Kohli’s Heroics Fire India Into Champions Trophy Final

Dubai, UAE – Virat Kohli’s commanding 84-run knock steered India to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, setting up a showdown in the final as they chase a historic third title. Chasing 265, India crossed the line with 11 balls to spare, propelled by Kohli’s resilience and a fiery finish from KL Rahul (42*) and Hardik Pandya (28), overcoming a spirited Australian bowling effort in Dubai.

Australia Stumble Despite Smith-Carey Resistance
Opting to bat, Australia struggled to build momentum as Mohammed Shami (3/48) struck early, dismissing Cooper Connolly for a duck. Captain Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61) anchored the innings with gritty half-centuries, but India’s bowlers struck at regular intervals. Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) stifled the middle order, while a sensational direct hit by Shreyas Iyer ran out Carey, limiting Australia to 264 in 49.3 overs.

Kohli-Iyer Partnership Steadies Chase
India’s chase began shakily as Ben Dwarshuis (1/34) removed Shubman Gill (8), and part-time spinner Connolly trapped Rohit Sharma (28) lbw. Kohli then anchored the innings, forging a 91-run stand with Shreyas Iyer (45) to stabilize the chase. Despite surviving a dropped chance by Glenn Maxwell on 51, Kohli’s 84 off 98 balls—punctuated by eight boundaries and a six—kept India on course.

Pandya, Rahul Seal Nerve-Wracking Finish
With 87 needed off 78 balls, Nathan Ellis (2/49) dismissed Axar Patel (27), but Kohli and Rahul inched closer. Kohli’s dismissal in the 43rd over, caught at long-on off Adam Zampa, set up a tense finale. Pandya’s explosive 24-ball 28, featuring three sixes, and Rahul’s composed finish—sealing victory with a six—clinched India’s place in the final.

Australia Rue Missed Chances
Australia’s fielding lapses proved costly, dropping Kohli and Rohit early. Smith’s side fought valiantly, with Zampa (2/58) and Ellis claiming key scalps, but lacked the firepower to defend their total.

Scores in Brief
Australia: 264 all out in 49.3 overs (Smith 73, Carey 61; Shami 3/48)
India: 267/6 in 48.1 overs (Kohli 84, Rahul 42*; Ellis 2/49)

Result: India won by four wickets.

India, champions in 2002 and 2013, now await the winner of the second semi-final between Pakistan and South Africa, eyeing an unprecedented third Champions Trophy crown. The final will be held in Dubai on November 19.