IND vs AUS Highlights | ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Virat Kohli Leads India to Thrilling Semi-Final Victory Over Australia

India defeated Australia by four wickets in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final, successfully chasing 265 in 48.1 overs. Virat Kohli's 84 off 98 was the defining innings, while KL Rahul's unbeaten 42 ensured a composed finish. Earlier, Steven Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61) helped Australia post 264 before India's bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami (3/48), restricted them effectively. With this win, India marches into the final, awaiting their opponent.

Scorecard

Australia: 264 all out (49.3 overs)

• Steven Smith 73 (96), Alex Carey 61 (57), Travis Head 39 (33)
• Mohammed Shami 3/48, Varun Chakravarthy 2/49, Ravindra Jadeja 2/40

India: 267/6 (48.1 overs)

• Virat Kohli 84 (98), Shreyas Iyer 45 (62), KL Rahul 42* (34)
• Nathan Ellis 2/49, Adam Zampa 2/60

Virat Kohli steadied the India chase in a crucial stand with Shreyas Iyer ????

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India Defeat Australia by Four Wickets to Enter ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final

A classic India-Australia knockout clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 ended with India emerging victorious by four wickets, successfully chasing down Australia’s total of 264 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The chase was led by Virat Kohli, whose composed 84 off 98 balls earned him the Player of the Match award, guiding India into yet another ICC final.

Australia Post 264 After Smith and Carey Shine

Winning the toss, Australia opted to bat first but faced an early setback as Mohammed Shami dismissed Cooper Connolly for a duck in the third over. However, Travis Head counterattacked with a quick 39 before Varun Chakravarthy removed him, bringing Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne together at the crease.

Smith played a typical anchor role, scoring 73 off 96 balls with six boundaries, ensuring Australia kept a steady tempo despite wickets falling at the other end. Labuschagne (29) and Josh Inglis (11) fell in quick succession to India’s spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.

Alex Carey played a crucial late-order knock of 61 off 57 balls, stabilizing Australia’s innings after Smith’s departure. Ben Dwarshuis (19) and Nathan Ellis (10) contributed some valuable runs at the death before Australia was bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs.

Shami (3/48) was India’s most effective pacer, while Chakravarthy (2/49) and Jadeja (2/40) played vital roles in restricting Australia’s scoring.

Virat Kohli’s 84 Steers India to Victory

India’s chase got off to a rocky start as Shubman Gill (8) and Rohit Sharma (28) departed inside eight overs, reducing India to 43/2. However, the experienced duo of Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer rebuilt the innings with a crucial 91-run partnership.

Iyer, playing with intent, scored 45 off 62 before falling to Adam Zampa. Kohli, on the other hand, remained unflustered, absorbing pressure and anchoring the innings expertly.

Axar Patel (27 off 30) provided a valuable contribution before being dismissed by Nathan Ellis, while KL Rahul (42) and Hardik Pandya (28)* ensured that India remained in control during the tense final overs.

With 40 needed off the last eight overs, Hardik played a brisk knock before falling to Maxwell, leaving India at 259/6. However, KL Rahul’s calm approach and Jadeja’s finishing touch took India across the finish line in 48.1 overs.

Key Moments That Defined the Semi-Final

• Shami’s early breakthrough: Dismissing Cooper Connolly for a duck set the tone for India’s disciplined bowling effort.

• Steven Smith’s anchor role: His 73 provided stability but lacked acceleration towards the end.

• Kohli-Iyer partnership: Their 91-run stand absorbed pressure and positioned India well for the chase.

• Carey’s late flourish: His 61 ensured Australia crossed the 260-run mark.

• Hardik’s cameo: His 28 off 24 helped India maintain momentum in the final stretch.

• KL Rahul’s composed finish: His unbeaten 42 ensured India avoided last-minute drama.

India March into the Final: What’s Next

With this win, India advances to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final. The Men in Blue will be eager to break their ICC title drought and claim another major trophy under Rohit Sharma’s leadership.