- India secures a spot in the Champions Trophy final with a four-wicket win over Australia.
- Virat Kohli anchors the chase with a composed 84 before Hardik Pandya’s late fireworks.
- KL Rahul seals victory with a six as India advances to face New Zealand or South Africa in the final.
India secured their place in the Champions Trophy final with a composed four-wicket win over Australia in Dubai, successfully chasing down a target of 265.
Virat Kohli anchored the chase with a typically assured 84, steadying the innings after early setbacks that saw captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill depart within the first eight overs. The chase appeared to be under control until Kohli, renowned for his ability in such situations, miscued a shot to Adam Zampa at long-on with 40 runs still required from 45 balls.
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Australia responded with disciplined bowling, briefly tightening the contest, but Hardik Pandya eased the pressure with two powerful straight sixes in his quickfire 28 off 24 balls.
Though Pandya fell with just six runs needed, KL Rahul sealed victory in style, smashing a six with 11 balls to spare—avenging India’s loss to Australia in the 2023 World Cup final.
Earlier, India’s bowlers executed their plans effectively to dismiss Australia for 264 in 49.3 overs. Despite being well-positioned at 198-4 in the 38th over, Australia faltered when Steve Smith, who dug in for 73, and Glenn Maxwell were bowled in quick succession.
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With this win, India advances to Sunday’s final, which will now take place in Dubai instead of Lahore due to their decision not to travel to hosts Pakistan. They will face either New Zealand or South Africa, who meet in the second semi-final on Wednesday in Lahore.
