India storms into final, defeats Australia by 4 wickets

KATHMANDU: Two-time champions India have secured their place in the Champions Trophy final after defeating Australia by four wickets in the semifinal.

This marks India’s third consecutive final appearance in the tournament.

In the high-stakes clash at Dubai International Stadium, India successfully chased down a target of 265 runs with 11 balls to spare, finishing at 266/6.

India’s Chase: Kohli and Rahul Shine

India had a shaky start, losing both openers early. Shubman Gill was dismissed for 8, while captain Rohit Sharma made a quickfire 28. The team posted 55/2 in the first powerplay.

Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer then steadied the innings with a crucial 91-run partnership for the third wicket. Iyer fell agonizingly short of a half-century, scoring 45 before being bowled by Adam Zampa. Kohli, however, reached his fifty and continued to anchor the innings.

Axar Patel contributed 27 before being dismissed, and Kohli’s brilliant knock of 84 off 98 balls, including five boundaries, came to an end at a critical juncture. At 225/5 in 42.2 overs, India still needed a composed finish.

Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul ensured victory with an unbeaten 41-run stand. Pandya’s quickfire 28 off 24 balls included three sixes and a four, while Rahul remained unbeaten on 42 off 34 balls, striking two fours and two sixes.

For Australia, Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis took two wickets each, while Ben Dwarshuis and Cooper Connolly claimed one apiece.

Australia’s Innings: Smith and Carey Fight Back

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia was bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs.

Opener Cooper Connolly departed for a duck off Mohammed Shami’s delivery, while Travis Head contributed 39 before being caught by Gill off Varun Chakravarthy.

Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne then built a 56-run partnership for the third wicket before Labuschagne fell for 29. Josh Inglis followed soon after, dismissed for 11.

Smith continued his resilience, adding another 54-run stand with Alex Carey before being bowled by Shami for 73. Carey then notched a half-century, scoring 61 off 57 balls with eight fours and a six, before being run out.

For India, Shami was the standout bowler with 3/48 in 10 overs. Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with two wickets each.

Final Awaits

India will now face the winner of the second semifinal between New Zealand and South Africa, set to take place tomorrow.

The grand finale promises to be a thrilling contest as India aims for its third Champions Trophy title.