India has secured their place in the Champions Trophy final after a thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Australia, opting to bat first, set a modest target of 265 runs, finishing their innings at 264 all out in 49.3 overs. Steven Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61) were the standout performers for Australia, anchoring their innings after an early setback.
The Australian batting lineup faced early trouble as Cooper Connolly fell to Mohammed Shami in the third over, leaving Australia at 4 for 1. However, captain Steven Smith partnered with Travis Head, and together they added 50 runs for the second wicket. Head’s attacking 33-ball 39, including five fours and two sixes, ended in the ninth over.
Smith remained the top scorer for Australia, holding the innings together with solid partnerships, notably with Marnus Labuschagne (29) and Josh Inglis (11). Smith’s knock of 73 runs from 96 balls, including four boundaries and a six, was crucial for his team. After his dismissal, Australia’s middle-order collapsed under pressure, but Carey’s determined 61 off 57 balls kept their hopes alive, featuring eight fours and a six.
Shami was the standout bowler for India, claiming three wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja and Varun Chakravarthy bagged two wickets each. Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel also chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring Australia’s total remained under control.
In response, India chased down the target with clinical efficiency, securing the win with four wickets in hand. The victory sends India through to the final, where they will now look to add another title to their impressive cricketing legacy.
Playing XIs:
Australia: Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Steven Smith (capt), Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, Adam Zampa
India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy
