victory. They now await the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand, set to be played in Lahore on Wednesday. The final will take place in Dubai on Sunday, following India’s decision to play all their matches at the venue instead of traveling to host nation Pakistan.
Australia’s Competitive Total
Opting to bat first, Australia posted 264 runs before being bowled out in 49.3 overs. Captain Steve Smith top-scored with 73, while wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey contributed a vital 61. The innings featured key partnerships, including a 50-run stand between Smith and Marnus Labuschagne (29), as well as another between Smith and Carey.
India’s bowling attack was led by pace spearhead Mohammed Shami, who claimed 3-48, while spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets each. Travis Head provided Australia with a quick start, scoring 39 runs, but wickets fell at regular intervals.
India’s Response: Kohli Anchors the Chase
India’s run chase got off to a shaky start, losing two early wickets. However, Kohli and Shreyas Iyer (45) steadied the innings with a crucial 91-run partnership. Australia’s inexperienced bowling attack, missing key pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood due to injuries, put up a fight. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa dismissed Iyer, while pacer Nathan Ellis bowled Axar Patel (27).
Kohli, a master of chases, built another solid stand with KL Rahul. He survived a dropped catch by Glenn Maxwell on 51 but fell to Zampa at long-on for 84, leaving India at 225-5. Australia still harbored hopes of a comeback, but Rahul and Hardik Pandya (28) absorbed the pressure, adding 34 off 31 balls.
Ellis dismissed Pandya, but Rahul sealed the win with a six, sending the largely Indian crowd into celebration.
India’s victory serves as a redemption for their 2023 ODI World Cup final loss to Australia in Ahmedabad. They now stand one step away from lifting the Champions Trophy.
