India successfully chased down a target of 265 against Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final, securing their spot in the final for the third consecutive time.
Virat Kohli led India’s batting effort with 84 runs, including five boundaries. KL Rahul remained unbeaten at 42, while Hardik Pandya contributed a quick 28 runs with three sixes and a four, leading India to a four-wicket victory at Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday.
The match remained intense until the end, with Australia staying competitive after Kohli’s dismissal before Pandya and Rahul sealed India’s victory.
“Till the last ball is bowled, nothing is certain. At the halfway stage, we felt like it’s a reasonable score. The nature of the pitch doesn’t allow you play your shots. We were clinical with the bat. We were calm and composed in our chase,” Rohit said in the post-match presentation.
Rohit praised Kohli’s performance and highlighted Pandya’s crucial sixes against Adam Zampa during a critical phase of the match.
“Credit goes to everyone who were involved in making the team. (Kohli) He’s done it for so many years. When we were batting, we were calm. Those shots in the end by Hardik were crucial,” he said.
“Looked better (pitch). Slightly played better than the one against NZ. It’s about playing good cricket. There are a lot of experienced guys. That’s something I wanted to have – six bowling options and at the same get that batting depth as well,” Rohit added.
India made history by becoming the first team to reach three consecutive Champions Trophy finals. They will face either South Africa or New Zealand in the final scheduled for March 9 in Dubai.
“When you are in the final, you want all the guys in form. All these guys have made an impact and that gives us a lot of confidence. We’ll not think too much about it. Both are good teams, that’s why they are in the semis. It’s a very high pressure tournament, it’s always nice to have some time off and relax and then think about the final,” he said.