IND vs AUS Highlights, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final: India overcome Australia in a nail-biting chase, first to reach Champions Trophy final

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.

Steven Smith captain of the Australian team said, "The bowlers did a really good job. The spinners squeezed them and took the game deeper. [Pitch] It was a tricky wicket to start on and we did a good job. It played similar throughout the game. A bit of hold and skid for spinners. It was a little two-paced. It wasn't the easiest batting condition. We could have put a few more runs on the board. If we had 280-plus, it could have been different. We were one wicket down too many down at each stage of the game. [On CT'25] Just the way we have come together. The bowling was quite inexperienced. Some of the batters stood up. The England game, they came up strong. They will continue to get bigger and better."

Indian captain Rohit Sharma said, "Till the last ball is bowled, nothing is certain. Halfway through the game, we felt it was a reasonable score, and we have to bat really really well. I thought we were very clinical with the bat. We were very calm and composed. The wicket looked better, and that has been the nature of the surfaces. The one which played today was slightly better. We just want to play good cricket and not read too much into what the pitch is doing. [Six bowling options] That is something I really wanted, to have six bowling options and then batting till No. 8 as well. This is something we discussed while making the squad. Credit to everyone involved. When you have six bowling options, you can choose from anyone you want. [On Kohli] He has done it for us for so many years. We were very calm. We wanted that big stand which Shreyas and Virat had. Then the shots by Hardik in the end were very important. [Looking ahead] Very happy with that. When you want to play the final, you want all your guys in form. That is something that gives us a lot of confidence. We will not think too much about it. When the time comes, we will think about it. I also want the guys to relax. "

The bowlers did a really good job. The spinners squeezed them and took the game deeper. [Pitch] It was a tricky wicket to start on and we did a good job. It played similar throughout the game. A bit of hold and skid for spinners. It was a little two-paced. It wasn't the easiest batting condition. We could have put a few more runs on the board. If we had 280-plus, it could have been different. We were one wicket down too many down at each stage of the game. [On CT'25] Just the way we have come together. The bowling was quite inexperienced. Some of the batters stood up. The England game, they came up strong. They will continue to get bigger and better.

Rohit Sharma has made history by becoming the first captain to reach the finals of all major ICC tournaments. This remarkable achievement includes his leadership in the:

Rohit’s consistency and strategic brilliance have earned him this milestone, solidifying his legacy as one of the most successful captains in world cricket.

Man of the Match Virat Kohli says

"It was pretty similar to the other day against Pakistan. It is about understanding the conditions and rotating the strike because partnerships on its pitch are important. it all depends on the conditions and then I play my innings. My timing, my composure at the crease, I wasn't rushed. The singles that I took was the most pleasing part for me. This game is all about pressure. If you go deep into the game, the opposition usually give in. It is important to control your impulses. Even if the RR is six an over, I am not bothered. [Best he has ever played?] I don't know. That is up to you guys to break down. I have never focused on those things. When you don't think of those milestones, they happen. If I get to the three-figure mark, great, but the win is important. For me, those things don't matter anymore."

India has clinched a thrilling win with KL Rahul (42* off 34 balls) hitting a stunning six off Glenn Maxwell on the first ball of the 49th over. The win comes with 11 balls to spare, completing the chase with ease. Rahul, who was in sublime form, helped India to victory alongside Ravindra Jadeja, who remained unbeaten. India's chase of 266 runs ends with 267/6, marking a satisfying finish to an intense encounter. With a brilliant partnership between Rahul and Pandya earlier, India secured a well-deserved win in this exciting contest.

India are now on the verge of a thrilling victory, requiring just 4 runs from 12 balls. KL Rahul (36 off 33 balls) remains steady at the crease, while Ravindra Jadeja (2 off 1 ball) has just joined him. Despite losing Hardik Pandya, who scored 28 runs, the required run rate has now dropped to a comfortable 2.00. With Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa having bowled their full quotas, India will be looking to finish the chase quickly and secure the win. The match is set for a dramatic conclusion.

Hardik Pandya departs for 28 runs off 24 balls, caught by Glenn Maxwell off Nathan Ellis' bowling. Pandya's knock, which included three sixes and a boundary, was pivotal in keeping India on track. With the required run rate climbing, his dismissal leaves India needing 19 runs from 18 balls. KL Rahul remains at the crease, with a crucial role to play in guiding India towards victory.

Hardik Pandya delivers another stunning boundary, this time off Nathan Ellis. A back-of-a-length ball on middle stump is dispatched effortlessly over mid-on for four. With that, India’s chase gains momentum as they need just 19 runs from 18 balls. Pandya's confidence is shining through as he maintains the aggressive approach, keeping the required run rate in check. The Indian batting duo of Rahul and Pandya is now fully in control, and the target is within sight.

