India has once again showcased its dominance in ICC tournaments, securing a spot in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a composed and calculated chase against Australia in the semifinals. The victory in Dubai highlights India’s consistency in global tournaments, as they aim to add another ICC trophy to their cabinet.
India’s Remarkable ICC Tournament Streak
India’s record in ICC ODI tournaments over the past 14 years has been phenomenal:
- 2011 – ODI World Cup Champions
- 2013 – Champions Trophy Winners
- 2015 – ODI World Cup Semifinalists
- 2017 – Champions Trophy Runners-up
- 2019 – ODI World Cup Semifinalists
- 2023 – ODI World Cup Runners-up
- 2024 – T20 World Cup Champions
- 2025 – ICC Champions Trophy Finalists
India’s journey in this tournament has been smooth, playing all their matches in Dubai and remaining unbeaten. Rohit Sharma, leading the side, has now become the first captain in cricket history to reach the final in all four major ICC men’s tournaments—World Test Championship (2023), ODI World Cup (2023), T20 World Cup (2024), and now the Champions Trophy (2025).
Match Summary: India vs. Australia, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinal
Toss and First Innings
Steve Smith, the Australian captain, won the toss and elected to bat first on a slow but improving Dubai pitch. Australia struggled to build momentum, with Indian bowlers keeping the run rate in check. The innings saw a few notable partnerships but lacked the final push to post a formidable total.
Key Moments in Australia’s Innings
- Travis Head started aggressively, scoring 39 off 33 balls, before falling to a sharp catch.
- Steve Smith anchored the innings with a well-crafted 73 off 96 balls, keeping Australia in the game.
- Alex Carey provided crucial acceleration with a 61 off 57 balls, but his innings was cut short by a brilliant direct hit from Shreyas Iyer, which turned the game in India’s favor.
- Mohammad Shami was India’s standout bowler, picking up 3 wickets for 48 runs in 10 overs, maintaining pressure throughout.
Australia eventually posted 264, a competitive but chaseable target considering the conditions.
India’s Chase: A Masterclass in Game Management
India approached the chase cautiously, mixing aggression with sensible play. The key to their success was keeping the required run rate under control throughout the innings.
- Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a steady start, with Rohit scoring 28 off 29 balls and Gill making 8 off 11 balls.
- Virat Kohli was the backbone of India’s chase, scoring a brilliant 84 off 98 balls, anchoring the innings with precision.
- Shreyas Iyer contributed a crucial 45 off 63 balls, playing a stabilizing role in the middle overs.
- KL Rahul added quick runs, scoring 42 off 34 balls, keeping India ahead in the chase.
- Axar Patel chipped in with a valuable 27 off 30 balls, ensuring no collapse in the lower middle order.
- Hardik Pandya provided the finishing touch, scoring 28 off 24 balls, sealing the victory with 11 balls to spare.
Key Stats from the Match
Australia’s Spinners Performance by Length
- Full Length: 2/63 (58 balls, ER: 6.51)
- Good Length: 1/26 (46 balls, ER: 3.39)
- Short Length: 0/90 (83 balls, ER: 6.50)
India’s Dominance in Champions Trophy Finals
India has now made it to the final in five out of nine editions of the Champions Trophy.
- Most Finals in Champions Trophy:
- India – 5
- West Indies – 3
Most Consecutive ODI Wins at a Venue
- 10 – New Zealand, Dunedin
- 9 – India, Dubai (10 matches, 1 tied)
- 7 – India, Indore
- 7 – Pakistan, Hyderabad (Niaz Stadium, Pakistan)
Highest Targets Chased in Champions Trophy Knockouts
- 282 – South Africa vs. England, Dhaka, 1998 (QF)
- 265 – New Zealand vs. India, Nairobi, 2000 (Final)
- 265 – India vs. Bangladesh, Edgbaston, 2017 (SF)
- 265 – India vs. Australia, Dubai, 2025 (SF)
Interestingly, 265 is also the highest target successfully chased against Australia in ICC ODI tournament knockouts, breaking India’s own record of 261 in the 2011 ODI World Cup quarterfinal in Ahmedabad.
Post-Match Reactions
Rohit Sharma | India Captain
“Till the last ball is bowled, nothing is certain. We had to bat well, and we were very clinical. The calmness in our chase was impressive. This is a high-pressure tournament, so it’s important for the guys to relax before the final. Both South Africa and New Zealand are good teams, so we’ll prepare accordingly.”
Steve Smith | Australia Captain
“We were probably 20-30 runs short. It was a tricky wicket, but we could have done better. Our bowlers fought well, but India kept the asking rate in control. We have a young squad, and this tournament was a learning experience.”
Virat Kohli | Player of the Match
“Understanding conditions and rotating strike was crucial. It’s about taking pride in winning games for the team. Milestones are secondary. I’m just happy to contribute.”
India Awaits Its Opponent in the Final
India will face either South Africa or New Zealand in the final. The second semifinal between South Africa and New Zealand will be played in Lahore tomorrow. Both teams have had impressive campaigns and will be eager to secure a place in the title clash.
Conclusion: Can India Clinch Another ICC Trophy?
With their experience and form, India is well-positioned to win another ICC title. The team has displayed exceptional composure, adaptability, and match awareness throughout the tournament. Rohit Sharma and his men will now focus on the final, where they have a golden opportunity to etch their names in history once again.
Stay tuned for more updates as the final showdown approaches! 🚀🔥
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