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Australia seemed well on course for a strong finish in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium but Shreyas Iyer‘s electrifying fielding effort turned the tide in India‘s favour. Alex Carey, who was playing a crucial role in accelerating Australia’s innings, was dismissed dramatically through a pinpoint direct hit by Iyer in the 48th over. The wicket proved to be a game-changing moment, as Australia, who were eyeing a total beyond 280, eventually collapsed and were bowled out for 264.
Shreyas Iyer’s lightning-quick reflexes cut short Alex Carey’s impact
With Carey anchoring the innings, Australia were looking to launch a late assault in the death overs. The left-handed Carey, who had compiled a solid 61 off 52 balls, was targeting India’s spinners, particularly Kuldeep Yadav, and timing his strokes to perfection. However, his innings came to a sudden halt due to a moment of sheer brilliance from Iyer, who executed one of the best run-outs of the tournament.
On the first ball of the 48th over, Carey pulled a delivery towards deep backward square leg and attempted a risky second run to retain the strike. Iyer, positioned in the deep, sprinted towards the ball, picked it up cleanly in one swift motion, and unleashed a rocket throw at the keeper’s end. His direct hit struck the stumps with incredible accuracy, catching Carey well short of his crease, as he could only watch in disbelief. Carey had played a vital role in countering India’s spinners, particularly troubling Kuldeep, who had the worst figures among Indian bowlers. The left-hander struck 8 fours and 1 six, demonstrating impeccable timing and footwork. However, his run-out derailed Australia’s momentum, preventing them from reaching a more formidable total.
Here’s the video:
What a direct hit from shreyas Iyer to get Alex carey run out.
He is pumped up🥵pic.twitter.com/iUmxljsg7t— Radha (@Rkc1511165) March 4, 2025
Also WATCH: Mohammed Shami stuns Steve Smith with a banger in the Champions Trophy 2025
Mohammed Shami and Varun Chakravarthy lead India’s bowling attack
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Australia started strongly, with Travis Head providing an aggressive start with 39 off 33 balls before falling to Varun Chakravarthy. Captain Steve Smith took control of the innings, playing a well-paced 73-run knock, ensuring Australia built a platform for a big total. However, Shami’s precision bowling in the latter stages proved decisive.
Shami finished as India’s standout bowler with figures of 3/48, dismissing Cooper Connolly, Steve Smith and Nathan Ellis. Chakravarthy’s two wickets, including that of Head, further dented Australia’s progress. Regular wickets in the final 10 overs meant that Australia failed to play out their full 50-over quota, getting bowled out in 49.3 overs for 264.
With a target of 265, India now have a golden opportunity to book their place in the final. If they emerge victorious, they will play the summit clash in Dubai on Sunday. However, if Australia win, the final will take place in Lahore, where they will meet the winner of the New Zealand semi-final match against South Africa. With high stakes and intense competition, the second innings promises to be a thrilling battle as India look to avenge their 2023 World Cup final loss to Australia.
