India Triumphs Over Australia in Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final
Dubai, March 4, 2025: India secured a thrilling 4-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, booking their place in the final. Virat Kohli’s gritty 84 anchored India’s chase of 265, with vital contributions from Shreyas Iyer (45), KL Rahul (42*), and Hardik Pandya (28) sealing the win with 11 balls to spare.
Earlier, Australia, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted 264 all out in 49.3 overs. Steve Smith (61) and Travis Head (54) laid a solid foundation, but India’s bowlers fought back brilliantly. Mohammed Shami led the attack with 3/48, while spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with two wickets each to restrict the reigning ODI world champions.
Despite a shaky start at 43/2, India overcame dropped chances and a disciplined Australian bowling effort. Kohli’s masterclass, combined with Rahul’s composure and Pandya’s late flourish, buried the ghosts of past ICC knockout losses to Australia.
The Men in Blue now await the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand. Captain Rohit Sharma, who lost his 11th consecutive ODI toss, praised the team’s resilience: “We’ve played good cricket throughout, and today was about staying calm under pressure.” Australia’s stand-in skipper Steve Smith rued missed opportunities in the field, saying, “We had our chances, but India played the big moments better.”
The final is set for March 9, 2025, as India aims to reclaim the Champions Trophy title they last won in 2013.
