source : ICC
India stormed into the Champions Trophy 2025 final with a thrilling four-wicket win over Australia at the Dubai International Stadium. The Men in Blue showcased their trademark grit and composure, chasing down a challenging target of 265 with just a few balls to spare. The victory sets up an exciting final clash, with India awaiting the winner of the second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa. The match was a rollercoaster ride, with moments of brilliance from both sides, but India’s calm run-chase ultimately sealed the deal. India vs Australia Semi-Final.
Virat Kohli once again proved why he is considered a master of chases, playing a composed knock of 84 runs, while Shreyas Iyer’s crucial 45 kept the scoreboard ticking. Australia, uncharacteristically sloppy in the field, missed vital chances, dropping Rohit Sharma twice and Kohli once, which proved costly. The late-game heroics from Hardik Pandya (28 off 24 balls) and KL Rahul (42* off 34 balls) saw India reach 267/6 in the penultimate over, with Rahul finishing the match in style by smashing a six.
Earlier, Australia had their moments, particularly with the bat. Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61) anchored the innings, but quick wickets towards the end stifled their momentum. Mohammed Shami led India’s bowling attack with three key wickets, including the prized scalp of Smith, while Axar Patel dismissed the dangerous Glenn Maxwell for just seven runs. Australia’s final score of 264 was the highest total recorded in Dubai during this tournament, but it fell short of putting enough pressure on a resolute Indian batting lineup. India vs Australia Semi-Final.
India’s journey to the final has been nothing short of dominant. They topped Group A with wins over Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand, riding on stellar performances from Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer. Varun Chakravarthy’s magical five-wicket haul against New Zealand was a standout moment, while skipper Rohit Sharma has been searching for a big score despite getting off to good starts throughout the tournament. The team’s blend of experience and young talent has kept them unbeaten so far.
Australia, on the other hand, entered the semi-final without several key players from their ODI World Cup-winning squad. The absence of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Mitch Marsh, Josh Hazlewood, and Marcus Stoinis was deeply felt, though Travis Head’s attacking 39 off 33 balls gave a glimpse of his threat. Despite a valiant effort, the transition from high-scoring pitches in Pakistan to the sluggish Dubai surface posed a challenge for the Aussies, ultimately tilting the game in India’s favor.
With this hard-fought victory, India now eyes the Champions Trophy title, determined to add another ICC trophy to their cabinet. All eyes will be on Dubai for the grand finale, where the Men in Blue will look to extend their winning streak and bring home the coveted title. The semi-final against Australia was a classic cricketing contest, and India’s all-round brilliance ensured they emerged victorious, ready to conquer the ultimate prize. India vs Australia Semi-Final.
