India marched into the Champions Trophy 2025 final after defeating Australia by four wickets in the semifinal in Dubai on Tuesday. The standout performer was Virat Kohli, who played a crucial 84-run innings, surpassing multiple records in ICC tournaments.
Kohli’s Historic Knock
Chasing 265 on a tricky pitch, India faced early setbacks at 43/2. However, Kohli stabilized the innings with a composed 84 off 98 balls, featuring five fours. He built crucial partnerships with:
- Shreyas Iyer (91-run stand)
- Axar Patel (44-run stand)
- KL Rahul (47-run stand)
Despite falling to Adam Zampa for the sixth time in ODIs, Kohli’s knock laid the foundation for India’s victory.
Kohli’s New Milestones in ICC Events
With this innings, Kohli set multiple records:
- Most 50+ scores in ICC ODI tournaments: 24 (overtaking Sachin Tendulkar’s 23)
- Most runs in ICC ODI tournaments: 2,541 runs at 65.15 avg. (second to Tendulkar’s 2,719 runs)
- First-ever player to score 1,000+ runs in ICC knockout matches (across all formats)
- India’s highest run-getter in Champions Trophy history: 746 runs in 17 matches at 82.88 avg.
- Second player to score 8,000+ runs in ODI run-chases (after Sachin Tendulkar)
- Most runs in successful ODI run-chases: 5,913 runs at an average of 89.59
Australia’s First Innings Performance
Batting first, Australia posted 264 in 49.3 overs, with top performances from:
- Steve Smith: 73 (96 balls)
- Alex Carey: 61 (57 balls)
- Travis Head: 39 (33 balls)
India’s bowlers shone, led by Mohammed Shami (3/48), Varun Chakravarthy (2/49), and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40).
Hardik Pandya’s Late Heroics Seals Victory
India’s chase was powered by Kohli’s knock, but Hardik Pandya provided the final push with an explosive 28 off 24 balls, including three sixes. His big hits against Adam Zampa ensured India crossed the finish line in 48.1 overs at 267/6.
India Awaits the Final Battle
With this win, India advances to the Champions Trophy 2025 final, set to take place in Dubai on March 9, 2025. Fans eagerly await to see if India can lift the coveted trophy once again.
