It was a challenging game, but India beat Australia by four wickets in the first Semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and reached the Final of the tournament. Former Indian captain Virat Kohli was the hero of the match, who was enjoying passionately after India successfully chased the target. 

Australian captain Steve Smith chose to bat first at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. Australia scored 264 all out in 49.3 overs, and it was a challenging total for any team to chase on the tricky Dubai pitch, but the chase master king Kohli produced one of his memorable knocks and he also got some crucial supports from the middle-order batters to guide the team to the win. India successfully chased the target in 48.1 overs after losing six wickets. 

See Also: Virat Kohli Makes History as the First Player to Reach 1,000 Runs in ICC Knockout Matches

Virat Kohli scored 84 runs

Player of the Match Virat Kohli scored 84 off 98 balls. While the right-handed batter hit four fours to complete his 50 runs in 53 balls, he only hit one more four in the rest of the innings. He was focusing more on singles and doubles to rotate the strike to deny any dangerous adventure in the chasing. 

While Kohli was out 40 runs away from the target, KL Rahul's calmness and Hardik Pandya's three brutal sixes helped India to chase the target. Captain Rohit Sharma scored 28 runs, while his opening partner Shubman Gill scored eight runs. Among the middle-order batters, Shreyas Iyer (45), Axar Patel (27), Rahul (42*), and Pandya (28) made useful contributions along with stable partnerships.  

India vs Australia match is always a high-profile game in any format, and it becomes more important in any big tournaments, especially in the knockout stages. So, there was no doubt that the Indian team would celebrate this win, especially when Australia denied India's successful journey in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 by winning the Final against the hosts in Ahmedabad. 

Virat Kohli celebrated with the team

While all the Indian cricketers were in joy, the hero of the match, Virat Kohli had a joyful celebration. During that celebration, the former Indian captain hugged the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and later Hardik Pandya. 

Kohli hugging Rohit like a child 🥹❤️pic.twitter.com/S9CGkuxAB2

— t. (@_squarecut) March 4, 2025

Finally, India's wound of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 Final loss against Australia got some healing sense after Men in Blue beat Australia by four wickets in the first Semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

It was a good fighting game, where Australian captain Steven Smith rightly chose to bat first at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. While Australia put the challenging total of 264 all out (49.3 overs), India chased down the target in 48.1 overs after losing six wickets. 

Australia lost plots after making multiple comebacks

The new Aussie opener Cooper Connolly had a hard luck as he scored a nine-ball duck as Mohammed Shami got that wicket. Another opener Travis Head was strongly hitting the Indian pacers after managing some luck in the first few overs. However, at 39 off 33 balls (five fours and two sixes), Varun Chakravarthy took Head's wicket in the ninth over as Shubman Gill took a good catch running from the long off. 

Captain Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne had some early luck as they had a 56-run partnership for the third wicket. Ravindra Jadeja took Labuschagne's wicket, who scored 29 off 36 balls. Josh Inglis (11) was the next victim of Jadeja. 

Alex Carey batted well with Smith as they had a 54-run partnership for the fifth wicket. After completing his 50 runs in 68 balls, Smith was strongly approaching the big score, while Carey was moving the scoreboard quickly. However, Smith made one big mistake as he went to slog Mohammed Shami, and Shami's full toss hit the wicket after Smith missed it. It was a crucial wicket for India as Smith scored 73 off 96 balls with four fours and one six. 

Glenn Maxwell was bowled by Axar Patel for seven runs, and that dismissal happened next ball after Maxwell's sixer to Patel. Only Carey was adding strong runs since then, while Ben Dwarshuis (19) and Nathan Ellis (10) helped with double-digit scores. 

Carey completed his brave 50 runs in 48 balls and scored 61 off 57 balls with the help of eight fours and one six before Iyer's direct hit ended his innings. 

Among the Indian bowlers, Mohammed Shami (3/48) took three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) picked up two wickets each. 

Rough start didn't bother the "Super Chaser" Kohli and middle-order batters

At chasing, in-form opener Shubman Gill was bowled for eight runs by Ben Dwarshuis, while captain Rohit Sharma (28 off 29 balls) got two lives before Cooper Connolly dismissed him through an lbw. From the pressure situation, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer built up a 91-run partnership for the third wicket. 

Kohli completed his half-century in 53 balls, while Iyer was bowled by Adam Zampa after scoring 45 off 62 balls. While Kohli hit four fours to complete his half-century, he mostly worked with singles and doubles to rotate the strike strongly. 

