India entered the finals of the Champions Trophy after bagging a four-wicket victory over Australia at Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. The Indian players chased down the target of 265 runs in 48.1 overs with the successful help of Virat Kohli, who scored 84 runs, Shreyas Iyer (45 runs), and Hardik Pandeya, who played a crucial cameo.
India’s Chase
The chase by the Indian team was not less than a drama as openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill left back to the dressing room in the first seven overs. The team was struggling at 30/2 when Virat Kohli anchored the inning and scored 84 runs from 98 balls.
Kohli was successfully partnered by Shreyas Iyer, who scored 45 runs. However, Kohli’s wicket dropped, and Hardik Pandeya, followed by Axar Patel, sailed India’s ship to victory with huge sixes.
Kohli becomes the “Player of the Match”
Virat Kohli, who has played marvelous innings during the entire season, has been declared the “Player of the Match.”
While addressing the media at the end of the match, Kohli stated, “It was pretty similar to the other day against Pakistan. It is about understanding the conditions and rotating the strike because partnerships on its pitch are important. It all depends on the conditions, and then I play my innings. My timing, my composure at the crease, I wasn't rushed. The singles that I took were the most pleasing part for me. This game is all about pressure. If you go deep into the game, the opposition usually gives in. It is important to control your impulses. Even if the RR is six and over, I am not bothered. [Best he has ever played?] I don't know. That is up to you guys to break down. I have never focused on those things. When you don't think of those milestones, they happen. If I get to the three-figure mark, great, but the win is important. For me, those things don't matter anymore.”
India scripts history!
With the victory over Australia during the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy, India has become the first team to enter the final of the tournament thrice in a row. The team won the title in 2013 and, unfortunately, in 2017, lost it to Pakistan.