Explore the remarkable achievements of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul as they guide India to the Champions Trophy 2025 Final. Read match summaries and player insights.
Introduction:
India secured their place in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final with a hard-fought four-wicket win over Australia in a tense semi-final clash in Dubai. The match, filled with dramatic moments, showcased the best of both teams, with Travis Head’s explosive start, Steven Smith’s masterclass in middle-overs, and India’s composed chase under pressure.
Despite a late twist with Virat Kohli falling short of finishing the game, KL Rahul held his nerve, guiding India home with an unbeaten 42-run knock. The victory means India will now face either South Africa or New Zealand in the final, looking to reclaim the Champions Trophy title they last won in 2013. See also: Virat Kohli’s Masterclass 100 Sinks Pakistan
Travis Head Fires, But India Hit Back
Australia, opting to bat first, aimed to post a par-plus score on a dry pitch expected to assist spinners later in the day. The early exchanges saw Travis Head riding his luck—he was dropped in the very first over by Mohammed Shami—but he soon found his rhythm.
Head smashed 26 off his next 19 balls, targeting Hardik Pandya with a pick-up shot six and a powerful pull. However, India’s gamble on mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy paid off immediately, as he dismissed Head for a rapid 44, breaking the opening stand.
Steven Smith and Labuschagne Anchor the Innings
With Head gone, Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the innings. Smith’s ability to manipulate spinners, along with Labuschagne’s fluent stroke play, helped Australia build a strong platform. The duo added a crucial 87-run partnership, with Smith showcasing his problem-solving skills against India’s world-class spin attack.
However, Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav applied pressure in the middle overs, leading to a mini-collapse. Smith, on 73, fell to Axar Patel, and Josh Inglis followed soon after, exposing Australia’s lower middle order. See also: Rachin Ravindra’s 108 Propel Black Caps to CT Final
Alex Carey’s Late Surge Lifts Australia
Despite the setbacks, Alex Carey played a crucial hand, scoring 61 off 57 balls. His innovative stroke play, including sweeps and reverse sweeps, kept the scoreboard ticking. His late flourish helped Australia reach 275 before being bowled out in the 49th over.
Mohammed Shami was the pick of India’s bowlers, taking three wickets with his trademark seam movement and variations, while Kuldeep and Jadeja choked the run flow in the middle overs.
India’s Chase: A Test of Nerves and Patience
India’s chase started on a dramatic note. Rohit Sharma, known for his attacking play, took the aerial route early, attempting to put pressure on Australia’s bowlers. However, he was dropped twice, first by Cooper Connolly and then by Marnus Labuschagne.
Eventually, his luck ran out, as the 21-year-old Connolly got redemption, trapping him lbw with a sharp-turning delivery. The young Australian erupted in celebration, knowing he had taken out India’s most dangerous batter.
Gill Falls, Kohli, and Iyer Steady the Ship
Shubman Gill, the world’s number 1 ranked ODI batter, could not make an impact, falling to a clever change of pace from Ben Dwarshuis. With India at 50/2, the pressure was on Kohli and Shreyas Iyer to rebuild.
Virat Kohli’s Classic Knock Under Pressure
Virat Kohli, the king of chases, looked in sublime form. His game against spin, which had been a concern recently, was back to vintage levels. He rotated the strike beautifully, facing 45 balls against spinners and scoring 44 runs while enduring only 13 dots.
However, Australia finally got their breakthrough, as Zampa deceived Iyer with a googly, sending India into a tricky situation at 134/3 in the 27th over.
Axar’s Pinch-Hitting and Kohli’s Departure
Recognizing the need for quick runs, Axar Patel was promoted ahead of KL Rahul to attack the Australian bowlers. He played a few crisp shots, including a lofted cover drive and a big slog over midwicket, but his stump was knocked back by Nathan Ellis, leaving India at 188/4, needing 87 runs off 90 balls.
Then came the biggest twist—Kohli, who had been rock-solid, fell while trying to clear long-on, handing Australia a glimmer of hope. His 54 off 69 balls had brought India close, but he could not finish the chase this time.
Hardik’s Fireworks and Rahul’s Calmness Seal the Win
With 67 needed off 54 balls, Hardik Pandya took charge, smashing back-to-back sixes off Zampa to tilt the game in India’s favor. However, he perished trying to finish it in style, caught at long-on off Nathan Ellis.
KL Rahul, known for his cool temperament, then took control. He played intelligent cricket, finding gaps and rotating the strike, ensuring there were no further hiccups.
Eventually, Rahul sealed the victory with a stunning six over midwicket, guiding India to a four-wicket win with seven balls to spare.
Key Takeaways: India’s Balanced Performance
Shami’s Impact with the Ball: Despite spin being expected to dominate, Shami proved why world-class pacers shine on any surface. His new ball spell troubled Australia’s top order, and his reverse swing at the death kept the scoring in check.
Kuldeep and Jadeja’s Middle-Overs Control: They prevented Smith and Labuschagne from accelerating, creating scoreboard pressure.
Jadeja’s dismissal of Inglis came at a crucial moment, preventing Australia from crossing 300.
Kohli and Rahul’s Calm Approach: Kohli’s steady hand was vital in the middle overs, preventing a collapse. Rahul’s finishing touch ensured India didn’t falter under pressure, proving his value as a reliable chaser.
Australia’s Selection Gamble Backfires
Cooper Connolly’s inexperience at the top order was evident, and his failure to fire put extra pressure on Smith and Labuschagne.
Australia went in with too many spinners, a risky move that did not fully pay off.
What’s Next? The Final Awaits
India’s victory sets up a Champions Trophy Final 2025 showdown with either South Africa or New Zealand, who face off in the second semi-final. Rohit Sharma’s men will now aim for their third Champions Trophy title, having won in 2002 (shared) and 2013.
With their batting unit in form, bowling attack firing, and momentum on their side, India will head into the final as favorites to lift the trophy.