India Vs Australia Highlights: Champions Trophy 2025
KL Rahul applied the finishing touch to India’s chase, but it was Virat Kohli’s masterful innings that guided them to a four-wicket victory over Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal in Dubai. With this win, India has booked a place in the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 Final Match, where they will face either New Zealand or South Africa on Sunday.
Hardik Pandya’s Late Fireworks
Hardik Pandya, known for his clutch performances, played a crucial role, smashing key sixes before falling for 28 off 24 balls. India was in control when disaster struck—Kohli was dismissed unexpectedly, caught at long-on off Adam Zampa. A disappointed KL Rahul made his feelings clear to Kohli but then took charge, scoring at a brisk pace to keep India’s chase on track.
India’s Chase: Kohli and Rahul Lead The Way
After hitting a century in India Vs Pakistan match in the Champions Trophy, Virat Kohli built a vital partnership with Rahul, taking India past the 200-run mark with five wickets in hand. As the final 10 overs approached, the required run rate climbed to six—manageable considering India’s deep batting order. Earlier, Rahul had joined Kohli after Axar Patel was bowled attempting a pull shot, breaking a promising 44-run stand.
Shreyas Iyer, who had put on a solid 91-run partnership with Kohli, fell to a brilliant Adam Zampa delivery. Before that, Glenn Maxwell had dropped Kohli—a costly mistake as the Indian stalwart went on to score a crucial half-century.
Australia’s Batting Collapse: From 280+ to 264
Australia initially looked set for a big total but was bowled out for 264. At one stage, the defending champions seemed poised for at least 280, but India’s bowlers staged a strong comeback. Mohammed Shami led the attack with 3/48, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja provided excellent support to restrict the Aussies.
Key Moments In Australia’s Innings
- Early Blow: Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bat, but Shami struck early, dismissing Copper Connolly for a duck.
- Travis Head’s Cameo: Head, India’s nemesis in past encounters, started cautiously but soon accelerated, scoring 39 before falling to a Chakaravarthy wrong’un.
- Middle-Order Stumble: Smith and Marnus Labuschagne added a watchful 56-run stand before Jadeja trapped Labuschagne LBW. Josh Inglis followed soon after, gifting a simple catch to Kohli.
- Smith’s Resistance Ends: The Australian skipper fought hard for a half-century but fell for 73, bowled by Shami off a full toss.
- Maxwell’s Brief Fireworks: Glenn Maxwell smashed a six but was bowled the next ball by Axar Patel.
- Carey’s Fighting Fifty: Alex Carey kept Australia in the game with a well-made half-century but was run out by a brilliant direct hit from Shreyas Iyer.
India Sets Up a Clash In The Champions Trophy 2025 Final Match
With this emphatic win, India advances to the Champions Trophy 2025 Final Match, to be played at the Champions Trophy 2025 final venue on Sunday. The Men in Blue will now aim to lift the coveted trophy against either New Zealand or South Africa in what promises to be a blockbuster finale.
