Dubai: Virat Kohli once again proved to be India's backbone as they secured a hard-fought four-wicket victory over Australia in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy on Tuesday. His composed knock of 84 off 98 balls, featuring five elegant boundaries, guided India to successfully chase down 265 in 48.1 overs.

This victory was not just about reaching the final—it was India’s first ICC tournament win over Australia since 2011, making it a sweet revenge for their 2023 ODI World Cup final loss.

India’s Bowlers Set the Stage

After losing the toss, India was asked to field first. The bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami (3/38), ensured Australia never truly ran away with the game. India’s four-spinner strategy worked well, with Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) playing key roles in restricting the Aussies to 264 all out in 49.3 overs.

All-rounders Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel chipped in with one wicket each, while tight bowling from India ensured that Australia couldn't capitalize on their partnerships.

Steve Smith Anchors Australia’s Innings

Steve Smith (73 off 96, 4×4, 1×6) was the standout performer for Australia, playing a steadying role in their batting effort. He built crucial partnerships, including:

• 52-run stand with Travis Head (39) for the second wicket
• 56-run stand with Marnus Labuschagne (29) for the third wicket
• 54-run stand with Alex Carey (61 off 57, 8×4, 1×6) for the fifth wicket

Despite these contributions, Australia lost momentum after Smith’s dismissal in the 37th over. He was bowled by Shami on a full toss at 198/5, leading to a collapse where they failed to push past the 270-mark.

Kohli’s Masterclass in Run Chase

Chasing 265, India lost both openers early—Rohit Sharma (28) and Shubman Gill (8)—finding themselves at 43/2 inside eight overs. However, Kohli stepped up and played a masterful innings, anchoring the chase while keeping the scoreboard ticking.

He had a stroke of luck on 51, when Glenn Maxwell dropped a catch off Cooper Connolly's bowling in the 25th over. At that point, India was 134/2, and Australia was made to regret their fielding lapses, having already dropped Rohit Sharma twice earlier.

Kohli’s composure was key, and in the process, he became only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to score 8,000 runs in ODI run chases.

Shreyas Iyer, Rahul, and Pandya Finish the Job

Kohli found strong support from Shreyas Iyer (45 off 62, 3×4), and together, they built a 91-run partnership for the fourth wicket, laying a solid foundation.

With India in control, KL Rahul (42 off 34, 2×4, 2×6) and Hardik Pandya (28 off 24, 1×4, 3×6) provided the finishing touches, ensuring India reached the target in 48.1 overs.

India Awaits Final Opponent

With this win, India advanced to their third consecutive ICC Champions Trophy final. They will now face the winner of the South Africa vs. New Zealand semi-final on Sunday.

Brief Scores:

Australia: 264 all out in 49.3 overs (Steve Smith 73, Alex Carey 61, Travis Head 39; Mohammed Shami 3/48, Ravindra Jadeja 2/40, Varun Chakravarthy 2/49)

India: 267/6 in 48.1 overs (Virat Kohli 84, Shreyas Iyer 45; Adam Zampa 2/60)

India now looks forward to clinching yet another ICC trophy in the highly anticipated final.