Virat Kohli looked on course for another match-winning century in the Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia on Tuesday but fell 16 runs short of the landmark. But his 84 runs inflicted enough damage to ensure that the batting legend could celebrate a special win with his teammates under the Dubai sky.
India chased down Australia’s 264 with 1.5 overs to spare, with Kohli finding support from Shreyas Iyer to lift India out from a slightly concerned 43 for 2 with a 91-run partnership.
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Kohli then added 44 runs with Axar Patel (27) and 47 runs with KL Rahul (42 not out) to take India closer to win, before he fell to leg-spinner Adam Zampa while attempting an early finish.
Hardik Pandya’s (28) three sixes then ensured that the match didn’t go into the final over, and Rahul completed the win off the first ball of the penultimate over with a six.
It followed heartwarming scenes, featuring Kohli in almost every shot as he carried a big smile while hugging his teammates.
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The chasemaster was also captured by the cameras looking towards his wife, Anushka, in the stands and punching the air in unbridled joy.
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India now wait to know their opponent in the final, which will be decided between South Africa and New Zealand who will fight it out in the second semifinal to be played on Wednesday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
