NEW DELHI: Veteran batter Virat Kohli turned back the clock with a composed 84, leading India to a tense four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy on Tuesday. Chasing 265, India lost the 36-year-old Kohli in the final stretch, but KL Rahul’s unbeaten 42 ensured the team crossed the line with 11 balls to spare at the Dubai International Stadium.
With this win, India booked a spot in Sunday’s final in Dubai, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand.
Had India fallen short, Lahore would have been the alternate venue for the final.
The victory also ended Australia’s dominant run against India in ICC knockout matches.
Before this, India’s last triumph over Australia in an ICC knockout clash came in the 2011 ODI World Cup quarter-final.
Since then, Australia had prevailed in three key encounters—the 2015 ODI World Cup semi-final, the 2023 World Test Championship final, and the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
India’s win in the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final finally broke the streak.
IND vs AUS knockout clashes in ICC tournaments
Total Matches: 8
India Wins: 4
Australia Wins: 4
RESULTS:
1998 Champions Trophy: India won by 44 runs
2003 ODI World Cup: Australia won by 125 runs
2007 T20 World Cup: India won by 15 runs
2011 ODI World Cup: India won by 5 wickets
2015 ODI World Cup: Australia won by 95 runs
2023 WTC Final: Australia won by 209 runs
2023 ODI World Cup: Australia won by 6 wickets
2025 Champions Trophy Semi-final: India won by 4 wickets