India Defeats Australia by 4 Wickets in a thrilling semifinal clash, India emerged victorious against Australia by four wickets, securing their place in the final. The match, played at a packed stadium, saw an intense battle between bat and ball, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the last moment.
Match Overview
Australia won the toss and opted to bat first, posting a competitive total of 264 runs. Steve Smith played a crucial knock of 73, while Alex Carey added a valuable 60. India’s bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja, ensured Australia didn’t run away with a massive score.
In response, India had a shaky start but Virat Kohli’s brilliant 84 and crucial contributions from KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya guided them to victory in 48.5 overs India Defeats Australia.
Kohli Leads India to Third Consecutive Champions Trophy final
Kohli navigated the chase through some tricky situations to keep India on course. He joined the chase early after Shubman Gill fell in the fifth over. However, Rohit Sharma, who was dropped twice, played aggressively from the start, unafraid to take advantage of the powerplay. He scored 28 off 29 balls before missing a sweep against left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly, resulting in an LBW dismissal.
At 43/2 within eight overs, the chase was precarious, with Australia looking to capitalize further. Yet, Kohli, along with a determined Shreyas Iyer, steered them through a tense phase with minimal issues. The pair were skilled at handling Australia’s spinners, minimizing risks. Their 91-run partnership restored momentum to the chase while establishing a strong base for further progress.
India vs Australia ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final Match Preview!
Kohli reached his 74th ODI fifty but was soon let off the hook. Connolly produced a leading edge, but a diving Glenn Maxwell failed to catch it at short-extra cover. Iyer, who had been steady until that point, fell victim to a slider from Zampa and was bowled out for 45. Nevertheless, Kohli found a capable ally in Axar Patel, who began with a slog-swept six off Tanveer Sangha. Their 44-run partnership off 50 deliveries brought India closer to the target, ensuring that the required run-rate remained manageable.
Detailed Scoreboard
Australia Innings:
| Batsman | Dismissal | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | c & b Shami | 39 | 33 |
| Cooper Connolly | b Varun | 0 | 9 |
| Steve Smith | c Rahul b Shami | 73 | 96 |
| Marnus Labuschagne | b Jadeja | 29 | 36 |
| Glenn Maxwell | c Kohli b Varun | 7 | 5 |
| Alex Carey | c Pandya b Jadeja | 61 | 57 |
| Josh Inglis (wk) | lbw b Bumrah | 11 | 12 |
| Dwarshuis | not out | 19 | 29 |
| Adam Zampa | c Rohit b Shami | 7 | 12 |
| Nathan Ellis | b Bumrah | 10 | 7 |
| Extras | (b 4, lb 5, w 5) | 9 | – |
| Total | 264 | (all out, 49.3 overs) |
Bowling (India):
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Shami | 10 | 48 | 2 |
| Kuldeep | 8 | 44 | 0 |
| Varun | 10 | 49 | 2 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 8 | 40 | 2 |
| Hardik Pandya | 5 | 40 | 1 |
India Innings:
| Batsman | Dismissal | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | clbw b Cooper Connolly | 28 | 29 |
| Shubman Gill | b Dwarshuis | 8 | 11 |
| Virat Kohli | c Dwarshuis b Zampa | 84 | 98 |
| KL Rahul | batting | 42 | 34 |
| Hardik Pandya | c Maxwell b Nathan Ellis | 28 | 24 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | batting | 2 | 1 |
| Axar | b Nathan Ellis | 27 | 30 |
| Shreyas Iyer | b Zampa | 45 | 62 |
| Extras | (b 5, lb 5, w 6) | 11 | – |
| Total | 265 | (6 wickets, 48.5 overs) |
Player of the Match: Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli played a match-winning knock of 84 runs under immense pressure. His ability to anchor the innings and build partnerships was crucial in India’s successful chase. Kohli’s composure and determination earned him the Player of the Match award.
Key Moments of the Match
- Steve Smith’s Masterclass: His 73 kept Australia in the game and laid a solid foundation.
- India’s Early Collapse: The quick dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill put India on the back foot.
- Kohli’s Leadership: His 84-run knock stabilized India’s innings and turned the match in their favor.
- KL Rahul & Hardik Pandya’s Cameos: Their contributions ensured India stayed in the hunt.
- Shami’s Brilliant Spell: His three crucial wickets restricted Australia’s total.
Hardik hitting big shot
Hardik Pandya got his hitting right to pick up three sixes against the legspinners as India raced ahead. Pandya’s 24-ball 28 tilted the game decisively in India’s favour as they finished the chase with 11 balls to spare.
Conclusion
India’s victory over Australia in the semifinal was a thrilling encounter, highlighting the team’s resilience and determination. With this win, India moves on to the final, bringing them one step closer to clinching the championship trophy. Fans eagerly await the final showdown, hoping for another stellar performance from Team India!
FAQs
Q1: Who won the Player of the Match award?
A: Virat Kohli won the Player of the Match for his match-winning 84 runs.
Q2: What was the turning point of the match?
A: Kohli’s crucial 84-run innings and Shami’s key wickets were the turning points.
Q3: How did Australia perform?
A: Australia put up a competitive total, but their bowlers couldn’t defend it against a resilient Indian side.
Q4: Who were the top scorers for India and Australia?
A: Virat Kohli (84) for India and Steve Smith (73) for Australia.
Q5: When is the final match?
A: The final will be held in a few days, where India will face the winner of the other semifinal.
