India Creates History, Defeats Australia to Reach 3rd Consecutive ICC Champions Trophy Final
Team India continued its dominance in ICC tournaments, reaching its third successive ICC Champions Trophy final with a thrilling four-wicket win over Australia in the semi-final at Dubai on Wednesday. Led by Rohit Sharma, India secured a hard-fought victory to book a spot in the grand finale, having previously reached the finals in 2013 and 2017.
With this victory, Rohit Sharma became the first-ever captain to lead his team to the final in all four major Men’s ICC tournaments within a span of just three years – the ICC World Test Championship (2023), ODI World Cup (2023), T20 World Cup (2024), and ICC Champions Trophy (2025).
READ ALSO –
Virat Kohli: India’s Best Batter in ICC Champions Trophy
Australia’s Innings: A Struggle to Capitalize
Batting first, Australia managed 264 runs before being bowled out in 49.3 overs. The Aussies were comfortably placed at 198/5 in 36.4 overs, with Steve Smith leading the charge. However, the lower order crumbled, and Australia could only add 66 runs in the remaining overs.
Key Performances from Australian Batters
• Steve Smith (73 off 96 balls): The experienced batter was Australia’s top scorer, playing a crucial knock under pressure. Smith’s solid approach allowed Australia to maintain stability in the middle overs. However, his dismissal in the 37th over turned the tide in India’s favor.
• Alex Carey (61 off 57 balls): The wicketkeeper-batter played a counter-attacking innings, helping Australia rebuild after early wickets. Carey’s quick runs kept the scoreboard ticking, but he lacked support from the lower order.
• Travis Head (39 off 33 balls): The aggressive left-hander gave Australia a flying start. His stroke-filled innings included several crisp boundaries, but his dismissal to Varun Chakravarthy in the 9th over stopped the early momentum.
India’s Bowling: Shami and Spinners Dominate
India’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami, were exceptional in restricting Australia.
• Mohammed Shami (3/48 in 10 overs): Shami was once again India’s go-to bowler, picking up three crucial wickets. He removed debutant Cooper Connolly early, broke Smith’s resistance in the middle overs, and took another wicket at the death. His 34 dot balls added immense pressure on the Aussies.
• Varun Chakravarthy (2/49 in 10 overs): The mystery spinner continued his excellent form, dismissing Travis Head early and later getting rid of Ben Dwarshuis. His 28 dot balls ensured that Australia never settled against spin.
• Ravindra Jadeja (2/41 in 9 overs): The experienced all-rounder played a vital role in the middle overs, keeping things tight and picking up key wickets, including the dismissal of Josh Inglis.
India’s Chase: Kohli’s Masterclass and Rahul’s Finishing Touch
Chasing 265, India faced early hiccups but eventually chased down the target in 48.1 overs, finishing at 267/6. The victory was anchored by Virat Kohli’s magnificent 84, while Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya made crucial contributions.
Early Setback for India
India had a shaky start, losing two quick wickets within the first eight overs. Rohit Sharma (17) and Shubman Gill (22) were dismissed early, leaving India struggling at 43/2 in 7.5 overs.
Virat Kohli Leads the Charge
• Virat Kohli (84 off 98 balls): Once again, the big-match player stepped up when India needed him the most. Kohli built partnerships and held the innings together.
• Kohli added a 91-run stand with Shreyas Iyer (37 off 45 balls) to rebuild the innings.
• He followed it up with a 52-run partnership with Axar Patel (33 off 36 balls).
• Another crucial 47-run stand with KL Rahul (42 off 47 balls)* brought India closer to victory.
With his knock, Kohli became India’s all-time leading run-scorer in Champions Trophy history and surpassed 1000 runs in ICC knockout matches.
Rahul and Pandya Finish in Style
KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 42, playing a calm and composed innings under pressure.
Hardik Pandya (28 off 17 balls) provided the final push with a few aggressive strokes, ensuring India chased down the target with 11 balls to spare.
Australian Bowlers Put Up a Fight
• Nathan Ellis (2/46 in 9 overs): The pacer bowled with good control, taking two wickets and keeping the Indian batters in check.
• Adam Zampa (2/50 in 10 overs): The star leg-spinner picked up two wickets but couldn’t stop India’s chase.
India’s Dominance Over Australia in Champions Trophy Knockouts
With this win, India secured their third victory over Australia in Champions Trophy knockout matches.
• 1998 Quarter-Final: India defeated Australia.
• 2000 Quarter-Final: India knocked Australia out.
• 2025 Semi-Final: India once again got the better of the Aussies.
Heroes and Zeroes from the Semi-Final
Heroes
1. Varun Chakravarthy – The Game-Changing Spinner
• The mystery spinner continued his dream run in the tournament.
• After his five-wicket haul against New Zealand, he made a huge impact in the semi-final.
• Dismissed Travis Head (who was looking dangerous) in just his second ball.
• Finished with 2/49 in 10 overs and bowled 28 dot balls.
2. Mohammed Shami – India’s Pace Spearhead
• Once again delivered in a big match, picking up 3 crucial wickets.
• Got rid of Connolly early, broke Smith’s resistance, and struck again at the death.
• Bowled 34 dot balls and maintained an excellent economy rate.
India Triumphs Over Australia by 4 Wickets:ICC Champions Trophy 2025
3. Virat Kohli – The Big-Match Player
• Played a match-winning knock of 84 off 98 balls.
• Held the innings together with crucial partnerships.
• Became India’s top scorer in Champions Trophy history.
• Took two catches, surpassing Ricky Ponting (160) for second-most catches in ODI history.
Zeroes
1. Glenn Maxwell – A Missed Opportunity
• Came in at a crucial stage (after Smith’s dismissal) but failed to capitalize.
• Scored only 7 runs, getting bowled while attempting a risky shot.
• With the ball, he was ineffective, conceding 0/35 in 6.1 overs.
2. Josh Inglis – Threw His Wicket Away
• Had an opportunity to build a strong partnership with Smith.
• Played a needless lofted shot, resulting in his dismissal for just 11 runs off 12 balls.
• His poor shot selection hurt Australia at a key moment.
3. Cooper Connolly – A Forgettable Debut
• The young batter was thrust into the opening role on his debut but failed.
• Struggled against Shami, playing and missing multiple times.
• Finally edged a harmless delivery and was dismissed for a 9-ball duck.
READ ALSO –
India Triumphs Over Australia by 4 Wickets:ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Conclusion
India’s victory over Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final was a result of brilliant individual performances, with Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, and Varun Chakravarthy leading the way. Australia had their moments, but poor shot selection and a weak finish cost them dearly.
With this win, India now marches into their third consecutive Champions Trophy final, aiming to add another ICC trophy to their illustrious history.
