DUBAI — India secured a place in the ICC Champions Trophy final with a four-wicket victory over Australia in the semi-final at Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing 265, India reached 267/6 in 48.1 overs, with Virat Kohli (84) and KL Rahul (42 not out) leading the charge. Shreyas Iyer (45) and Axar Patel (27) also made crucial contributions as India successfully chased down the target with 11 balls to spare.
Kohli anchors India’s chase
After losing Rohit Sharma (28) and Shubman Gill (8) early, India relied on Kohli’s composed innings to stabilize the chase. He shared key partnerships with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, ensuring India stayed on course. Hardik Pandya (28 off 24) played a late cameo before Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja finished the match.
For Australia, Nathan Ellis (2/49) and Adam Zampa (2/60) were the standout bowlers, while Ben Dwarshuis and Cooper Connolly picked up a wicket each.
Australia’s innings
Earlier, Australia posted 264 in 49.3 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat. Travis Head (62) and Steve Smith (47) provided a solid start, but regular wickets in the middle overs restricted their momentum. Glenn Maxwell (35) and Adam Zampa (30) added valuable runs lower down the order.
India’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with Nathan Ellis (2/49), Adam Zampa (2/60), and Glenn Maxwell (1/35) making key breakthroughs.
With this win, India advances to the ICC Champions Trophy final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final. Australia, meanwhile, exits the tournament after falling short in a competitive contest.
