India has secured a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy final after defeating Australia by four wickets in the first semi-final.
In the high-stakes knockout clash held in Dubai, India successfully chased down a 265-run target in 49 overs, losing six wickets in the process.
Star batter Virat Kohli played a crucial role in the victory, scoring 84 runs. Shreyas Iyer contributed 45, Hardik Pandya 28, captain Rohit Sharma 28, Axar Patel 27, and Shubman Gill 8 before getting out. KL Rahul (42*) and Ravindra Jadeja (2*) remained unbeaten to guide India to victory.
For Australia, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa claimed two wickets each, while Cooper Connolly and Ben Dwarshuis took one wicket apiece.
Earlier, Australia, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted a total of 264 runs before being bowled out in the 50th over.
Skipper Steve Smith led the charge with a well-compiled 73, supported by Alex Carey (61), Travis Head (39), Marnus Labuschagne (29), Ben Dwarshuis (19), Josh Inglis (11), Nathan Ellis (10), Glenn Maxwell (7), Adam Zampa (7), and Cooper Connolly (0).
India’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Mohammad Shami, who claimed three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja bagged two each. Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya chipped in with one wicket apiece.
With this victory, India advances to the final, keeping their hopes alive for Champions Trophy glory.
