Indian batting great Virat Kohli delivered yet another masterclass, guiding his team to victory against Australia in the first semi-final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
The right-handed batter played a match-winning knock of 84 runs off 95 balls, anchoring the chase with a composed innings featuring five boundaries.
Kohli walked in with India struggling at 30 for one after Shubman Gill’s dismissal. Soon after, he saw skipper Rohit Sharma depart, leaving the team at 34 for two.
However, he steadied the innings, forging a crucial 91-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer to keep India’s hopes alive in the marquee event.
The former captain then built a 43-run stand with Axar Patel before falling to Adam Zampa while India 34 runs shy.
India eventually chased down the target with four wickets in hand, securing a place in the final for the third consecutive times (2013, 2017 and 2025).
Meanwhile, in the first innings, Australia posted a total of 264 runs before being bowled out in 49.3 overs.
Steve Smith and Alex Carey played key roles in stabilizing Australia’s innings after an early collapse. Mohammed Shami struck in the third over, removing Cooper Connolly for just four runs.
Head contributed a brisk 39 off 33 balls before falling in the ninth over, while Smith top-scored with 73 off 96 deliveries. Carey’s late surge of 61 off 57 balls ensured Australia reached a competitive total.
