Cricket Highlights, March 04: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (1st Semi-Final) – AUS vs IND

AUS vs IND (1st Semi-Final) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 1st Semi-Final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where India secured a hard-fought victory over Australia by 4 wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Chasing a target of 265, India reached 267/6 in 48.1 overs, sealing their place in the final with 11 balls to spare. The match was a showcase of skill and resilience, with both teams delivering standout performances under pressure. From Australia’s competitive total to India’s composed chase, this semi-final lived up to the high expectations of a marquee clash between two cricketing powerhouses.

Australia, after being put in to bat first, posted a competitive total of 264 runs in 49.3 overs. Travis Head gave the innings an aggressive start, scoring 39 runs off 33 balls with five boundaries and two sixes before being dismissed by Varun Chakravarthy. However, the early departure of Cooper Connolly for a duck, caught behind off Mohammed Shami, put Australia on the back foot. 

Steven Smith, leading the side, anchored the innings with a composed 73 off 96 balls, stabilizing the middle order after early setbacks. Marnus Labuschagne chipped in with 29 runs but fell to Ravindra Jadeja, trapped leg before wicket.

Australia’s innings gained momentum when Alex Carey played a vital knock of 61 from 57 balls. His aggressive stroke play, which included eight boundaries and a six, provided the much-needed impetus during the middle overs. Glenn Maxwell’s brief but explosive seven runs from five balls added a quick burst, but his dismissal to Axar Patel halted Australia’s charge. 

Ben Dwarshuis contributed 19 runs lower down the order, but regular breakthroughs by the Indian bowlers prevented any significant partnerships from flourishing. Mohammed Shami was the pick of the bowlers for India, finishing with figures of 3 for 48 in his 10 overs. Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja provided crucial support, taking two wickets each, while Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel chipped in with a wicket apiece to restrict Australia to 264.

Chasing 265 for victory, IND lost Shubman Gill early for eight, bowled by Ben Dwarshuis in the fifth over. Rohit Sharma looked in good touch, scoring 28 from 29 balls before falling to Cooper Connolly, trapped leg before wicket. With both openers back in the pavilion, the responsibility fell on the experienced duo of Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. 

Kohli, as always in high-pressure situations, delivered with a masterful 84 off 98 balls. His innings was a blend of calmness and aggression, keeping the scoreboard ticking with five boundaries. Iyer provided valuable support with a patient 45 from 62 balls but was eventually dismissed by Adam Zampa.

The turning point of the chase came when Axar Patel and KL Rahul built a crucial partnership. Patel scored a brisk 27 off 30 balls before being cleaned up by Nathan Ellis. With the match hanging in balance, KL Rahul took control and played a match-winning knock of 42 not out from 34 deliveries. 

His innings, which included two sixes and two fours, was a perfect blend of caution and aggression. Hardik Pandya added a quick 28 off 24 balls before falling to Ellis, but by then, India was within touching distance of victory. Jadeja sealed the win with an unbeaten two from a single ball, ensuring India crossed the finish line in 48.1 overs.

Australia vs India Scoreboard

Australia – 264 (49.3/50)

India – 267/6(48.1/50)

Result – India won by 4 wickets (with 11 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – Virat Kohli 

AUS vs IND Playing XIs

India

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy

Australia

Steven Smith (c), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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