Champions Trophy: Chase Master Virat Kohli conquers Australia, leads India’s march to final

By our Special Correspondent

Shreyas, Rahul and Hardik chip in with vital contributions in Men in Blue’s first knockout stage win over the World champion since 2011; Shami claims three as Smith’s men get bowled out for 264.

For the second time in ten days, Virat Kohli lived up to his reputation as the ‘Chasemaster’ in ODIs, scoring a fine half-century (84, 98b, 5x4) to power India into the final of the Champions Trophy with a four-wicket win over Australia in the first semifinal here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday (March 4, 2025).

The 36-year-old, like he did during his unbeaten century against Pakistan in the league game, played a measured knock, shunning risks and nudging the ball around while maintaining a healthy strike rate.