India vs Australia, Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final: Kohli anchors chase as Axar departs
India vs Australia, Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final: Kohli anchors chase as Axar departs
India finds itself in a tense chase against Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final, needing 265 to secure a spot in the final. With the score at 178/4, Axar Patel's resilient knock of 27 came to an end, leaving Virat Kohli at the crease as India's anchor.
Australia, uncharacteristically sloppy in the field, has already dropped three crucial catches—twice giving Rohit Sharma a lifeline and once letting Kohli off the hook. The Aussies, defending 264, were propelled by half-centuries from Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61), but a late collapse, triggered by Mohammed Shami (3 wickets) and Axar Patel (key dismissal of Glenn Maxwell), kept India well in the hunt. Shreyas Iyer’s sharp fielding also led to Carey's run-out, further denting Australia's innings.
India's Dominant Run in the Tournament
Team India has been in imperious form throughout the tournament, boasting an unbeaten record. Key contributions from Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer have fueled their campaign, while mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul against New Zealand in the group stage showcased India's bowling depth. However, captain Rohit Sharma is still searching for a defining innings, having failed to convert his starts into big scores so far.
Australia Faces Transition Challenges
Australia, missing several key players from their ODI World Cup-winning squad—including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Mitch Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis—has relied on a relatively inexperienced lineup. Travis Head, who has tormented India in the past, has yet to feature in a match at the sluggish Dubai surface, which presents a stark contrast to the high-scoring tracks of Pakistan earlier in the tournament.
As the semi-final unfolds, India’s hopes rest on Virat Kohli to guide them home, while Australia looks for breakthroughs to turn the tide. Can India continue their unbeaten streak and book a final berth, or will the Aussies stage a late comeback?
