India Reaches Champions Trophy Final for the Fifth Time by Defeating Australia by 8 Wickets with Stellar Batting and Bowling Performance

India Reaches Champions Trophy Final for the Fifth Time by Defeating Australia by 8 Wickets with Stellar Batting and Bowling Performance

Dubai, March 4, 2025: With a brilliant performance in both batting and bowling, India has secured a place in the Champions Trophy final. In today’s semi-final, India defeated Australia by 8 wickets, sealing their spot in the final. Chasing a target of 265, India completed the chase in 48.1 overs, losing 6 wickets in the process.

This match was particularly special for India as Virat Kohli played an excellent knock of 84 runs off 98 balls, which made the chase much easier for India. Kohli brought up his 74th ODI half-century, playing a crucial role in the chase.

Earlier, Australia batted first and posted a total of 264 runs before getting all out. Australia's captain, Steve Smith, was the top scorer with 73 runs, and wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey contributed with an aggressive 61 runs. Among India’s bowlers, Mohammad Shami was the standout performer, taking 3 wickets for 48 runs. Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) also picked up two wickets each.

With this victory, India has reached the Champions Trophy final for the third consecutive time. This win is significant as it helped India break their 3-3 deadlock with Australia in knockout matches of ICC white-ball tournaments. Despite three major losses to Australia in recent history, including in the 2015 World Cup semi-final and the 2023 World Cup final, this victory gives India a renewed sense of direction.

This marks India’s fifth Champions Trophy final appearance, following their participation in the 2002, 2013, and 2017 finals.

Now, India will await the winner of tomorrow’s semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand for their next challenge.