Dubai: India exacted sweet revenge against Australia, clinching a thrilling four-wicket victory in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. This hard-fought triumph propelled India into the final, overcoming the reigning World Champions in a high-pressure encounter.
Chasing a target of 265, India reached 267/6 in 48.1 overs, with KL Rahul (42*) finishing the match in emphatic fashion by launching Glenn Maxwell over long-on for a six, sending Indian fans into a frenzy.
India’s chase encountered early jitters as Shubman Gill (8) edged one to the slips off Ben Dwarshuis in the fifth over. Skipper Rohit Sharma (28) was trapped LBW by Cooper Connolly, reducing India to 43/2 in the eighth over.
With the pressure mounting, Virat Kohli walked in and produced yet another masterclass in chasing. Displaying remarkable composure, Kohli absorbed the early pressure, settling into his innings with precise strokeplay and calculated risks. He found an able partner in Shreyas Iyer (45 off 62), and together they stitched a crucial 91-run stand that steadied the innings.
Kohli’s innings was a blend of caution and aggression, as he rotated the strike with ease and punished loose deliveries. His cover drives were executed with finesse, and his ability to manoeuvre the spinners in the middle overs kept the required run rate in check. As India approached the target, Kohli shifted gears, playing some exquisite shots, including a pulled six off Nathan Ellis that electrified the spectators.
Just when it seemed Kohli would guide India home, his attempt to accelerate further saw him mistime a lofted shot off Adam Zampa, finding Dwarshuis at long-on in the 43rd over. His departure at 225/5 gave Australia a glimmer of hope, but India remained in control.
Hardik Pandya (28 off 24) provided a much-needed boost with a fiery cameo, smashing three sixes and a four to tilt the match in India's favour. Although he fell in the penultimate over, KL Rahul ensured there were no final-over jitters as he finished the job with one over to spare.
Australia’s bowling attack was led by Nathan Ellis (2/49) and Adam Zampa (2/60), while Dwarshuis and Connolly chipped in with a wicket each.
Opting to bat first, Australia posted 264 before being bowled out in 49.3 overs. Steve Smith anchored the innings with a resilient 73 off 96 balls, stitching a crucial 56-run partnership with Marnus Labuschagne (29) after early setbacks.
Travis Head (39 off 33) gave Australia a brisk start before falling to Varun Chakravarthy. Alex Carey (61 off 57) offered late resistance, but regular wickets hindered Australia from crossing the 270-mark. Glenn Maxwell (7), Ben Dwarshuis (19), and Nathan Ellis (10) failed to provide substantial lower-order contributions.
Mohammed Shami was India’s standout bowler, claiming 3/48 in his 10 overs. Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) also played pivotal roles, while Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya picked up a wicket each.
With this victory, India have secured a spot in the ICC final, setting up a high-stakes clash against the winner of the second semifinal. Their commanding performance against Australia has reaffirmed their dominance in global tournaments, and they will now be eager to lift the coveted Champions Trophy.
India will now face the winner of the second semifinal between New Zealand and South Africa. With momentum on their side, the Men in Blue will look to add another ICC trophy to their illustrious cabinet.
Brief Scores:
Australia: 264 all out in 49.3 overs (Steve Smith 73, Alex Carey 61; Mohammed Shami 3/48, Ravindra Jadeja 2/40)
India: 267/6 in 48.1 overs (Virat Kohli 84, KL Rahul 42*; Nathan Ellis 2/49, Adam Zampa 2/60)
India won by 4 wickets.
