• India defeated Australia in the semifinal of Champions Trophy 2025.

  • Virat Kohli earned the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.

Twitter reactions: Virat Kohli shines as India edge out Australia in a nervy chase to qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025 final
India beat Australia to book final berth in Champions Trophy 2025 (Image Source: X)

Table of Contents

India booked their spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final with a thrilling four-wicket win over Australia in the first semifinal at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 265, Virat Kohli‘s classy 84-run knock and crucial contributions from KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya powered India home with 11 balls to spare.

Australia’s gritty batting effort

After electing to bat first, Australia posted 264 in 49.3 overs, riding on a determined 73 from Steve Smith and a quickfire 61 by Alex Carey. Travis Head (39 off 33) and Marnus Labuschagne (29 off 36) chipped in, but India’s disciplined bowling attack prevented the Aussies from accelerating.

Mohammed Shami (3/48) led the attack brilliantly, while Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) provided crucial breakthroughs. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Australia managed to push past 260, setting a competitive total.

India’s chase: Virat Kohli’s brilliance seals the win

India got off to a steady but cautious start as Rohit Sharma (28) and Shubman Gill (8) looked to settle in. However, quick strikes from Ben Dwarshuis and Cooper Connolly put Australia on top early.

With India at 82/2, Kohli took control of the chase, crafting a well-paced 84 off 98 balls. His partnership with Shreyas Iyer (45 off 62) stabilized the innings before Rahul (42 off 34) and Pandya (28 off 24) provided the finishing touch. Despite some late jitters, India reached 267/6 in 48.1 overs, securing a place in the final.

Kohli’s match-winning 84-run knock anchored India’s chase and earned him the Player of the Match award. His composure under pressure once again proved decisive in a knockout clash. With this four-wicket victory, India marches into the final, awaiting the winner of the second semifinal.

Also WATCH: Cooper Connolly’s pumped-up celebration after removing Rohit Sharma in Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal

Here is how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma left fuming at Kuldeep Yadav during IND vs AUS Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal

Subscribe to Cricket Times on YouTube to watch Exclusive Interviews, Podcasts, Daily News Updates & Explainers.

TAGS:

CATEGORY: Champions Trophy India Twitter Reactions Virat Kohli

For latest cricket news and updates, subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.

About the Author:
AKSHAT GAUR
Akshat is the Sr. Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Akshat has honed his skills over 6 years, working with various media outlets, publications, and organizations to deliver high-quality content that informs, educates, and entertains audiences. He is just another cricket fan who’s grown up watching the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Cricket runs in his veins. Cover drive is his favorite sight, and a ball meeting the middle of the bat is his favorite sound. You can write to him at akshat.gaur@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.