India Defeats Arch-Rivals Australia by 4 Wickets to Enter ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Dubai, 4th March 2025: In a highly anticipated semi-final clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India comfortably defeated Australia by four wickets with a couple of overs to spare. Before this match, India and Australia had faced each other in seven ICC knockout games, with Australia holding a slight edge with four wins. However, with this successful chase—India’s fourth consecutive win in the tournament—the record now stands level at 4-4.

Both teams were among the tournament favorites, but with Australia now eliminated, India awaits the result of the New Zealand vs. South Africa match to determine their final opponent. Mohammad Shami’s brilliant bowling spell, supported by a consistently strong performance from the Indian bowling attack, set the stage for victory. Virat Kohli’s stellar innings overshadowed Steve Smith and Alex Carey’s efforts, sealing the win for India.

Rohit’s Unluck with Toss Continues

In this pivotal semi-final match, rich in history and context, experts like Michael Clarke and Ambati Rayudu suggested that batting first would be advantageous. Australia won the toss and followed this advice, choosing to bat. Steven Smith noted that the pitch looked slightly dry, emphasizing their strategy to put runs on the board and build pressure. He also acknowledged India as a formidable opponent, expressing enthusiasm for the matchup.

Rohit Sharma, after losing his 14th consecutive toss, displayed his readiness by stating he would have been prepared for either scenario, given the pitch’s unpredictable nature in previous matches. “When you’re in two minds, it’s better to lose the toss,” Sharma remarked.

Smith also announced that Cooper Connolly was the replacement for the injured Matt Short, while spinner Tanveer Sangha came in for pacer Spencer Johnson to better suit the drier Dubai pitches. Meanwhile, India, sticking to their winning formula against New Zealand, retained the same squad with two pacers and four spinners.

‘Head’ Ache Dealt With, But Smith and ‘Carey’ Job Take Australia Past 260

The Aussies started cautiously and suffered an early blow when KL Rahul took a sharp catch off Mohammad Shami’s delivery to dismiss newcomer Conolly for a duck. Australia initially struggled as the batting-friendly conditions of Pakistan seemed to desert them on the drier UAE wicket. Travis Head provided some momentum with aggressive strokes against Hardik Pandya and Shami. In an attempt to curb his assault, Rohit introduced spin early, a move that paid off as the in-form Varun Chakravarthy dismissed a threatening Head for 39 off 33 balls.

By the end of the powerplay, Australia had reached 63/2, with Smith looking solid at the crease. Post-powerplay, Smith continued to anchor the innings, but Ravindra Jadeja broke a steady 29-run knock from la Marnus Labuschagne. Smith reached his half-century in 68 balls, but Jadeja struck again, removing the in-form Josh Inglis, handing India control in the middle overs. However, it was Shami who delivered the crucial blow, bowling out a century-bound Smith for 73. Axar Patel then dismissed Glenn Maxwell before he could make an impact.

Looking to finish strong, Alex Carey notched up a cheeky half-century in 48 balls but fell short of the end, run out by Shreyas Iyer. The lower order—Dwarshius, Ellis, Zampa, and Sangha—offered little resistance, though their small contributions helped Australia post a competitive 264 before being bowled out with three balls to spare.

Despite the pitch favoring spinners, Shami shone with figures of 3/48 in 10 overs, claiming the key wickets of Conolly and Smith. Chakravarthy and Jadeja picked up two wickets each, while Axar and Pandya chipped in with one apiece. Pre-match analysis, including insights from former cricketer Ravi Shastri, suggested that this was a challenging target for India and a competitive total for Australia to defend.

King Kohli Roars as Sharma, Iyer, and Rahul Lead India’s Successful Chase

India looked determined to chase down a formidable target but lost Shubman Gill early for just 8 runs when Dwarshius bowled him out. Kohli and Sharma, India’s star pair, steadily built momentum. Like India, Australia introduced spin early. However, the “Hitman” was trapped in front of the wickets on 28, looking well-set, as Connolly managed to trick him.

With Kohli and Iyer at the crease, India managed to score 55 runs for the loss of two wickets in the powerplay, still facing a significant chase. Post-powerplay, Kohli and Iyer continued steadily, building a 50-run partnership and keeping the required run rate under control. Both, having strong tournaments, skillfully played out Australia’s spin attack. Kohli completed his half-century in 53 balls, looking determined to see the match through. However, Iyer fell short of his half-century, bowled out by Zampa on 45. Kohli had a lucky escape when Maxwell dropped him off Connolly’s delivery at 51.

With a left-right combination in the middle, the Aussies struggled to take wickets as India maintained control over the required run rate around mid-innings. Both batters played anchor roles rather than attacking outright, allowing Axar Patel to settle in as well. However, Axar couldn’t carry his innings forward and was bowled out on 27 by Ellis. KL Rahul joined Kohli and started steadily, while Kohli continued anchoring the innings. At this point, the required run rate started to look tricky to achieve.

Kohli, dismissed by Zampa, fell 14 runs short of a well-deserved century, scoring 86 off 98 balls. Hardik Pandya couldn’t stay until the end, as Ellis dismissed him for 28 off 24 balls. What initially looked like a tight contest turned into a comfortable victory for India, thanks to KL Rahul’s composed innings of 42 and Jadeja’s small but crucial cameo. India successfully chased down the target of 265, winning by four wickets with 11 balls to spare.

None of the Australian bowlers could build sustained pressure despite India losing wickets at key intervals. Zampa and Ellis took two wickets each, while Connolly and Dwarshius picked up one apiece. The spinners failed to control the game as expected, making it easier for Kohli to lead India to victory.

Blues Await Their Final Opponent

India has secured a spot in the final, set to be played on March 9. New Zealand and South Africa will face off tomorrow at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with the match starting at 2:30 PM IST. Both India and their eventual opponent will have ample time to rest and prepare.

With India’s qualification, the final will be held in the United Arab Emirates. The cricketing world eagerly awaits tomorrow’s clash, as India eyes its second consecutive ICC tournament triumph in as many years.