Table of Contents
Kohli’s Brilliance Guides India to Champions Trophy Final
Virat Kohli once again showcased his class, steering India to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai. With a steady and composed 84 off 98 balls, the veteran batter ensured India chased down the 264-run target with confidence.
The Art of Chasing: Kohli’s Calculated Approach
“I wasn’t desperate. I was happy rotating the strike,” said Kohli, emphasizing the importance of building partnerships. His knock was built on patience, featuring just five boundaries, as he adapted to the conditions.
🏏 Key Highlights of Kohli’s Innings:
- Strike Rotation: Focused on singles & doubles to build pressure.
- Reading the Pitch: Adjusted his approach based on conditions.
- Handling Pressure: Stayed calm in a knockout game scenario.
Strategic Batting & Key Partnerships
The Dubai pitch, known for aiding spinners, made stroke play challenging. Instead of taking unnecessary risks, Kohli stitched crucial partnerships to steer India home. “The pitch tells me how to play, and I adapt accordingly,” he stated.
With the final against South Africa or New Zealand looming, Kohli remains focused on team success over personal milestones. “For me, it’s about winning for the team. Milestones happen along the way,” he remarked.
Australia Reflects on Missed Opportunities
Australia’s captain, Steven Smith, top-scored with 73 runs, but admitted their total of 264 was below par. “We lost wickets at crucial moments. If we had reached 280+, things could’ve been different,” he acknowledged.
Match Stats at a Glance:
| Team | Total Score | Top Scorer | Wickets Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 264 | Steven Smith (73) | 10 |
| India | 265/6 | Virat Kohli (84) | 6 |
What’s Next? The Grand Finale Awaits!
With a shot at the Champions Trophy title, can Kohli and Team India continue their dominance? Cricket fans worldwide eagerly await Sunday’s high-stakes final!
