India vs Australia match highlights: Virat Kohli’s masterclass guides India to Champions Trophy final with win over Australia

Virat Kohli once again proved why he is called the "King" and the "Chase Master" as he played a brilliant knock of 84 off 98 balls, striking five fours, to set the foundation for India's successful chase. India comfortably chased down the 265-run target set by Australia, securing a spot in the Champions Trophy final with a clinical four-wicket win. They will now face the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand, set to take place on Wednesday in Karachi, Pakistan.

India began their chase confidently, with Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma providing a solid start. However, Gill’s stay was short-lived as he was bowled by Ben Dwarshuis for 8 off 11 balls. Rohit continued his aggressive approach but fell for 28 off 29 balls, dismissed by Cooper Connolly.

Kohli then partnered with Shreyas Iyer, who continued his fine form. The duo stitched together a crucial 91-run stand before Adam Zampa broke the partnership, dismissing Iyer.


Axar Patel added a valuable 28 off 30 balls, including a four and a six, before being bowled by Nathan Ellis. KL Rahul then joined Kohli, and together they kept India on track. Just when India seemed in control, Zampa struck again, removing Kohli for 84.

After Kohli fell to Zampa in the 43rd over, Australia saw a slim chance to turn the game around. However, Pandya and Rahul quickly shut the door with a steady 34-run partnership off 31 balls.

Pandya took on Zampa with two towering sixes and smashed a four off Ellis before departing in the 48th over.

However, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja ensured there were no late hiccups, guiding India to victory and sealing their place in the final.

Fittingly, Rahul sealed the victory in style, launching Maxwell for a six to take India home with 11 balls to spare.

Earlier, Australia looked poised for a big total, with Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61) leading the charge with well-constructed half-centuries. However, their momentum took a hit when Smith was clean-bowled by Mohammed Shami for 73, followed shortly by Glenn Maxwell, who fell to Axar Patel.

Adding to Australia's woes, Carey was run out for 61 after a brilliant piece of fielding by Shreyas Iyer. For India, Mohammed Shami was the standout performer with the ball, picking up three crucial wickets after Smith had elected to bat first.

Brief Scores:

Australia: 264 all out in 49.3 overs (Travis Head 39; Steve Smith 73, Alex Carey 61; Mohammed Shami 3/48, Ravindra Jadeja 2/40, Varun Chakravarthy 2/49).

India: 267/6 in 48.1 overs (Virat Kohli 84, Shreyas Iyer 45; Adam Zampa 2/60).