Champions Trophy 2024/25, AUS vs IND 1st Semi-Final Match Report, March 04, 2025

In the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy, India defeated Australia by five wickets, chasing down Australia’s total of 264 with a score of 267 for 6. Virat Kohli contributed significantly with 84 runs, supported by Iyer’s 45 and Rahul’s unbeaten 42. Australian players Smith and Carey scored 73 and 61, respectively. India’s bowlers, led by Shami with 3-48, and Jadeja with 2-40, played crucial roles in restricting Australia. The match showcased India’s experience, with Rahul sealing the victory by hitting a six, ensuring their place in the final to be held in Dubai.

India 267 for 6 (Kohli 84, Iyer 45, Rahul 42*, Ellis 2-49, Zampa 2-60) overcame Australia 264 (Smith 73, Carey 61, Shami 3-48, Jadeja 2-40, Varun 2-49) by five wickets

The Champions Trophy final will take place in Dubai, with India securing their spot after showcasing their superiority over a depleted Australian team in an exciting first semi-final. Their victory wasn’t without its challenges, as Australia might reflect on key moments that could have shifted the game in fascinating ways.

Ultimately, it was India’s talent and experience that proved decisive, particularly exemplified by a standout player. Virat Kohli, who had previously scored one of his signature chase-controlling centuries against Pakistan in the tournament, appeared poised for another until an atypical big-hitting attempt ended his innings at 84. Nevertheless, he had already surpassed 8000 runs in ODI chases, reducing the target to a manageable 40 off 44 balls.
They required just 33 of those balls, as KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya nearly clinched the win before Pandya was dismissed with India just a hit away. Mirroring a similar chase during the Chennai World Cup encounter between the two teams in 2023, it was Rahul who concluded the match, this time hitting a six over long-on off Glenn Maxwell.

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