Virat Kohli’s Masterclass, Shami’s Early Strikes, and KL Rahul’s Finishing Touch Earn Praise as India Storms Into the Champions Trophy Final
Dubai [UAE], March 5: The cricket world erupted in celebration following India’s emphatic four-wicket victory over Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal, with players and experts hailing Virat Kohli’s chase masterclass, Mohammed Shami’s lethal spell, and KL Rahul’s finishing flourish.
India, now one step away from glory, will play the final on March 9 in Dubai, aiming to lift their third Champions Trophy title.
“India Is Unstoppable” – Reactions Pour In
International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah led the praise, congratulating Team India for their dominant display.
“Well done to India on qualifying for the #ChampionsTrophy Final to be played on March 9 in Dubai. A great team performance against a quality opponent.”
“Shami Set the Tone, Virat Stood Out” – Sachin Tendulkar
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar highlighted the key performers in India’s victory.
“Clinical performance by Team India. @MdShami11 set the tone early, and our batters chased with patience. @imVkohli’s knock stood out. All the very best for the final.”
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the tournament due to injury, summed up India’s campaign in just one word:
“Unstoppable.”
“The King Shines Again” – Sehwag, Yuvraj, Dhawan Celebrate India’s Dominance
Former opener Virender Sehwag lauded Virat Kohli’s ability to perform under pressure, calling him “the King” of big moments.
“Cometh the hour, cometh the man. The King shines and we make another ICC final, our third in 15 months. Simply amazing!”
World Cup-winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh praised the team’s all-round effort, from Shami’s early breakthroughs to Kohli’s stability and Rahul-Hardik’s explosive finish.
“Finals here we come! Bowlers did the job with @MdShami11 leading from the front & keeping the Aussies in check. Great partnership between @imVkohli and @ShreyasIyer15 handling the pressure and then @klrahul and @hardikpandya7 taking the game away in the end! One step away from glory – let’s get it boys!”
Shikhar Dhawan highlighted Rahul’s winning six as an iconic moment.
“What an intense semi-final! @imVkohli and @hardikpandya7 were outstanding, and @klrahul’s last six is something we will never forget. One more win and the Champions Trophy is coming home!”
“India Can Field Two World-Class Teams” – Michael Vaughan
Former England captain Michael Vaughan pointed out India’s remarkable bench strength, declaring them the overwhelming favorites to lift the trophy.
“The problem for the rest of the world in white-ball cricket is that India has another team that could play and they are equally as good. The Aussies pushed them close despite missing key players, but for me, it’s India’s trophy to lose.”
How the Match Unfolded: Kohli Anchors, Hardik Finishes
Australia’s Innings:
Winning the toss, Australia chose to bat and got off to a solid start but kept losing wickets at crucial moments.
- Travis Head (39 off 33, 4 fours, 2 sixes) and Steve Smith (50 off 64, 5 fours) built an early 50-run stand.
- Marnus Labuschagne (29 off 36) and Alex Carey (61 off 57, 8 fours, 1 six) tried to stabilize the innings.
- Shreyas Iyer’s direct-hit run-out of Carey in the 48th over ended Australia’s hopes of a big finish.
Australia was bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs, with Shami (3/48), Varun Chakravarthy (2/49), and Jadeja (2/40) leading India’s spin and pace attack.
India’s Chase:
Chasing 265, India was in early trouble at 43/2, losing Rohit Sharma (28 off 29) and Shubman Gill (8) cheaply. But Virat Kohli once again stood up in a crunch ICC match.
- Kohli (84 off 98, 5 fours) played the perfect anchor role, sharing key partnerships:
- 91-run stand with Shreyas Iyer (45 off 62)
- 44-run stand with Axar Patel (27 off 30, 1 four, 1 six)
- 47-run stand with KL Rahul (42 off 34, 2 fours, 2 sixes)*
- Hardik Pandya (28 off 24, 1 four, 3 sixes) provided the finishing touch.
India reached 267/6 in 48.1 overs, storming into their third ICC final in 15 months.
For Australia, Nathan Ellis (2/48) and Adam Zampa (2/60) were the top bowlers.
What’s Next? The Grand Finale Awaits
With India sealing their spot in the final, the focus now shifts to March 9, where they will battle for the Champions Trophy crown. Can Virat Kohli & Co. end their ICC silverware hunt once again?
All eyes will be on Dubai as India aims to bring the trophy home! 🏆🇮🇳
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Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Champions Trophy 2025, India vs Australia, Cricket News, Team India, ICC Cricket, Cricket Semifinals