India secured a thrilling victory against Australia on Tuesday, winning by four wickets to advance to the final of the Champions Trophy. The match, held during the first semifinal, saw India successfully chase down a target of 267, finishing at 267-6 in response to Australia's 264 all out. Virat Kohli led India's charge with a stellar performance, scoring 84 runs off 98 balls, marking his 74th ODI half-century. Meanwhile, Steve Smith emerged as Australia's top scorer, contributing 73 runs off 96 balls.
Mohammed Shami played a pivotal role in India's bowling attack, taking three wickets for 48 runs in his ten-over spell. Indian spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja added to Australia's woes by grabbing two wickets each. Captain Rohit Sharma's strategic rotation of bowlers ensured India dominated the middle overs, restricting the Australian batting lineup effectively.
"At the halfway stage, we felt like it’s a reasonable score," – Sharma
Australia began their innings cautiously, with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith forming a crucial partnership for the third wicket. Labuschagne scored 29 runs and added 56 runs with Smith before being trapped lbw by Jadeja in the 23rd over. Josh Inglis's dismissal followed four overs later, further tilting the momentum in India's favor.
Shreyas Iyer anchored India's chase, partnering with Kohli to add a valuable 91 runs off 111 balls for the third wicket. Hardik Pandya's quickfire 28 off 24 balls, including three sixes, accelerated India's progress towards the target. This successful chase marked India's highest against Australia in an ICC event, underscoring their formidable batting depth and resilience under pressure.
“This game is all about pressure – if you go deep, the opposition usually gives in,” – Kohli
The match showcased India's strategic prowess and adaptability on the field. Rohit Sharma's captaincy was instrumental in managing the bowling resources effectively, creating pressure that Australia struggled to overcome. While Smith's innings provided stability for Australia, their inability to build substantial partnerships ultimately cost them.
