Virat Kohli delivered a chase masterclass as India defeated Australia by four wickets in the Champions Trophy semi-final on Tuesday, securing a place in the final. The victory avenged India's loss in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
India successfully chased down a 265-run target, recording its highest-ever run chase against Australia in an ICC event. The previous best was 261 in the 2011 World Cup quarter-final.
India began cautiously, with Shubman Gill struggling while captain Rohit Sharma attacked early. Rohit survived two dropped catches but was dismissed for 28. Gill was bowled for a low score, giving Australia early hope.
Kohli and Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings with a 91-run stand before Iyer was bowled by Adam Zampa for 45. Axar Patel added 27 before falling, while KL Rahul played a composed knock. Kohli, closing in on a century, was caught for 84 while trying to accelerate.
Hardik Pandya hit two massive sixes off Zampa to shift momentum. He fell for 28, but Rahul sealed the win with a six, sending India to the final.
Earlier, Australia won the toss and elected to bat but lost Cooper Connolly for a nine-ball duck. Travis Head attacked early but was dismissed for 39 by Varun Chakravarthy.
Steve Smith anchored the innings with 73, while Alex Carey scored 60. Australia struggled against India's spinners, with Jadeja and Chakravarthy picking crucial wickets. Mohammed Shami and Pandya wrapped up the innings, dismissing Australia for 264 in 49.3 overs.
India remains unbeaten in the tournament and awaits the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand. The final will be played later this week.
