His 84-run knock helps India inch closer to become champions again as they beat Australia by 4 wickets in the first semis
Dubai: Virat Kohli did not finish the chase for once but his measured 84-run knock steered India into their fifth Champions Trophy final with a clinical four-wicket win over an under-strength and profligate Australia in the first last-four clash here on Tuesday.
The Indian triumph ensures that the final of the eight-team competition will now be held here instead of Lahore, the original host of the marquee clash, as Rohit Sharma’s men will not travel there owing to security concerns.
Player of the match Kohli (84, 98 balls, 5×4) was the fulcrum of Indian batting as they scaled down 265 in 48.1 overs after Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61) led the Aussies to 264.
Now, India will await the winner of the second semifinal between South Africa and New Zealand at Lahore on Wednesday.
Virat Kohli had solid support from Shreyas Iyer (45) in a 91-run third-wicket stand, steadying India after the early exits of Rohit Sharma (28) and Shubman Gill (9). Kohli, determined to end India’s knockout woes against Australia in ICC events since 2011, adapted brilliantly to the smoother pitch, managing the chase with a blend of caution and aggression.
His usual struggle against spinners did not resurface as he handled Adam Zampa well, using his pull and drives to find risk-free runs. He crossed fifty off 53 balls, surviving a drop by Glenn Maxwell on 51, but his attempt to accelerate ended at 84 when he miscued a lofted shot off Zampa.
Despite his departure, KL Rahul (42 not out) and Hardik Pandya (28) ensured a smooth finish, guiding India home in 48.1 overs.
India’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami (3/48) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40), restricted Australia despite well-paced fifties from Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61). Smith anchored the innings, forming three fifty-run stands – 52 with Travis Head (39), 56 with Marnus Labuschagne (29), and 54 with Carey.
However, Australia failed to capitalize, as poor shot selection cost them momentum.
India’s comprehensive win sets up a final against either South Africa or New Zealand, bringing the Champions Trophy title clash to India’s preferred venue instead of Lahore.
