DUBAI, March 5 (Alliance News): India booked their place in the Champions Trophy final after a four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
This marks India’s third consecutive Champions Trophy final appearance. They will face either South Africa or New Zealand, who play in the second semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday.
Chasing a target of 265, India faced early setbacks as Shubman Gill (8) and Rohit Sharma (28) fell within the first ten overs. Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a crucial 84 off 98 balls, supported by Shreyas Iyer (45), Axar Patel (27), and KL Rahul (42*).
Hardik Pandya’s late cameo of 28 off 24 balls helped India seal the win in the 47th over. Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa took two wickets each for Australia.
Earlier, Australia posted 264 in 49.3 overs, with skipper Steven Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61) leading the charge. Mohammed Shami starred with the ball for India, claiming three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja picked up two each.
