India secured a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final with a thrilling run chase against Australia, overcoming a challenging target in Dubai.
The encounter marked a high-stakes rematch between two cricketing giants, who last met in an ODI during the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup final, where Australia emerged victorious.
This time, however, India turned the tables with a resilient performance. Chasing 265 for victory, the Men in Blue found themselves in a tricky situation at 225/5, still needing 40 runs from 44 balls. It was then that Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul stepped up, forming a crucial sixth-wicket partnership that guided India to victory.
Pandya’s aggressive approach and Rahul’s composed batting saw India inch closer to the target, with Pandya smashing 28 off 24 balls before being dismissed in the penultimate over. Rahul, holding his nerve, sealed the win in style with a towering six, remaining unbeaten on 42 off 34 deliveries. Ravindra Jadeja provided the finishing touch with two runs from the lone ball he faced, ensuring India reached 267/6 and clinched a place in the final.
Earlier in the match, India’s bowlers had restricted Australia to 264, the highest total recorded in Dubai during the tournament at that stage. Mohammed Shami led the charge, dismissing Australian captain Steve Smith for 73, while Axar Patel removed the dangerous Glenn Maxwell for just seven. Australia lost their last four wickets within five overs, managing only 29 runs in that period.
India’s chase began with an early setback as Shubman Gill was bowled by Ben Dwarhuis, followed by Rohit Sharma’s lbw dismissal to Cooper Connolly, reducing India to 43/2 inside eight overs. Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli attempted to stabilize the innings, but Adam Zampa’s delivery shattered Iyer’s stumps at 45. Axar Patel’s departure brought KL Rahul to the crease, who played a pivotal role in steering India to victory.
India’s dominance in the tournament has been remarkable, finishing atop Group A with victories over Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Australia, ranked second in Group B behind South Africa, couldn’t withstand India’s relentless pursuit of glory. With this win, India now sets its sights on the final, aiming to lift the prestigious Champions Trophy once again.
