India defeated Australia to reach ICC Champions Trophy final

India secured a four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. A solid bowling performance, followed by a steady half-century from Virat Kohli, helped India chase down Australia’s target and advance to their third consecutive Champions Trophy final.

Australia batted first and posted a total of 264 runs before being bowled out in 49.3 overs. The key contributions for Australia came from Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61), who anchored the innings despite regular wickets falling at the other end. India’s bowlers were on point, with Mohammed Shami leading the charge, claiming three wickets. Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja also contributed with two wickets each.

India's chase didn’t begin smoothly as Shubman Gill was dismissed early for just eight runs, bowled out by Ben Dwarshuis. The early loss was followed by a quick departure of Rohit Sharma, who was trapped lbw by Cooper Connolly for 28 off 29 balls. Despite the setbacks, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer steadied the ship with a crucial third-wicket partnership of 91 runs. Iyer was dismissed for 45 off 62 balls, but Kohli continued to anchor the chase, scoring 84 runs from 98 balls with five boundaries.

After Kohli’s departure, Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul combined for a brisk 44-run partnership, taking India closer to the target. Pandya made 28 off 24 balls, while Rahul remained unbeaten on 42 from 34 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes.

Australia’s bowlers, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa, claimed two wickets each, but it was not enough to halt India’s progress. Despite a couple of early wickets, India comfortably reached the target of 265 with four wickets to spare.

This victory sees India move into the final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, where they will face either South Africa or New Zealand, who will compete in the second semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday.