Kara Riggs By Kara Riggs
Sports and Athletics Correspondent, New Zealand Bharat News (NZB News)
Published: 05 March 2025, 05:30 AM NZDT
DUBAI – In a nail-biting finish at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India secured their place in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final with a four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final on Tuesday, March 4. Chasing a target of 265, India’s seasoned campaigners Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya held their nerve to overcome a spirited Australian fightback, booking a spot in Sunday’s final showdown.
A Competitive Australian Total
Australia, batting first after captain Steve Smith won the toss, posted a respectable 264 all out in 49.3 overs. Half-centuries from Smith (73 off 96 balls) and Alex Carey (61 off 62 balls) provided the backbone of the innings, but India’s disciplined bowling attack ensured the total remained within reach. Mohammed Shami led the charge with figures of 3-48, dismissing opener Cooper Connolly for a duck and later castling Smith with a pinpoint yorker. Spinners Varun Chakravarthy (2-49) and Ravindra Jadeja (2-40) also played pivotal roles, with Chakravarthy removing the dangerous Travis Head (39 off 33) and Jadeja accounting for Glenn Maxwell (7), curbing Australia’s late surge.
The Australian innings had its moments of promise, particularly during a 50-run partnership between Smith and Carey. However, a collapse of 4 wickets for 29 runs in the final five overs—highlighted by Carey’s run-out via a direct hit from Shreyas Iyer—prevented them from breaching the 280-mark that Smith later admitted could have shifted the game’s complexion.
India’s Chase: Kohli’s Class and Rahul’s Finish
India’s reply began shakily, with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill falling early to leave the score at 34-2. Enter Virat Kohli, whose measured 84 off 96 balls anchored the innings with trademark composure. Partnering with Shreyas Iyer (45 off 56), Kohli stitched together a vital 91-run stand that wrested control back from Australia’s bowlers. Adam Zampa (2-60) and Nathan Ellis (2-49) struck to remove Iyer and Axar Patel (12), respectively, but Kohli’s presence kept India in the hunt.
With 40 runs needed off the last 44 balls, Hardik Pandya (28 off 24) injected momentum with aggressive strokeplay, though he fell to Ellis in the 49th over attempting a big shot. It was left to KL Rahul, unbeaten on 42 off 34 balls, to seal the deal. Facing Glenn Maxwell in the 49th over, Rahul smashed a towering six over long-on to finish the chase with 11 balls to spare, sparking jubilation in the Indian camp. Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with a cameo of 2 not out off 1 ball, ensuring no further hiccups.
Historical Context: A Rivalry Renewed
This semi-final marked the latest chapter in one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries. India and Australia have clashed 151 times in ODIs, with Australia holding an 84-57 edge, though 10 matches have ended without a result. In Champions Trophy history, India now lead 3-1 across four encounters, including knockout wins in 1998 and 2000 quarter-finals. Tuesday’s victory also served as sweet revenge for India, who were outclassed by Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad—a defeat that had lingered in the minds of Rohit Sharma’s men.
For New Zealand cricket fans, the match offered a glimpse of what might await in the second semi-final on March 5, where the Black Caps face South Africa in Lahore. Should New Zealand prevail, they’ll meet India in a repeat of their group-stage clash, which India won by 44 runs on March 2.
Key Moments and Post-Match Reflections
Kohli, named Player of the Match, reflected on his innings: “It was about understanding the conditions and rotating strike. Partnerships were key on this pitch. My timing and composure pleased me most—I wasn’t rushed.” Captain Rohit Sharma praised his team’s calmness, noting, “We were clinical with the bat. The big stand between Virat and Shreyas, followed by Hardik’s shots, made the difference.”
Smith, meanwhile, rued missed opportunities: “We probably could’ve got 280-plus. Losing wickets at crucial times hurt us. The bowling unit fought hard, but India’s experience shone through.”
What’s Next?
India now await the winner of the New Zealand-South Africa semi-final, with the final set for March 9 in Dubai. Australia, missing key pacers like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, will reflect on a campaign that showcased resilience despite an under-strength squad. For Kiwi fans tuning in from Auckland to Dunedin, the hope is that the Black Caps can emulate India’s composure under pressure and set up a tantalising trans-Tasman final.
Excerpt
“In a contest that ebbed and flowed, India’s blend of experience and flair proved too much for a gallant Australian side. As Kohli anchored and Rahul finished with a flourish, the Men in Blue marched into their fifth Champions Trophy final, leaving New Zealand and South Africa to battle for the right to challenge them.”
Kara Riggs is the Sports and Athletics Correspondent for NZB News, bringing her passion for all things sport to readers across New Zealand and beyond.