Axar Patel and Kohli had another crucial 44-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Patel scored 27 off 30 balls before Nathan Ellis bowled him. Kohli had another valuable 47-run partnership with KL Rahul, who also produced valuable support in that tricky chase. 

Adam Zampa took Kohli's wicket after the Player of the Match scored 84 off 98 balls, where he hit only five fours. When Kohli was dismissed, India needed 40 runs in 44 balls. 

See Also: Virat Kohli Creates History with Most 50+ Scores in ICC ODI Events

Although Hardik Pandya played many dot balls in his 24-ball innings, his three long sixes, including two successive sixes in Zampa's last two balls of the match, became the ultimate decider of the Semi-final. Although Ellis dismissed Pandya for 28 off 24 balls, Rahul comfortably finished the game with Ravindra Jadeja. While Rahul was not out for 42 off 34 balls (two fours and two sixes), Jadeja scored two not out.

India set new records

With this win, India created new history by becoming the first team to reach the ICC Champions Trophy Final for the fifth time. They previously reached in the 2000, 2002, 2013, and 2017 editions, respectively. While they lost the 2000 Final against New Zealand, the 2002 Final had no results in two different matches (one official Final and the other reserve-day Final) and they jointly won that trophy with the hosts Sri Lanka, then India beat the hosts England in the 2013 Final to win the trophy, and ultimately lost the 2017 Final against Pakistan. 

The successful chase of 265 runs was also the highest successful chase against Australia in a knockout stage game of any ICC ODI tournaments. 

India and Australia are battling in the first Semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, where the Indian players are wearing armbands. Here we will know the reason for Indian players' armbands. 

Former Indian first-class cricketer Padmakar Shivalkar passed away on Monday (March 3) in Mumbai. The 84-year-old was unwell for the last few months. Although he never played for the Indian national cricket team, he was one of the legendary Indian domestic cricketers for Mumbai. He continued the game till the age of 47 years. 

Also Watch: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli angry on Kuldeep Yadav

Padmakar Shivalkar took 500+ first-class wickets

The slow left-arm orthodox bowler Padmakar Shivalkar was active in domestic cricket between the 1961-62 and 1987-88 seasons. He recorded 515 wickets in 112 first-class matches and 36 wickets in 12 List A games. He was one of the greatest bowlers in Mumbai cricket history. 

Padmakar Shivalkar shined in key Ranji Trophy matches

During the 1971-72 Ranji Trophy Semi-final, Shivalkar recorded an eight-wicket haul and a fifer against Mysore (8/19 & 5/31). In the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy Final, the left-arm spinner recorded his best bowling figures with 8/16 and 5/18 against Tamil Nadu.

Despite his consistent performances, he missed his luck to wear the national team cap. As the legendary left-arm spinner Bishan Singh Bedi was dominating for India at that time along with off-spinners Erapalli Prasanna and Srinivas Venkataraghavan, and leg-spinner Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, as the four were popularly known as the Indian spin quartet.

The Indian cricket board, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), honoured him with the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. It is the highest honour from the BCCI. 

India and Australia are involved in a high-tension first Semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where the Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav faced heat from the skipper Rohit Sharma and the former captain Virat Kohli for his mistake.  

Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates is hosting the first Semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where India and Australia are facing each other. Australian captain Steven Smith chose to bat first after winning the toss. Although the Aussie opener Travis Head produced a powerful start, the Indian spinners' unshakable discipline bowling has never produced comfortable breathing for the latest ODI World Cup champions. Also, Indian fielders kept tight in the opportunities. 

See Also: Former Indian Spinner Ravi Ashwin Claims Varun Chakravarthy as X Factor For Team India

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma furious on Kuldeep Yadav

It was the 32nd over, when the deep square leg fielder Kohli threw the ball to the bowler Kuldeep Yadav and Yadav let the ball go to the short mid-wicket fielder Rohit Sharma. Both Kohli and Sharma were unimpressed with that leaving decision from Yadav. 

Virat and Rohit to Kuldeep Yadav🤪#INDvsAUS #KuldeepYadav pic.twitter.com/pFPdzzn1d9

— बलिया वाले 2.0 (@balliawalebaba) March 4, 2025

Australia setting challenging target for India

Aussie opener Travis Head (39) and the middle-order batter Marnus Labuschagne (29) lost their wickets after getting starts. However, captain Steven Smith produced a solid knock despite a few lucky escapes. He scored 73 off 96 balls with four fours and one six before Mohammed Shami bowled him. Smith's batting set a good platform for the Aussies to build up a challenging first innings total for Australia, which can put the strong-batting line-up India under pressure. 

