Virat Kohli scored a brilliant 84 runs, leading India to a four-wicket victory against Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal in Dubai. Chasing 265, Kohli’s performance was complemented by Hardik Pandya, who contributed a quick 28 runs off 24 balls, including two pivotal sixes that helped seal the match. India successfully chased down the target with 11 balls remaining, following solid contributions from Shreyas Iyer (45) and KL Rahul (42). Australia had earlier posted 264, with Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61) top-scoring. Mohammed Shami excelled with the ball, claiming three wickets.
Virat Kohli responds to Hardik Pandya’s impressive performance against Australia© X (Twitter)
Virat Kohli delivered a stunning half-century while Hardik Pandya added explosive runs at the end, leading India to a four-wicket victory over Australia and securing a spot in the Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 265, Kohli once again stood out with 84 runs, but it was Hardik’s late contribution that sealed the deal for India. He scored 28 runs off 24 balls, including one four and three towering sixes. The match was tense, with India needing 27 runs off 24 balls, but Hardik’s two sixes off Adam Zampa significantly boosted the chase. The crowd erupted in excitement, and Virat’s reaction in the Indian dressing room went viral on social media.
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir’s reactions to Hardik Pandya’s incredible sixes pic.twitter.com/7x5d1dOOPk
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Australia batted first, posting a total of 264 all out in 49.3 overs, which India chased down with 11 balls to spare. Alongside Kohli’s 98-ball innings, Shreyas Iyer contributed 45 runs while KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya added 42 and 28 runs respectively in the first semifinal.
Earlier in the match, captain Steve Smith and Alex Carey both scored half-centuries, helping Australia surpass the 260 mark.
Smith was the standout performer with 73 runs off 96 balls, forming crucial partnerships first with Travis Head (39) for a 50-run second wicket stand, and later with Marnus Labuschagne (29) for another 56 runs third-wicket partnership.
Carey also contributed with a score of 61.
For India, Mohammed Shami took three wickets for 38 runs, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja each claimed two wickets.
(With PTI inputs)
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