Kohli’s Brilliance Leads India’s Chase India’s Record Fifth Champions Trophy Final Appearance
Dubai,TNM: India secured their place in the ICC Champions Trophy final for the third consecutive time after a commanding four-wicket victory over Australia at the Dubai International Cricket Ground. Chasing a target of 265, India reached the finish line in 48.1 overs, courtesy of a stellar 84-run knock from Virat Kohli, who faced 98 balls. This chase equaled India's highest successful run-chase in the history of the Champions Trophy, matching their 265-run chase against Bangladesh in the 2017 semi-final.
The victory also ended a 3-3 deadlock between India and Australia in ICC white-ball tournament knockouts, a rivalry that began in the quarter-final of the 1998 Champions Trophy (then known as the ICC Knockout Trophy). This triumph was particularly significant, considering India's losses to Australia in crucial encounters, including the 2015 World Cup semi-final, the 2023 World Cup final, and the ICC World Test Championship final in June 2023.
Australia’s Innings: Smith and Carey Anchor the Total
Opting to bat first in their first ODI at the venue since 2019, Australia had a shaky start when Mohammed Shami dropped Travis Head off his own bowling on the first delivery. However, they steadied their innings through Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61), who guided Australia to a respectable total of 264 in 49.3 overs. Shami, redeeming himself, claimed three crucial wickets to keep Australia from posting a more formidable target.
Kohli’s Brilliance Leads India’s Chase
India’s chase began with early setbacks as openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill departed quickly. However, Virat Kohli took charge, navigating the innings with poise and precision. En route to his match-winning knock, Kohli reached a few personal milestones, becoming only the second batter to score 8,000 ODI runs in chases after Sachin Tendulkar. He also surpassed Shikhar Dhawan as India’s highest run-scorer in Champions Trophy history.
Though Kohli fell in the 43rd over, KL Rahul (42*), along with the lower order, ensured a smooth finish, sealing the victory with a six off Glenn Maxwell in the penultimate over.
India’s Record Fifth Champions Trophy Final Appearance
With this win, India will compete in a record-extending fifth Champions Trophy final, facing the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand, set to be played in Lahore on Wednesday. India's journey in the Champions Trophy finals has seen mixed fortunes. They were declared joint-winners in 2002 alongside Sri Lanka, clinched the title in 2013 against England with a narrow five-run victory, and suffered heavy losses in the 2000 and 2017 finals against New Zealand and Pakistan, respectively. As Rohit Sharma’s team eyes their third title, they will look to cement their dominance in the tournament and bring home another ICC trophy.
