In a high-stakes semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India showcased exceptional skill and determination to overcome Australia, securing their place in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. The match was a testament to India’s resilience, as they navigated early challenges to chase down a competitive total set by the Australians.
In This Article:
Australia’s Innings: A Blend of Aggression and Stability
Winning the toss, Australia elected to bat, aiming to leverage the dry conditions of the Dubai pitch. However, their innings began on a shaky note when opener Cooper Connolly was dismissed for a duck by Mohammed Shami in the third over, a delivery that showcased Shami’s precision and swing.
In contrast, Travis Head adopted an aggressive approach, scoring a brisk 39 off 33 balls, peppered with six boundaries and a six. His intent to dominate was evident as he took on the Indian pacers, but his innings was cut short when he was caught by Shubman Gill off Varun Chakravarthy, attempting a lofted shot over the infield.
Steve Smith, the Australian skipper, played a pivotal role in anchoring the innings. His composed 73 off 96 deliveries was a masterclass in pacing an innings under pressure. Smith’s technique and shot selection were impeccable, allowing him to build crucial partnerships.
He first collaborated with Marnus Labuschagne, adding 58 runs for the third wicket. Labuschagne’s 29 off 36 balls provided stability before he was trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja, a dismissal resulting from Jadeja’s consistent line and length.
Smith then found an able ally in Alex Carey, with whom he stitched a 77-run partnership. Carey’s counter-attacking 61 off 57 balls, laced with eight fours and a six, injected momentum into the Australian innings.
His aggressive approach, especially against the spinners, was instrumental in pushing Australia to a competitive total. However, his dismissal in the 47th over, attempting a reverse sweep off Varun Chakravarthy, triggered a lower-order collapse, limiting Australia to 264.
India’s Bowling: A Collective Effort
The Indian bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance, adapting well to the conditions. Mohammed Shami led the attack with figures of 3 for 48, showcasing his ability to swing the ball both ways. His early breakthrough set the tone, and his dismissal of Smith with a well-executed yorker in the death overs was crucial.
Ravindra Jadeja was instrumental in the middle overs, applying pressure with his accurate left-arm spin. He not only contained the run flow but also picked up vital wickets, including that of Labuschagne, with a delivery that skidded on, trapping him in front.
Varun Chakravarthy, known for his mystery spin, deceived the batsmen with his variations, accounting for the wickets of Head and Carey. His ability to extract turn and maintain a tight line made scoring difficult during the middle overs.
Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel contributed by taking a wicket each, ensuring that Australia couldn’t accelerate in the final overs.
India’s Chase: Navigating Early Setbacks
Chasing a target of 265, India faced immediate pressure as both openers, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, were back in the pavilion with just 27 runs on the board. Gill edged a delivery from Ben Dwarshuis to the slips, while Rohit was adjudged lbw to a sharp inswinger from Nathan Ellis.
At 27/2, the onus was on the experienced duo of Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer to stabilize the innings.
Kohli and Iyer exhibited remarkable composure, meticulously rebuilding the innings. They focused on rotating the strike, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking, and capitalized on any loose deliveries. Their partnership was a blend of caution and controlled aggression, reflecting their deep understanding of the game’s demands.
By the 18th over, they had guided India to 88/2, reducing the required run rate and shifting the pressure back onto the Australian bowlers.
Middle Overs: Shifting Gears
As the innings progressed, Kohli and Iyer began to assert their dominance. They targeted the Australian spinners, Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa, with calculated aggression. Iyer was particularly effective, using his feet to negate the spin and lofting the ball over the infield.
Their 127-run partnership was pivotal, not just in terms of runs but also in demoralizing the Australian bowling attack. Iyer’s innings of 82 off 91 balls came to an end when he attempted a sweep shot off Zampa and was caught at deep square leg.
Finishing the Chase: Lower Order Contributions
Following Iyer’s departure, Kohli continued to anchor the chase, displaying his trademark finesse in stroke play. Hardik Pandya joined him at the crease and played a crucial cameo, scoring 35 off 22 balls. His aggressive approach included two towering sixes over mid-wicket, which significantly eased the pressure. Ravindra Jadeja contributed an unbeaten 22, ensuring there were no further hiccups. Kohli remained not out on 94, guiding India to a six-wicket victory with eight balls to spare.
Post-Match Reflections: Leadership and Strategy
Virat Kohli was deservedly named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 94. In the post-match presentation, he emphasized the importance of partnerships and the team’s belief in chasing totals.
“Chasing 265 against a quality bowling attack was never easy, but we stuck to our plans. Shreyas played a fantastic knock, and the bowlers set it up for us. I’m proud of the way the team handled the pressure,” Kohli said.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised the team’s composure and execution. “Our bowlers did an exceptional job to restrict Australia. The partnership between Kohli and Iyer was crucial. We knew we had the depth in our batting to finish strong,” he stated.
On the other hand, Australian captain Steve Smith expressed disappointment but acknowledged India’s superior play. “We started well but couldn’t capitalize in the death overs. India batted brilliantly, and Kohli was outstanding as always. We have a lot to learn from this match,” he remarked.
Looking Ahead: India in the Finals
With this victory, India advanced to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between England and Pakistan. The final, scheduled for March 8, 2025, promises to be a high-intensity battle as India aims to lift the coveted trophy.
India’s balanced approach in both bowling and batting has positioned them as strong contenders. Their ability to chase under pressure, coupled with a well-rounded bowling attack, makes them favorites heading into the final. Fans worldwide eagerly await another thrilling contest as India looks to add another major ICC trophy to their cabinet.
By – Nikita
