Delhi – India secured a thrilling victory over Australia to book their place in the finals of Champions Trophy 2025 final, by successfully chasing down a competitive target of 265 runs with 11 balls to spare at the Dubai International Stadium. This is India’s first ICC knockout win against Australia in the last 14 years. The last time India defeated Australia in the knockout match was back in the 2011 World Cup quarter-final under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, where India had lifted the ODI World Cup by defeating Sri Lanka in the finals of the World Cup in 2011.
Australia’s Innings: Smith and Carey Looked Impressive
Rohit Sharma had lost another toss again In this match and 4th consecutive in this Champions Trophy. After winning the toss, Australia opted to bat first, but their start was far from ideal in front of India’s bowling line-up. Opener Cooper Connolly fell for a nine-ball duck who was dismissed by Mohammed Shami at the initial stage of the match, the first dismissal had started putting early pressure on the Australian side. However, Travis Head counterattacked, smashing 39 off 33 balls before Varun Chakravarthy sent him back to the pavilion, Head was the biggest threat for India as per his past records against India in knockout matches.
Steve Smith steadied the innings with a crucial 73-run knock, forming an important 56-run partnership with Marnus Labuschagne (29). However, Labuschagne was trapped in front by Ravindra Jadeja in the 23rd over, followed by Josh Inglis (11) falling shortly after. Glenn Maxwell, a potential game-changer, was dismissed for just seven by Axar Patel, shifting the momentum in India’s favour.
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey provided much-needed resistance, crafting a well-fought 61 before being run out by a stunning direct hit from Shreyas Iyer in the 48th over. The Australian lower order struggled to add significant runs as Mohammed Shami, who finished with impressive figures of 3/42, and Hardik Pandya wrapped up the innings at 264 in 49.3 overs.
India’s Chase: Kohli Stayed Steady and Rahul Seals the Win with a Six
Chasing 265, India faced early setbacks, losing both openers within the first eight overs. Shubman Gill was bowled by Ben Dwarhuis showing his lack of maturity to score runs on big stages, while Rohit Sharma had got multiple lifelines in the form of drop catches by Australian fielders, was eventually trapped lbw by Cooper Connolly, leaving India at 43/2.
Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer the two experienced batters of Indian batting line-up then took the charge, stitching together a crucial 91-run partnership that turned the tide. Iyer contributed 45 runs before Adam Zampa broke the stand on the spinning track. Kohli had played a magnificent 84-run knock off 98 deliveries, , showcasing his class under pressure and guiding India closer to victory before Zampa struck again to dismiss Kohli.
With the match hanging in the balance, KL Rahul (42* off 34) and Hardik Pandya (28 off 24) displayed remarkable composure, accelerating the scoring rate in the final overs. Axar Patel’s valuable 27-run contribution further eased India’s nerves. Ultimately, Rahul finished the game in style with a six, sealing India’s place in the Champions Trophy final for the third consecutive time.
India in The Finals of Champions Trophy 2025
India’s journey to the final has been dominant, finishing atop Group A with wins over Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. India’s semifinal victory over Australia has been like revenge for the ICC knockout defeat India had faced in the finals of the last ODI World Cup, where Travis Head played the match-winning inning against India.
In the finals of the last ICC Champions Trophy, India was defeated by Pakistan, with India’s all-round performance by batter bowlers and fielders, India now stands just one step away from lifting the prestigious Champions Trophy once again. As the final showdown approaches, the Men in Blue will look to maintain their winning momentum and script another historic moment in cricket history hopefully by winning this title once again.
Article By (Md Imran) Cricket Zon
