India has secured its place in the Champions Trophy final after a commanding five-wicket victory over Australia in a thrilling semi-final in Dubai. Despite Australia’s spirited effort, Inda’s experience and composure ensured a successful chase of 265, with 11 balls to spare.
Kohli’s Masterclass Anchors India’s Chase
Virat Kohli once again demonstrated his exceptional chasing ability, leading the Indian innings with a crucial 84. He had earlier registered a masterful century against Pakistan in the tournament, and in this match, he looked poised for another three-figure score. However, an uncharacteristic attempt at a big shot cut his innings short at 84. By then, he had already surpassed 8,000 runs in ODI chases, bringing India to a comfortable position of needing just 40 runs from 44 balls.
KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya finished the job efficiently, ensuring India crossed the finish line without much trouble. Rahul sealed the victory with a towering six over long-on off Glenn Maxwell, reminiscent of his finishing touch in the 2023 Chennai World Cup match against the same opponents.
India’s Strategy: Smart Running and Consistent Partnerships
India’s win was not built solely on boundaries but on smart running between the wickets. The team faced only 124 dot balls compared to Australia’s 153 and ran 158 runs between the wickets, significantly outpacing Australia’s 129. Five Indian batters crossed 25 runs, highlighting a well-rounded batting effort.
While Australia managed more boundaries (20 fours and eight sixes compared to India’s 16 fours and seven sixes), India’s controlled batting approach proved more effective. Kohli and his teammates capitalized on gaps, kept the scoreboard ticking, and avoided unnecessary risks.
India’s Spinners Dominate on a Slow Track
Opting for a four-spinner attack on a dry Dubai pitch, India effectively controlled the game. While the surface did not offer excessive turn, it remained slow and low, making stroke play difficult. India’s spinners bowled with precision, maintaining a collective dot-ball percentage of 50%, while Australia’s spinners managed just over 39%.
Ravindra Jadeja and Varun Chakravarthy played pivotal roles, keeping Australian batters in check and limiting their scoring options. Unlike their Australian counterparts, Indian spinners consistently kept the stumps in play and forced mistakes from the opposition.
Australia’s Batting: Missed Opportunities and Key Dismissals
Australia began with promise but failed to capitalize on crucial moments. After electing to bat first, they looked set for a competitive 300-plus total, but key wickets at vital junctures hampered their progress.
- Travis Head made a brisk 39 off 32 after a slow start but miscued a Varun Chakravarthy wrong’un to long-off.
- Steven Smith, the most composed Australian batter, scored a well-crafted 73, forming crucial partnerships. However, his dismissal in the 37th over—losing his shape while attempting to drive Mohammed Shami—halted Australia’s momentum.
- Glenn Maxwell followed soon after, missing a pull shot and falling to a skidder from Axar Patel.
- Alex Carey played a counter-attacking knock of 61 off 56 balls, keeping Australia in the contest. However, a risky second run led to his downfall as Shreyas Iyer’s direct hit caught him short.
These lapses resulted in Australia getting bowled out for 264 with three balls to spare.
Early Wickets Test India’s Resolve
India’s chase started with intent but faced early setbacks. Shubman Gill’s eye-catching short-arm jab off Ben Dwarshuis ended prematurely as he inside-edged onto his stumps. Rohit Sharma played an aggressive cameo, smashing a pulled six off Nathan Ellis, but fell while attempting a sweep against Cooper Connolly.
At 43 for 2 in the eighth over, India needed stability. Kohli and Shreyas Iyer provided just that with a composed 91-run partnership. Iyer, constantly moving around the crease to unsettle the bowlers, eventually fell to a quicker delivery from Adam Zampa, leaving India needing 131 from 142 balls.
Kohli’s Uncharacteristic Dismissal
Kohli, known for his calculated approach in run chases, looked set for another century. However, in an unusual moment, he attempted a big hit off Zampa’s wrong’un but didn’t get the expected turn. The mistimed shot found the fielder at long-on, bringing his innings to an abrupt end.
Despite Kohli’s dismissal, India remained in control, thanks to their deep batting lineup. Rahul and Axar Patel stitched together another steady partnership, ensuring India didn’t lose momentum. Hardik Pandya joined Rahul towards the end, and together they closed out the chase with ease.
Conclusion: India’s Experience Shines Through
India’s clinical performance in all departments secured their place in the Champions Trophy final. While Australia had moments of dominance, their inability to convert starts into substantial partnerships and India’s superior bowling control made the difference. Kohli’s steady hand, Rahul’s finishing prowess, and India’s smart tactics under pressure ensured a well-earned victory.
Now, with the final in sight, India will look to carry this momentum and lift the Champions Trophy once again.
