Dubai is set to host the grand finale of the Champions Trophy, with India securing their place after a hard-fought victory over a weakened Australian side in the first semi-final. Though the win was eventually convincing, Australia had their moments and will reflect on key turning points that could have changed the course of the match.
India’s Experience Prevails
In the end, India’s experience and quality proved decisive, with Virat Kohli playing a pivotal role. Kohli, who had already showcased his chase-master credentials earlier in the tournament with a hundred against Pakistan, seemed destined for another century. However, an uncharacteristic attempt at a big shot cut his innings short at 84. By that time, he had surpassed 8000 runs in ODI chases, reducing India’s target to a manageable 40 off 44 balls.
India only needed 33 of those balls to complete the chase, with KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya guiding the team home. Pandya fell just before the winning runs, but Rahul sealed the victory in style, smashing Glenn Maxwell for a six over long-on—eerily similar to India’s triumph over Australia in the 2023 Chennai World Cup clash.
Despite India’s late acceleration, Australia outscored them in boundaries (20 fours and eight sixes to India’s 16 fours and seven sixes). The difference, however, lay in India’s approach—fewer dot balls (124 compared to Australia’s 153) and superior running between the wickets (158 runs to 129).
Spin Supremacy and Bowling Control
A major factor in India’s victory was the effectiveness of their spin attack. India’s spinners controlled the game with a dot-ball percentage of 50%, significantly higher than Australia’s 39%. On a slow, low surface rather than a turning one, India’s spinners didn’t run through the opposition but kept control, maintaining stump-to-stump lines and restricting scoring options.
Australian Batters Falter at Crucial Moments
Despite struggling, Australia threatened to post a formidable total after choosing to bat. Several batters got starts but failed to convert them into match-winning scores.
- Travis Head, who survived an early drop off Mohammed Shami, accelerated from 1 off 11 to 39 off 32. But his attempt to take on Varun Chakravarthy backfired as he miscued a wrong’un to long-off.
- Steve Smith played a well-calculated 73, building crucial partnerships. He was fortunate to survive an inside edge off Axar Patel and a dropped return catch from Shami but eventually fell to an ill-advised charge against Shami, missing a full toss that crashed into his stumps.
- Glenn Maxwell followed soon after, misreading a skidder from Axar after slog-sweeping a six.
Amidst these setbacks, Alex Carey played a determined knock, counterattacking effectively with sweeps and lofted shots. He raced to 60 off 56 but fell to a brilliant direct hit from Shreyas Iyer while attempting a risky second run. Australia were bowled out for 264 with three balls to spare.
India’s Measured Chase
The target allowed India to pace their chase strategically, though the start was eventful.
- Shubman Gill played a stylish short-arm jab for four but inside-edged onto his stumps while attempting a delicate steer.
- Rohit Sharma, aggressive as always in the powerplay, struck a massive six off Nathan Ellis but was dropped twice before being trapped sweeping against Cooper Connolly.
Kohli then took charge, anchoring the innings while Iyer played innovative shots in a 91-run third-wicket stand. A key moment came when Kohli, on 51, survived a tough caught-and-bowled chance off Connolly. With Australia missing that opportunity, India steadily built towards victory.
After Iyer fell, India required 131 from 142 balls. Kohli and Axar Patel kept things steady before Rahul and Pandya accelerated, ensuring there were no hiccups. Just when Kohli seemed set for a century, an ambitious six attempt saw him caught at long-on—an uncharacteristic dismissal given the match situation.
Despite that, Rahul and Pandya completed the job, ensuring India’s place in the Champions Trophy final in Dubai. With this win, India reaffirmed their dominance in high-pressure chases and will now set their sights on the ultimate prize.