Kohli’s 84, Advances to Champions Trophy 2025 Final

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Virat Kohli

The cricketing world witnessed a thrilling spectacle as India secured a sensational victory in the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, booking their place in the grand finale in Dubai.

With this win, the Men in Blue have set their sights on lifting the coveted trophy, continuing their legacy as one of the most dominant forces in international cricket.

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli

India’s experienced hands helped seal a chase of 265 with 11 balls remaining.

In a high-stakes semi-final clash against Australia, Virat Kohli once again proved why he is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. His sublime knock of 84 runs anchored India’s innings and guided the team to a thrilling victory, securing their place in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. The match, played at a packed stadium, was a testament to Kohli’s ability to perform under pressure and deliver when it matters the most.

Key Performances

Virat Kohli: His 84-run knock was the cornerstone of India’s innings.

Indian Spinners: Their tight spells in the middle overs turned the game in India’s favor.

Death Bowlers: Their ability to execute plans under pressure sealed the victory.

Fielders: Sharp catches and agile ground fielding added to the pressure on Australia.

Australia 264 (Smith 73, Carey 61, Shami 3-48, Jadeja 2-40, Varun 2-49)

Then Steven Smith, manipulating his bat face brilliantly to whisk the spinners over midwicket, drive them through the covers or launch them straight, made a smart, proactive 73, putting on half-century stands with Head, Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey.

Steave Smith
Steave Smith
Travis Head
Travis Head

India 267 for 6 (Kohli 84, Iyer 45, Rahul 42*, Ellis 2-49, Zampa 2-60) beat

Pakistan will host the final of the Champions Trophy in Dubai, and India will be in it, after proving their edge over a weakened Australia side in an absorbing first semi-final. Their win wasn’t achieved without a fight, however, and Australia may yet look back on several moments that could have moved the contest in other, tantalising directions.

Virat Kohli had made one of his trademark chase-controlling hundreds earlier in the tournament, against Pakistan, and seemed set for another here, only for an uncharacteristic attempt at a big hit to cut his innings short at 84. By then, however, he had passed 8000 runs in ODI chases, and whittled this one down to a more-than-manageable 40 off 44 balls.

They only needed 33 of those balls, as KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya all but sealed the deal before the latter departed with India one hit away. it was Rahul who finished things off, this time with a six over long-on off Glenn Maxwell.

Rahul had hit Zampa for a straight six earlier in the over, and India were well in control of their required rate. It isn’t usually the kind of moment Kohli picks to try and hit a six, but it was on this day.

This was partly down to Australia being forced to concede singles to deep fielders thanks to the limitations of their spin attack, which included one proven frontliner in Adam Zampa, as a leg spinner playing just his fourth ODI in Tanveer Sangha, and three batting allrounders part-timers bowler in Connolly, Maxwell and Head.

The Road to the Final

With this victory, India has set up a blockbuster final in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The team’s journey has been a blend of individual brilliance and collective effort, with Kohli leading from the front. The final promises to be a thrilling encounter, and India will be looking to draw inspiration from their semi-final performance to lift the trophy.

Virat Kohli’s masterful 84-run innings will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

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