Unlike the previous ODI at Dubai, where India and New Zealand faced each other and both batters struggled to handle the spinners, especially the Blackcaps' batters under the lights, the India vs Australia match pitch seems better for the batters. However, the pitch is still favouring the spinners well enough.  

India and Australia are busy in the first Semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While Indian bowlers are pressuring Aussie batters, former Indian captain Virat Kohli was enjoying the moment, as he entertained the crowd with his bhangra dance. 

Australian captain Steven Smith chose to bat first after winning the toss in the first Semi-final of the tournament at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.  

Although the Aussie opener Travis Head provided a fiery start as usual, Indian spinners controlled the game. At the end of the 25th over, Australia scored 125/3. 

See Also: Pakistan Drops Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for New Zealand T20I Series

Virat Kohli did bhangra during Semi-final

During the first innings of the match, there was a moment when Virat Kohli had a bhangra dance on the field. Indian cricket fans enjoyed it in the high-pressure Semi-final.  

Virat Kohli doing Bhangra after getting 1st wicket. 🕺#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/PXFUBZibSK

— SACH TALKS (@SachTalks) March 4, 2025

Virat Kohli scored a century against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

It is also an important match for Virat Kohli. The right-handed batter is recently going through a lean patch. Although the right-handed batter scored a century and one half-century in the last four ODIs, including 100 not out against Pakistan in the group stage of the tournament, he is inconsistent. If he plays a valuable innings in the ongoing Semi-final, it will be a big plus point for India. 

Kohli has a strong ODI record against Australia. The right-handed batter is the third leading run-scorer (2367 runs) for any team against Australia in ODI cricket, after two Indians Sachin Tendulkar (3077 runs) and Rohit Sharma (2379 runs). Kohli has recorded 22 ODI 50+ scores against Australia, third most by any batter against Australia (Sachin Tendulkar 24 times and Sir Viv Richards 23 times). Kohli has also hit eight ODI centuries against Australia, similar with Rohit Sharma (8 centuries) and one less than Sachin Tendulkar (9 centuries).

In the first Semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India vs Australia match is ready to start, which has been scheduled for Tuesday (March 4) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India and Australia's performances

India, who played all their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai, finished Group A as the points table leader with six points by winning all three matches. After beating both Bangladesh and Pakistan by six wickets each, Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue defeated New Zealand by 44 runs. 

On the other hand, Steven Smith-led Australia finished Group B as the runners-up with five points by winning once and ending with no results twice. After beating England by five wickets in their tournament opener after chasing the tournament record-breaking 350+ target, Australia had two no results against South Africa and Afghanistan. While the Proteas match was abandoned without a toss, Australia's fiery chasing against Afghanistan was interrupted by rain. Australia played all their group stage matches of the tournament in Pakistan.

See Also: IND VS AUS Semi final ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Live Streaming and How to Watch

ICC Champions Trophy: India and Australia's Semi-final records

It will be the sixth Semi-final appearance for India in ICC Champions Trophy, while they have recorded four wins and one loss. Meanwhile, Australia are ready for their fifth ICC Champions Trophy Semi-final after recording two wins and two losses in previous last four stages. Both India and Australia have won the ICC Champions Trophy twice each. While India lifted the trophy in 2002 (joint winners with the hosts Sri Lanka) and 2013, Australia recorded the title in successive editions in 2006 and 2009.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (1st Semi-final): India vs Australia – Probable XIs

India Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav

Australia Predicted XI: Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Steven Smith (Captain), Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson 

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (1st Semi-final): India vs Australia – Dream11 Top Captains and Vice-Captains

Top 3 Captain's choices: Shubman Gill, Travis Head, Axar Patel

Top 3 Vice-Captain's choices: Adam Zampa, Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer

Cricket Australia didn't ask Sunil Gavaskar to present the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Pat Cummins, Australia's captain, even though the trophy is named after him and Allan Border. This decision was a disappointment for cricket fans. Right at the ceremony where they gave out the awards, they had Gavaskar just standing at the side of the field without taking part.

It disappointed many people who enjoy cricket.

Gavaskar also shared that, as an Indian, he would have been honored to share the stage with his close friend Allan Border to present the trophy. "I would have been happy to do it alongside Allan. It's a bilateral series that symbolizes the friendship and rivalry between our two nations," he said.

