Champions Trophy Semi-final: Virat Kohli’s masterful knock of 84 led India to a four-wicket victory over Australia in the first ICC Men’s Champions Trophy semi-final. Mohammed Shami set the tone earlier with a three-wicket haul (3/48), restricting the world champions to 264 all out.
Australia’s Innings: Shami and Jadeja Lead Bowling Effort
Australia, batting first, struggled to gain momentum as wickets fell regularly. Captain Steve Smith top-scored with 73, while Alex Carey contributed a crucial 61. However, disciplined bowling from India ensured that Australia never got away. Shami, along with Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40), dismantled the batting lineup.
The first breakthrough came in the third over when Shami dismissed Cooper Connolly for a nine-ball duck. Travis Head, who survived an early chance, looked dangerous but fell for 39 to Chakravarthy. Smith and Marnus Labuschagne (29) added a steadying 56-run stand before Jadeja trapped Labuschagne LBW.
Smith’s dismissal for 73, bowled by Shami off a full toss, left Australia struggling at 198/5 in the 37th over. Despite Carey’s resilient 61, Australia was bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs.
India’s Chase: Kohli Leads the Charge
Chasing 265, India got off to a steady start, reaching 30/0 in five overs. However, Ben Dwarshuis sent Shubman Gill (8) back early. Rohit Sharma (28) fell soon after, trapped LBW by Connolly.
Kohli took control, forming a stabilizing 91-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer (45). A composed 53-ball fifty saw him anchor the chase. After Iyer fell to Adam Zampa, Axar Patel (27) kept the momentum going before Ellis dismissed him.
Despite Maxwell dropping Kohli on 51, the Indian batter continued his charge, striking Zampa for a six before falling at 84 with 41 runs still required. Hardik Pandya’s quickfire 28, featuring three sixes, swung the game in India’s favor before KL Rahul sealed the win with a six off Maxwell.
India won by four wickets with 11 balls to spare, marching into the final as they aim for a historic third Champions Trophy title.
Scores in Brief:
Australia: 264 all out in 49.3 overs (Steve Smith 73, Alex Carey 61; Mohammed Shami 3/48, Ravindra Jadeja 2/40)
India: 267/6 in 48.1 overs (Virat Kohli 84, KL Rahul 42*; Nathan Ellis 2/49)
Result: India won by four wickets.
