India defeat Australia to Secure Champions Trophy Final Spot

India defeated Australia by four wickets in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday thanks to a joint bowling performance and Virat Kohli’s half-century. India will face South Africa or New Zealand in the second Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday after their third straight win.

India’s pursuit began poorly when Ben Dwarshuis dismissed top-ranked ODI batsman Shubman Gill (eight) in the fifth over with 30 runs on the board. Rohit Sharma, the opener’s main aggressor, was trapped lbw by teenager Cooper Connolly 16 balls later after being dropped in the second over.

After the two strikes, seasoned Kohli and Iyer put up a crucial third-wicket partnership, scoring 91 runs until Adam Zampa dismissed Iyer.  Kohli then formed key partnerships with Axar Patel (27) and KL Rahul before dying in the 43rd over. With 84 off 98 deliveries and five boundaries, he led India’s scoring. Hardik Pandya and Rahul’s 34-run stand after his exit pulled India within touching distance.

Pandya hit 28 off 24 balls, while Rahul scored an undefeated 42 off 34 balls with two fours and sixes. Nathan Ellis and Zampa took two wickets each for Australia, while Dwarshuis and Connolly took one. Australia scored 264 runs in 49.3 overs after batting first, with Smith and Carey anchoring. The two-time champions started poorly as Cooper Connolly was bowled by Mohammed Shami in the third over with four runs.

After the early hiccup, skipper Smith joined Head in the middle and they scored 50 runs for the second wicket till the opener died in the ninth over. Five fours and two sixes helped Head score 33 off 39 balls. Smith then led Australia’s batting expedition till the 37th over with vital partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne (29) and Josh Inglis (11). He scored 73 off 96 deliveries with four fours and a six to lead Australia.

After his removal, Australia lost wickets regularly, but Carey batted bravely and added important runs with a half-century. Lefty hitter hit eight fours and a six for a 57-ball 61. Shami took three wickets, Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja two, and Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel one.

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