A familiar script played out at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium as Virat Kohli, the undisputed chase master, delivered yet another defining knock to propel India into the Champions Trophy final. India clinched a four-wicket victory over Australia, successfully chasing down a 265-run target with 11 balls to spare.
Kohli’s composed 84 off 98 balls anchored India’s innings. This ensured a commanding win over the five-time world champions.
Australia’s Innings: A Strong Start, A Faltering Finish
Australian skipper Steve Smith won the toss and chose to bat on a dry surface, expected to assist spinners later in the game. Yet, the decision backfired almost immediately. Opener Cooper Connolly, given a surprise promotion, struggled to get going. But he was dismissed for a nine-ball duck by Mohammed Shami, leaving Australia at 4/1 in the third over.
Travis Head counterpunched with a quick-fire 39 off 32 balls, attacking Shami and Jasprit Bumrah with a flurry of boundaries. His innings injected momentum but was cut short by a mistimed lofted shot off Varun Chakravarthy, comfortably taken by Shubman Gill at long-on.
Playing a captain’s knock, Smith steadied the innings with a calculated 73 off 96 balls. His partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne (36) and Alex Carey (61 off 57 balls) kept Australia on course for a competitive total. Carey’s aggressive intent in the middle overs saw him take on Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya, finding regular boundaries.
However, when Australia seemed about to head for a strong finish, Shami returned to break their backbone. He removed Carey and Glenn Maxwell in quick succession, triggering a collapse. From 212/5 in the 40th over, Australia crumbled to 264 all out in 49.3 overs.
Shami finished with impressive figures of 3/48, while Chakravarthy and Jadeja took two wickets each.
India’s Chase: Kohli Stands Tall Amidst Early Jitters
Chasing 265 in a high-pressure semifinal, India faced immediate trouble as Ben Dwarshuis and Connolly struck early blows. Gill departed for eight, chopping a length delivery onto his stumps. Rohit Sharma (28) fell victim to Connolly, trapped lbw while attempting a sweep. At 43/2 in the eighth over, India needed stability.
Enter Virat Kohli.
The former captain absorbed the pressure with his trademark patience and precision. He built a 72-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer (45 off 52 balls), rotating the strike effortlessly. With the required run rate under control, Kohli guided India past the initial hiccups.
Australia found an opening when Adam Zampa dismissed Iyer. But Kohli, unfazed, continued his chase blueprint. Axar Patel chipped in with a useful 27, ensuring no collapse in the middle overs. Kohli reached his half-century off 68 balls, using clever placement rather than brute force.
But then the game saw a dramatic turn. Kohli, attempting to accelerate, misjudged a Zampa delivery and was caught by Dwarshuis in the 43rd over. India, at 225/5, still needed 40 runs, and Australia sniffed an opportunity.
Rahul and Pandya Seal the Deal
KL Rahul (42*) and Hardik Pandya (28 off 24 balls) held their nerves to take India closer. The duo rotated the strike smartly, avoiding unnecessary risks. Pandya’s dismissal in the 48th over with six runs needed caused a momentary pause, but Rahul finished in style, lofting Maxwell over long-on for a six to send India into the final.
Post-Match Reactions: Kohli’s Brilliance, Australia’s Regret
A disappointed Steve Smith acknowledged India’s dominance. “They played well, outplayed us, and deserve the victory. We lacked experience in our bowling attack, and that showed,” he said, referring to the absence of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
Kohli’s innings was widely praised, with cricket pundits hailing it as another “chase masterclass.” Former Australian great Ricky Ponting lauded Kohli’s ability to soak up pressure, saying, “This is why he is one of the best ever in run-chases. He knows exactly when to push and when to hold back.”
With this victory, India marches into the Champions Trophy final, setting up a showdown against the New Zealand vs. South Africa game winner. The win also avenges their heartbreaking loss to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
India clearly eyes another ICC trophy. So the spotlight will remain on Kohli, Rahul, and the bowling unit that once again proved its mettle in a high-pressure knockout game.
