Dubai, March 4, 2025 – In a thrilling semi-final clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India showcased their resilience and depth to defeat Australia by 4 wickets, booking their place in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The victory, sealed with 11 balls to spare, marked a significant moment for the Men in Blue, who overcame a spirited Australian side in a match that ebbed and flowed until the final over.
A Competitive Australian Total
Australia, opting to bat first after captain Steve Smith won the toss, posted a competitive 264 all out in 49.3 overs. The innings was anchored by Smith’s measured 73 off 96 balls and a fluent 61 from Alex Carey, who provided late impetus. However, India’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami (3/48), kept the Aussies in check on a sluggish Dubai pitch. Shami struck early, dismissing debutant Cooper Connolly for a duck, while spinners Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) applied the brakes in the middle overs. A late collapse, including Carey’s run-out and Adam Zampa’s dismissal by Hardik Pandya, ensured Australia fell short of a potentially match-winning total.
Smith later reflected, “We were probably 30 runs short. The pitch didn’t allow you to play freely, but we fought hard.” Despite missing key pacers like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s effort hinted at their trademark tenacity, though it wasn’t enough to unsettle India’s plans.
Kohli’s Masterclass Sets the Tone
Chasing 265, India faced early pressure as Ben Dwarshuis removed Shubman Gill (8) in the fifth over. Captain Rohit Sharma (22) survived two dropped chances but couldn’t capitalize, falling to Nathan Ellis. Enter Virat Kohli, who once again proved his mettle in high-stakes chases. Scoring 84 off 98 balls, Kohli anchored the innings with a blend of caution and aggression, forging a crucial 91-run stand with Shreyas Iyer (45). His knock included deft strike rotation and timely boundaries, keeping India ahead of the asking rate.
Kohli’s dismissal in the 43rd over, attempting a lofted shot off Zampa, threatened a twist. However, his contribution had already tilted the game in India’s favor. Post-match, Kohli shrugged off personal milestones, saying, “It’s about doing the job for the team. Nights like these, when you win, make it all worthwhile.”
Rahul and Pandya Seal the Deal
With 40 runs needed off the last 44 balls, KL Rahul (42* off 34) and Hardik Pandya (28 off 24) stepped up. Pandya’s aggressive intent shone through with three sixes, including a monstrous hit off Ellis, before he holed out to Glenn Maxwell in the 49th over. Rahul, unfazed, finished the chase in style, lofting Maxwell over long-on for a match-winning six with 11 balls remaining. Ravindra Jadeja’s cameo (2* off 1) capped a clinical effort.
Rahul’s composure under pressure drew praise, with fans on X hailing his “klassy” finish. One post read, “Salute to KL for showing experience is invaluable in tough games. Vande Mataram!”
A Team Effort and a Historic Milestone
India’s victory was a testament to their all-round strength. Shami’s early breakthroughs, the spinners’ control, and a batting line-up firing in unison showcased a side peaking at the right time. For Rohit Sharma, the win marked a historic milestone—he became the first captain to lead India to the finals of all ICC tournaments, adding to his 2023 World Test Championship and ODI World Cup final appearances, and the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.
The triumph also ended a 14-year drought against Australia in ICC knockout matches, India’s last such win coming in the 2011 ODI World Cup quarter-final. With a 3-0 record against Australia in Champions Trophy knockouts, India buried the ghosts of recent big-game losses, including the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
Looking Ahead
India now await the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand, set for March 5 in Lahore. The final, scheduled for March 9 in Dubai, promises another blockbuster as India chase their third Champions Trophy title, aiming to overtake Australia and become the tournament’s most successful team.
As celebrations erupted in the Indian camp, Rohit emphasized the collective effort: “We were calm and composed. It’s about playing good cricket, and we’ve got the experience to handle these situations.” For a cricket-crazy nation, this victory fuels hope of ending a decade-long ICC trophy drought. The stage is set—can India go all the way?
