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India Clinches Final Spot with a Dominant Performance Against Australia
Kohli Steers India to Third Consecutive ICC Champions Trophy Final
India stormed into their third consecutive ICC Champions Trophy final with an authoritative victory over Australia, showcasing a well-rounded display with both bat and ball. A composed chase led by Virat Kohli, supported by crucial contributions from other key batters, ensured India’s smooth passage into the final. Kohli, who crossed the 8000-run mark while chasing in ODIs, played a signature innings that guided India to a comfortable four-wicket victory.
India’s Run Chase: Kohli Anchors the Innings
Early Setback but Steady Recovery
Chasing a target of 265, India faced an early blow as opener Shubman Gill was dismissed in the fifth over after chopping onto his stumps. Despite this, captain Rohit Sharma took the aggressive route, making full use of the powerplay despite surviving two early chances. His attacking approach saw him score a quick 28 off 29 balls before being trapped LBW by left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly. With India at 43/2 within eight overs, Australia sensed an opportunity to tighten their grip.
However, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer steadied the ship, putting on a crucial 91-run partnership. The duo expertly handled the Australian spinners, ensuring minimal risks while rotating the strike efficiently. Kohli reached his 74th ODI half-century but was granted a lifeline when Glenn Maxwell dropped a sharp chance at short extra cover.
Late Drama and Pandya’s Finishing Touch
Iyer’s composed innings ended at 45 when he misread a slider from Adam Zampa, but Kohli found another reliable partner in Axar Patel. The left-hander injected momentum with a slog-swept six off Tanveer Sangha, contributing to a steady 44-run stand. However, Australia struck back as Nathan Ellis bowled Axar with a skidding delivery. KL Rahul took over, keeping the scoreboard ticking with well-timed boundaries.
Heading into the final ten overs, India required 65 runs with six wickets in hand. While Kohli uncharacteristically holed out to long-on off Zampa, Hardik Pandya rose to the occasion, smashing three sixes off the Australian leg-spinners. His rapid 28 off 24 balls ensured India wrapped up the chase with 11 balls to spare, securing a spot in the final.
Australia’s Innings: Smith and Carey Lead the Charge
Early Wickets Shake Australia
Batting first, Australia struggled to build momentum against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Varun Chakravarthy struck with his very first delivery, dismissing Travis Head, who had earlier been dropped on the first ball of his innings. Head managed to accelerate, scoring 39 off 33 balls, but his departure halted Australia’s early momentum. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami kept the pressure on from the other end, dismissing Cooper Connolly for a nine-ball duck.
Smith and Carey Stabilize the Innings
Amidst frequent breakthroughs, Steven Smith anchored the innings with a composed 73. He found some resistance in Marnus Labuschagne, who added 56 runs for the fourth wicket before being trapped LBW by Ravindra Jadeja. Despite Smith’s steady innings, Josh Inglis fell cheaply, and the lack of partnerships threatened to derail Australia’s efforts.
Alex Carey then stepped up, launching a counter-attack with a brisk half-century. His aggressive 61 off 48 balls injected life into the innings, particularly when he targeted India’s spinners. However, a brilliant direct hit from Shreyas Iyer caught Carey short of his crease, stalling Australia’s final flourish. The lower order failed to capitalize, and the team was bundled out for 264 in the final over.
Key Takeaways from the Match
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Kohli’s Masterclass: The star batter once again proved his prowess in chases, holding the innings together at crucial junctures.
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Pandya’s Finishing Ability: His quickfire 28 ensured that India completed the chase with ease.
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Smith’s Gritty Knock: Despite the lack of support from the other end, Smith played a determined innings for Australia.
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India’s Balanced Bowling Attack: A combination of pace and spin restricted Australia to a manageable total.
What’s Next?
With this victory, India advances to their third successive ICC Champions Trophy final. The team will now prepare for the title clash, looking to add another trophy to their illustrious history. Stay tuned for more updates on India’s journey in the tournament.
For in-depth cricket analysis, visit ESPN Cricinfo for expert insights and match details.
India’s Road to the Final: Match Analysis
