Virat Kohli’s masterful 84 guided India to a thrilling victory over Australia, securing their place in the ICC Champions Trophy final for the third consecutive time. Kohli’s composed innings, combined with a disciplined bowling performance, ensured India chased down Australia’s total of 264 with 11 balls to spare.
Kohli, who surpassed 8,000 runs while chasing in ODIs, anchored the innings after early setbacks. Shubman Gill fell in the fifth over, and Rohit Sharma, despite a brisk 28, was dismissed LBW by Cooper Connolly. At 43/2, the chase was delicately poised, but Kohli and Shreyas Iyer steadied the ship with a crucial 91-run partnership. Kohli notched his 74th ODI fifty, while Iyer contributed a solid 45 before falling to Adam Zampa.
Axar Patel provided valuable support with a quick 44-run stand, including a six off Tanveer Sangha. Despite losing Axar and Kohli (84) in the latter stages, KL Rahul (42*) and Hardik Pandya (28 off 24) ensured India crossed the line comfortably. Pandya’s three sixes against the leg-spinners sealed the win.
Earlier, India’s bowlers restricted Australia to 264 on a slow surface. Varun Chakravarthy struck early, dismissing Travis Head, while Mohammed Shami (3-48) troubled the Australian top order. Steven Smith’s resilient 73 and Alex Carey’s aggressive 61 were the highlights for Australia, but regular wickets and a sharp run-out by Shreyas Iyer curtailed their momentum.
Brief Scores:
Australia 264 all out in 49.3 overs (Steven Smith 73, Alex Carey 61; Mohammed Shami 3-48) lost to India 267/6 in 48.1 overs (Virat Kohli 84, Shreyas Iyer 45, KL Rahul 42*) by 4 wickets.
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