Kohli's class guides India to Champions Trophy final after tense win over Australia

Virat Kohli's composed innings of 84 helped India secure a thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy on Tuesday.

The chase, set at 265, appeared to be a daunting task, but Kohli's steady presence in the middle guided India to the final with 11 balls to spare at the Dubai International Stadium.

Kohli's performance, coupled with an unbeaten 42 from KL Rahul, propelled India through to the final, where they would face either South Africa or New Zealand. The match marked India's continued dominance in Dubai, a venue they had chosen for the tournament after refusing to tour Pakistan for the event.

Speaking after the match, Kohli, who was named Player of the Match, reflected on the pressure of such high-stakes games. "This game is all about pressure, especially in big games like semis and finals," he said. "If you go deep into the innings and have wickets in hand, the opposition usually gives in, and the game becomes easier. It is very important to control your impulses while the game is going on."

Australia had earlier posted 264 all out, thanks to solid contributions from captain Steve Smith, who made 73, and Alex Carey, who hit 61. However, India lost two early wickets in their chase, with both openers dismissed cheaply. Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, who contributed 45, steadied the ship with a crucial 91-run partnership.

Kohli was quick to downplay individual milestones, saying, "I take pride in doing what my team wants. Those things (individual records) don't matter anymore for me. It's just about stepping out and hopefully doing the job for the team."

Smith, praising Kohli's abilities as a chase master, commented: "He's arguably the best chaser the game has seen. He's done it numerous times against us. He controls the tempo of the game really well, plays to his strengths and takes the game deep."

Australia, missing key fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, had to rely on an inexperienced attack. Cooper Connolly, replacing the injured Matthew Short, made an early breakthrough by dismissing Rohit Sharma for 28. However, Kohli and Iyer's partnership brought India back on track before Iyer was bowled by leg-spinner Adam Zampa. Zampa later removed Kohli, who had been dropped earlier by Glenn Maxwell on 51, for a well-made 84, leaving India at 225-5.

Despite the setback, Rahul kept his composure, forming a vital partnership with Hardik Pandya, who struck three sixes in his knock of 28. Rahul sealed the win with a six, as a predominantly Indian crowd erupted in celebration.

In response to his bowlers' performance, Smith said, "I thought the bowlers did a really good job. They worked hard throughout, the spinners squeezed and enabled us to take the game a bit deeper than potentially could have done."

Earlier, Australia's innings had been a tale of regular wickets, with Mohammed Shami leading India's bowling charge, finishing with figures of 3-48. Shami was well-supported by spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja, who took two wickets apiece. Australia's top order faltered, despite Travis Head’s brisk 39, after the early loss of Connolly.

India’s victory was seen by many as a measure of revenge for their World Cup final defeat to Australia in Ahmedabad in 2023.

The second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand took place on Wednesday in Lahore.