India Takes Sweet Revenge Against Australia in Champions Trophy Semi-Final

India has avenged its World Cup final loss by triumphing over Australia in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy. With a solid team effort led by Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s squad secured a thrilling 4-wicket victory, booking their place in the final.

India Ends 471-Day Wait for Redemption.

From November 19, 2023, to March 4, 2025—471 days later, India finally got its long-awaited revenge. After suffering heartbreak against Australia in the One-Day World Cup final, India turned the tables in the Champions Trophy semi-finals. The Dubai stadium witnessed a commanding performance as India emerged victorious with 11 balls to spare.

While Mohammed Shami and Varun Chakraborty set the foundation with the ball, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer finished the chase in style. Kohli once again proved his stature as a big-match player. His brilliant 84-run knock, although falling short of a century, cemented his reputation as India’s go-to chase master.

Varun Chakraborty Puts a Stop to Travis Head’s Dominance

Travis Head has been a nightmare for India in ICC tournaments, with stellar performances in both the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup final. Once again, Head looked dangerous in Dubai, launching an aggressive attack during the powerplay. However, Rohit Sharma made a decisive move by bringing in Varun Chakraborty.

Fresh off a five-wicket haul against New Zealand, Varun dismissed Head for 39, slowing Australia’s momentum significantly.

Jadeja and Axar Patel Dominate the Middle Overs

India needed to keep Australia in check during the middle overs, and Ravindra Jadeja delivered. He took out Marnus Labuschagne (29) and Josh Inglis (11), applying immense pressure. Axar Patel further dented Australia’s innings by dismissing Glenn Maxwell for just seven runs, preventing him from launching a counterattack.

Captain Smith Fights the Lone Battle

Australian captain Steve Smith stood firm despite wickets tumbling at the other end. He had a stroke of luck early on when the ball hit the stumps but failed to dislodge the bails. Utilizing that opportunity, he played a cautious yet determined innings, scoring a gritty 73 before Shami removed him. Smith’s dismissal tilted the match heavily in India’s favour.

Shami’s Comeback with 3 Wickets

Mohammed Shami, struggling for wickets since the Bangladesh match, made a strong comeback against Australia. He gave India an early breakthrough by dismissing young Cooper Connolly. Later, he claimed Smith’s prized wicket. Shami ended with impressive figures of 3 for 48 in his 10-over spell, reinforcing his reputation as India’s strike bowler.

Shreyas Iyer’s Stunning Run-Out Changes the Game

Alex Carey was holding Australia’s innings together, approaching a significant score. He looked set to push Australia past 280, but a moment of brilliance from Shreyas Iyer changed the course of the game. His pinpoint direct throw ran out Carey for 61, reducing Australia’s projected total by at least 25 runs.

India‘s Openers Struggle Once Again

Chasing a competitive target, India’s openers faltered once more. Shubman Gill, who had a poor outing against New Zealand, managed only eight runs before getting dismissed. Rohit Sharma looked in good touch but failed to capitalize, falling for 28.

Shreyas Iyer and Kohli Stabilize the Chase

Shreyas Iyer stepped up again, proving a reliable presence in the middle order. With the team needing a strong partnership after two early wickets, Iyer partnered with Kohli to stitch a crucial 91-run stand. His 45-run knock ensured India remained in control before falling to Adam Zampa.

Axar Patel and KL Rahul Play Key Supporting Roles

Axar Patel and KL Rahul played crucial cameos to assist Kohli in the chase. Axar contributed 27 runs, allowing Kohli to play with greater confidence. Rahul remained steady till the end, scoring an unbeaten 42 off 34 balls to guide India to victory.

Virat Kohli – The Ultimate Chase Master

Kohli once again proved why he is regarded as the best chaser in cricket. He had already delivered a match-winning century against Pakistan earlier in the tournament, and his 84-run knock against Australia further cemented his legacy. Playing risk-free cricket, he focused on quick singles and twos instead of big shots, especially against leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who had dismissed him multiple times in the past.

Kohli seemed poised for his 83rd international century, but an attempt to clear the boundary off Zampa ended his innings prematurely. His frustration was evident, but his innings had already secured India’s dominance.

Hardik Pandya and Rahul Finish the Job

With Kohli dismissed, Hardik Pandya stepped up, smashing three sixes to take the pressure off the chase. He scored a quick 28 off 24 balls. Rahul ensured no late hiccups, sealing the victory with a six.

Australia‘s Missed Opportunities Cost Them Dearly

Australia had their chances but failed to capitalize. Dropped catches—especially by Glenn Maxwell off Kohli—proved costly. Their usually sharp fielding let them down, and in a high-stakes match, such errors proved fatal. As a result, the reigning ODI World Champions exited the tournament prematurely.

India Marches to the Champions Trophy Final

With this emphatic victory, India has earned a spot in the Champions Trophy final. The team looks determined, and with Kohli in sublime form, they are favourites to claim the title. The battle for redemption has been fought, and the ultimate glory awaits.