Australia’s hopes of securing a third Champions Trophy title were dashed as Virat Kohli steered India to a thrilling four-wicket victory in their blockbuster semifinal clash in Dubai.
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 4, 2025
Snapshots after a phenomenal win
#TeamIndia | #INDvAUS | #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/e8SLCT4Ob5
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia posted a competitive 264 in 49.3 overs, thanks to crucial half-centuries from Steve Smith (73 off 96) and Alex Carey (61 off 57). However, the total proved insufficient as Kohli anchored India’s chase with a composed 84 off 98 balls, guiding his team home with 11 deliveries to spare.
At 4-198 in the 37th over, Australia looked set for a total well beyond 300, but the dismissals of Smith and Glenn Maxwell (7) in quick succession triggered a collapse, with the Aussies losing 6-66 in a disappointing finish.
Kohli, who became a highly divisive figure among Australian fans this summer after his heated moment with rising star Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test, struggled for runs in that series but has rediscovered his form in the Champions Trophy. After an unbeaten century against Pakistan in the group stage, the Indian maestro once again proved to be Australia’s nemesis.
Although Kohli only managed five boundaries in his innings, his ability to rotate the strike and absorb pressure ensured Australia’s depleted bowling attack never gained control. He was given a reprieve on 51 when Maxwell put down a tough one-handed diving catch, but it proved to be Australia’s last real chance to derail India’s chase.
One Step Closer to
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 4, 2025
Clinical #TeamIndia overcome Australia by 4 wickets and book their spot in the final
Scorecardhttps://t.co/HYAJl7biEo#INDvAUS | #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/rFYYEd70VC
Australia were also guilty of lapses in the field, dropping Indian skipper Rohit Sharma twice early in his innings. Cooper Connolly, who had earlier dropped Sharma on 13, redeemed himself by trapping him LBW for 28, offering Australia a glimmer of hope when India were reduced to 4-178. However, Kohli, alongside KL Rahul (42* off 34) and Hardik Pandya (28 off 24), shut the door on any Australian comeback.
Earlier, Australia’s bold decision to replace injured opener Matt Short with Connolly backfired, as the 21-year-old struggled and departed for a nine-ball duck. Smith enjoyed some luck in his innings, surviving when an inside edge rolled onto his stumps but failed to dislodge the bails. He capitalised on the let-off, adding crucial runs before his dismissal in the 37th over sparked Australia’s collapse.
Paceman Mohammed Shami led India’s bowling effort with 3-48, while spinners Varun Chakaravarthy (2-49) and Ravindra Jadeja (2-40) provided valuable support.
Despite missing key players such as Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Mitch Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis, Australia’s journey to the semifinals was commendable. However, their title hopes ended in Dubai, as India booked their place in the final against the winner of South Africa and New Zealand.
With Kohli back in imperious form, India will head into Sunday’s final full of confidence, while Australia will be left to ponder what could have been.
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