Hardik Pandya has lit up the chase with consecutive sixes off Adam Zampa. The first, a powerful lofted shot to long-off, came from a tossed-up delivery outside off. Pandya managed to clear the boundary even without perfect timing, showing his strength. The second six was equally impressive, with Pandya getting it right out of the screws. This back-to-back show of aggression takes India closer to the target, with 27 runs still needed from 24 balls. Pandya's explosive hitting is crucial in keeping India in the race to seal the victory.

India's chase is nearing its climax, requiring 27 runs from the final 24 balls. Hardik Pandya (11 off 16 balls) and KL Rahul (33 off 30 balls) are at the crease, keeping the chase alive. The required run rate has risen to 6.75 per over, adding more pressure on the duo to accelerate the scoring. Nathan Ellis (1/41) and Tanveer Sangha (0/41) have bowled well, but India is looking to capitalize on the final overs. The match is set for an exciting finish as the Indian pair seeks to guide the team home.

KL Rahul has achieved a remarkable milestone in his ODI career, reaching 3000 runs. On a delivery from Nathan Ellis, he pushed a length ball outside off to the left of cover-point for a single. This run not only brings up the 3000-run mark but also adds another achievement to Rahul's impressive ODI career. The Indian batsman has consistently been a crucial figure in the middle order, contributing vital runs in various formats. With this achievement, Rahul continues to solidify his place among India's top performers in limited-overs cricket.

Hardik Pandya has ignited India's chase with a powerful six off Tanveer Sangha. With India needing 36 runs from 37 balls, Pandya stepped up to break the shackles, launching a 106-meter maximum straight over the bowler’s head. Sangha bowled a full delivery on middle, and Pandya got under it perfectly, muscling the ball into the stands. This remarkable hit not only helped India narrow the gap but also signaled a shift in momentum. KL Rahul (32 off 28) continues to anchor the innings, as India now requires just 30 from 35 balls with the required rate at 6.00.

India's chase is nearing a thrilling conclusion with 36 runs needed from 36 balls. Hardik Pandya (3 off 6 balls) has been cautious since his arrival, while KL Rahul (32 off 28 balls) continues to lead the charge with two boundaries and a six. The required run rate has climbed to 6.00, and the Indian pair must strike a balance of controlled aggression to reach the target. Nathan Ellis (1/40) and Adam Zampa (2/45) remain the key threats, having kept the pressure high throughout the chase.

India's chase has become a nail-biting affair as they require 39 runs from the remaining 42 balls. Virat Kohli's departure for 84 has added pressure, but KL Rahul (31 off 26 balls) remains at the crease alongside Hardik Pandya (1 off 2 balls). With the required run rate climbing to 5.57, the Indian duo must find the right balance between caution and aggression to guide the team to victory. Adam Zampa (2/45) and Ben Dwarshuis (1/39) have been key bowlers, keeping the chase in check.

Virat Kohli's impressive innings of 84 off 98 balls came to an end as he was caught by Ben Dwarshuis off Adam Zampa's bowling. Despite Kohli's steady performance, India now requires 48 runs from the remaining 47 balls. The pressure continues to mount, with KL Rahul still at the crease and the chase on a knife's edge.

India's chase is intensifying as KL Rahul powers a massive six off Adam Zampa, sending the ball straight over the boundary. The crowd roars as Rahul continues his aggressive approach, taking on the Australian bowlers. With his confidence growing, this six adds to India's momentum, reducing the pressure with every boundary. Rahul's 30 runs off 26 balls, including this maximum, has kept the run chase in control. As the required run rate hovers around 6.00 per over, the stage is set for a thrilling finish with both Rahul and Kohli steadying the ship for India.

KL Rahul has stepped up with an aggressive approach, clearing the in-field with ease to hit a well-timed boundary. As the ball was bowled by Dwarshuis, Rahul capitalized on the opportunity, pushing India to 200 runs. The shot was crisp, flying over the in-field and into the gap, as he made the most of the full length delivery outside off stump.

Virat Kohli attempted an ambitious shot off Dwarshuis, but it didn't come off as planned. The ball was full and outside off stump, and Kohli tried to go inside-out over covers. However, he mistimed the shot, and it sliced, falling well short of deep third. Kohli immediately berated himself for the mistake, showing his frustration at not executing the shot as intended. Despite the miscue, the Indian captain managed to collect a single, continuing to build his innings. Kohli’s awareness of his mistake highlighted his focus on perfection as India steadily pursued their target.

