India’s decisive victory over Australia propels them into the Champions Trophy final.”

India secured their spot in the Champions Trophy 2025 final with a dominant five-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday.

Earlier, Australia posted a modest 265-run target against India courtesy of Steven Smith and Alex Carey’s half-centuries.
Opting to bat first, Australia’s batting unit yielded 264 runs before getting bowled out in 49.3 overs, with Smith and Carey leading the charge with anchoring knocks.

Opting to bat first, Australia’s batting unit yielded 264 runs before getting bowled out in 49.3 overs, with Smith and Carey leading the charge with anchoring knocks.

Skipper Rohit Sharma, who was the core aggressor of the opening stand, followed suit just 16 balls later as he was trapped lbw by youngster Cooper Connolly, who had dropped him in the second over.

Rohit smashed three fours and a six on his way to a 29-ball 28.

Following the back-to-back blows, veteran Kohli and Iyer put together an important third-wicket partnership, which yielded 91 runs until the latter was castled by Adam Zampa.

Iyer scored 45 off 62 deliveries with the help of three boundaries.

Kohli was then involved in crucial partnerships with Axar Patel (27) and KL Rahul before finally perishing in the 43rd over.

He remained the top-scorer for India with 84 off 98 deliveries, studded with five boundaries.

Following his departure, Hardik Pandya and Rahul put India in touching distance with a brisk 34-run stand.