In a high-stakes semi-final clash, India defeated Australia to reach the Champions Trophy final, securing a four-wicket win at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This victory marks India’s third consecutive Champions Trophy final appearance, reaffirming their dominance in ICC events.
With Virat Kohli leading the chase with a masterful 84, supported by match-winning contributions from Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja, and KL Rahul, India successfully chased Australia’s target of 265 to book a spot in the final on March 9, 2025.
This win also marks India’s third consecutive ICC final appearance in the last two years, setting the stage for a potential historic triumph.
Defining Moments from India vs Australia Semi-Final
The semi-final was packed with intense cricketing action, featuring game-changing performances that turned the match in India’s favor. Let’s look at the defining moments that shaped this thrilling encounter.
1. Mohammed Shami’s Double Strike Sets the Tone
🔥 Key Moment: Shami dismisses Cooper Connolly & Steven Smith
India’s pace spearhead Mohammed Shami once again proved why he is a match-winner in knockout games. He struck twice in quick succession to derail Australia’s innings:
✔ Cooper Connolly dismissed early, breaking Australia’s opening stand.
✔ Steven Smith (73 off 91) removed just when he looked set to accelerate.
Shami’s early breakthroughs restricted Australia’s momentum, preventing them from posting a bigger total.
2. Ravindra Jadeja’s Impact in the Middle Overs
🔥 Key Moment: Jadeja’s twin wickets of Marnus Labuschagne & Josh Inglis
Ravindra Jadeja once again showcased his all-round brilliance, providing India with crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs:
✔ Marnus Labuschagne (29 off 47) trapped LBW, breaking Australia’s key partnership.
✔ Josh Inglis (18 off 22) caught at mid-wicket, preventing Australia from building a strong finish.
Jadeja’s ability to maintain pressure and pick key wickets ensured that Australia never got the explosive finish they wanted.
3. Alex Carey’s Counterattack & Shreyas Iyer’s Brilliant Run-Out
🔥 Key Moment: Alex Carey’s quickfire 61 off 57 balls & his dramatic run-out
Alex Carey played a fearless counterattacking innings, scoring 61 runs off 57 balls to give Australia a late boost. His aggressive approach threatened to take Australia past 280, but a brilliant direct-hit run-out by Shreyas Iyer ended his knock at a crucial moment.
This run-out shifted the momentum back in India’s favor, limiting Australia to 264 in 49.3 overs.
India’s Run Chase: Kohli’s Masterclass & Rahul-Pandya’s Finishing Touch
Chasing 265 in a high-pressure semi-final, India needed a calm and controlled innings, and Virat Kohli delivered yet again.
Virat Kohli’s Composed 84 Anchors the Chase
🔥 Key Moment: Kohli stabilizes the innings after early wickets
✔ 84 off 98 balls – Another match-winning knock under pressure.
✔ Became the first batter to score 1000 runs in ICC knockout matches.
✔ Guided India through tricky phases after Rohit Sharma & Shubman Gill’s dismissals.
Kohli’s presence at the crease provided India with the perfect anchor, keeping the chase on track despite wickets falling at crucial intervals.
Adam Zampa’s Double Strike Creates Tension
🔥 Key Moment: Zampa dismisses Iyer & Kohli, adding late drama
✔ Shreyas Iyer (45 off 54) fell to Zampa, increasing pressure on India.
✔ Kohli’s dismissal at deep square leg made things tense in the final overs.
Zampa’s breakthroughs kept Australia’s hopes alive, but India’s middle order held their nerve.
6. KL Rahul & Hardik Pandya’s Finishing Act
🔥 Key Moment: Rahul’s calm unbeaten 42 & Pandya’s powerful sixes
✔ KL Rahul: 42* off 34 balls – Finished the chase with a composed innings.
✔ Hardik Pandya: 28 off 24 balls – Hit three massive sixes to ease the pressure.
Despite Kohli’s dismissal, Rahul and Pandya ensured that India crossed the finish line comfortably, securing a four-wicket victory with 11 balls to spare.
India’s Road to the Champions Trophy 2025 Final
🏆 India’s Journey in the Tournament:
✔ Group Stage:
- Beat Bangladesh by 6 wickets.
- Beat Pakistan by 5 wickets.
- Beat New Zealand by 7 wickets.
✔ Semi-Final:
- Beat Australia by 4 wickets.
India remains undefeated in the tournament, with a strong chance of winning their third Champions Trophy title.
What’s Next? India Awaits Final Opponent
India will now face the winner of the second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa in the grand Champions Trophy 2025 final on March 9.
📌 Key Factors for India in the Final:
✔ Kohli’s batting form – Can he deliver another match-winning knock?
✔ Shami’s impact in knockouts – Will he dominate in the final?
✔ Rohit Sharma’s leadership – Can he guide India to another ICC trophy?
With momentum on their side, India will be aiming to lift their third Champions Trophy title.
India Defeats Australia to Reach Champions Trophy Final Once Again
✔ Virat Kohli’s masterclass (84 off 98) anchored the chase.
✔ Shami & Jadeja’s bowling heroics restricted Australia to 264.
✔ KL Rahul & Hardik Pandya finished the job with composure.
✔ India secures a spot in the final, maintaining their unbeaten record.
With this win, India is one step away from ICC glory. Can they lift the Champions Trophy 2025?
🏏 Who do you think will be India’s biggest match-winner in the final? Drop your predictions below!