KL Rahul displayed his batting prowess with a brilliant shot off Tanveer Sangha. The ball was slightly overpitched on off, and Rahul made full use of the opportunity, slamming it over the bowler's head. Despite the presence of a long-off fielder, the shot was perfectly timed and powerful enough to race to the boundary for four runs. This well-executed shot took India’s score to a more commanding position, as they continued to chase down the target. Rahul's confident strokeplay underlined his growing form, with the Indian team edging closer to victory in the match.

KL Rahul brings up the 200-run mark for India with a well-timed cover drive off Dwarshuis. The ball is pitched outside off, and Rahul expertly guides it on the up to the sweeper cover for a single. This milestone comes as India aims to chase down the target, with Rahul's calm presence at the crease along with Virat Kohli's steady knock, keeping India on track. The partnership between the two is vital as the game enters its final stages, with the required run rate hovering above 6 runs per over. India now needs 67 runs from 66 balls.

At the end of the 39th over, India is 198/4, needing 67 runs from the remaining 66 balls to secure victory. Virat Kohli has been a steady presence at the crease, now on 79 from 89 balls with five boundaries, while KL Rahul has contributed 9 runs off 13 balls. Adam Zampa has been the most successful bowler for Australia, conceding 36 runs and taking one wicket in his eight overs, while Cooper Connolly has also been economical, conceding 37 runs in eight overs. India requires a strong finish to cross the line with a manageable required run rate.

At the end of over 38, India is on 192/4, needing 73 runs from the remaining 72 balls. Virat Kohli is playing an anchor role with 75 runs off 86 balls, including 5 fours, while KL Rahul is at 7 from 10 balls. The required run rate has climbed to 6.08 per over, signaling the need for quick runs in the coming overs. Cooper Connolly has bowled 8 overs for 37 runs, while Nathan Ellis has conceded 37 from 7 overs. India will need a solid partnership between Kohli and Rahul to reach the target with confidence.

India has reached 187/4 after 37 overs, needing 78 runs from 78 balls. Virat Kohli, still holding the chase together, has 73 runs from 84 balls with five boundaries. KL Rahul, at the other end, has 4 runs from 6 balls. The required run rate has increased to 6.00 per over, but the game remains in the balance with India needing a steady partnership. Nathan Ellis and Cooper Connolly have each taken a wicket, and wi

India is progressing steadily in their chase, reaching 183/4 after 36 overs, needing 82 runs from the remaining 84 balls. Virat Kohli has been the anchor of the innings, bringing up a crucial 71 off 81 balls, including five boundaries. KL Rahul, at the crease with Kohli, is on 2 from 3 balls. The Indian batsmen are keeping the required run rate under control at 5.85, with the task ahead of them to accelerate. Nathan Ellis and Cooper Connolly have been economical, taking one wicket each, but India still holds strong with six wickets in hand.

India finds itself at 178/4 after 35 overs, with Virat Kohli still holding the fort at 68 from 78 balls. The team now needs 87 runs from 90 balls to reach their target. Nathan Ellis, who provided the breakthrough by dismissing Axar Patel, has bowled 6 overs for 33 runs and 1 wicket. Glenn Maxwell, with his economical 6-over spell, continues to pose a challenge for the batters, maintaining pressure on the Indian side. Kohli’s stability remains crucial for India’s chances as they aim to accelerate and close in on the required total.

Axar Patel’s resilient innings came to an end as he was dismissed for 27 by Ellis, leaving India at 175/4 after 34.1 overs. Patel, who had been holding strong alongside Virat Kohli, struck 1 four and 1 six during his 30-ball stay. The wicket came at a crucial juncture as India needs 90 runs from the remaining 96 balls. Ellis, who had been probing well, got the breakthrough with a well-executed delivery that found Patel's stumps. The match remains in balance, with Kohli still at the crease, looking to guide India through this challenging phase.

Axar Patel plays a brilliant shot, driving Glenn Maxwell over cover for a delightful boundary. The ball is struck perfectly on the up, splitting the fielders at sweeper and long-off, bringing India to 171/3 after 33.1 overs. Patel's aggressive stroke takes his total to 24 off 25 balls, as India now needs 94 runs from 16.5 overs to win. Virat Kohli, still holding firm on 64 off 73 balls, remains the anchor for the chase, while Patel’s presence at the crease injects momentum into the Indian innings.

India reaches 167/3 after 33 overs, adding 6 runs in the latest over. Virat Kohli (64 off 73 balls) and Axar Patel (20 off 23 balls) continue their steady partnership, with the team needing 98 more runs from 17 overs to secure the win. The pressure increases with a required rate of 5.76 runs per over. Travis Head's brief appearance in the attack saw him concede 6 runs in his single over, while Glenn Maxwell continues his tight spell with figures of 5-0-21-0. India’s progress hinges on this partnership with time ticking down.