Cricket Australia's Explanation

Cricket Australia (CA) has mentioned some details about inviting Sunil Gavaskar for a special task. They were planning to have him give the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Jasprit Bumrah but only if India had won the Sydney Test, or at least managed a draw, which would mean they keep the trophy because they won the last series.

CA also shared that they had actually told Gavaskar beforehand about this entire plan. They even said, it might have been a good idea to have both Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar come up on stage. That's what a spokesperson from CA said when they discussed it.

Australia beat India 3-1 in the latest Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, taking victories in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. The series is a strikingly large event in Test cricket and happens every two years, with the host country switching between India and Australia. It began in 1996-97 and honors cricket icons Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border.

While India secured the first win in Perth, the game in Brisbane ended with no winner.

Cricket Australia Admits Their Mistake

Later that evening, Cricket Australia acknowledged their error in not having Gavaskar on the podium for the presentation ceremony, which only included Allan Border. In a statement to the media, CA expressed regret:

"We admit it wasn't an ideal situation, and it would have been better if both Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar had been invited to present the trophy together."

The Indian cricket team is set to unleash a string of changes for their fourth Test of their ongoing tour of Australia. Captain Rohit Sharma, according to various media reports, is set to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.Rohit, after missing the series opener in Perth, batted at no. 6 in Adelaide (2nd Test) and Brisbane (3rd Test) as India persisted wit KL Rahul as opener.

Is Rohit Sharma Being Selfish as Captain? Here's What's Happening

Recently, people have started questioning Rohit Sharma because of an unexpected choice he wants to make. There are talks that for an upcoming match, he wishes to open the batting himself, which means KL Rahul, one of the team's most dependable openers, would have to bat at No. 3. Fans and cricket authorities are split, debating if Rohit is thinking more about what he likes better instead of what is best for the Indian team. Normally, Rohit Sharma is viewed as a capable leader for India but now he's getting a lot of flak for this decision.

ALSO READ:Travis Head cleared to play as Australia announce XI for Boxing Day Test

KL Rahul's Great Record as an Opener

Every time he plays, KL Rahul proves that he is really good at opening in cricket, no matter the format. KL Rahul is very good and remains placid, so he's pulled off some major wins batting first. Some people think moving him to No. 3 is not smart because it could tinker with his flow; they figure if he's already doing great, why change something that works well?

Rohit's History as an Opener

Rohit Sharma is utterly excellent when he starts the batting, obtaining many centuries in tests and even some double centuries in ODIs. Everyone thinks he's one of the best among the starting batsmen today. But  even though he's an amazing player, there are people who think he should think more about what's best for the team instead of just wanting to bat first.

If he keeps choosing to open, it might make it hard to see how great Rahul has been playing lately.

Focus on Batters

Indian batters raised hopes with impressive performances in the first Test held in Perth where Jaiswal and Virat Kohli struck centuries. However, the batters disappointed in the next two Tests one of which culminated in a big defeat at the Adelaide Oval. Only Rahul has offered some sort of consistency with two half-centuries in six innings and he’s currently the second-highest run-getter of the series after Travis Head.

While Jaiswal is third on this list with 193 runs, a majority of these came in a single innings 161 in the second innings of first Test. Similarly, Kohli has only managed to add 26 runs against his name after a fluent century 100 not out in the series opener last month.On the other hand, Rohit has been struggling too. In three innings, he has mustered 19 runs.Rohit refused to confirm whether he will continue in the middle order or be back to open at MCG.

How It Affects the Batting Order

Moving KL Rahul to No. 3 might not work out well because it can affect how the middle order lines up. India hasn't been able to stay consistent with a regular No. 3 batter lately. Shifting where Rahul bats could cause problems in important games. Also, if Rahul isn't opening, India might miss out on his skill in dealing with new balls, which usually makes it tough for the bowlers right at the start.

 Leadership vs  Personal Choices

Rohit Sharma being one of India's top openers is known but his decision to mix up a good batting order is making people wonder regarding him as a captain. When a captain has to choose, their main job is to think about how to help everyone in the team, not only what they want for themselves. This makes some people think back to times when it looked as if people were putting what they wanted first, instead of what the team needed.

Who Will Win the 2nd Test? Predicted Playing XI for Adelaide Pink-Ball Test

The second Test of the thrilling five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia kicks off on December 6 at the iconic Adelaide Oval. As a pink-ball Test, the game is set to bring unique challenges, particularly during the twilight hours when the ball tends to swing more, adding intrigue to this crucial clash.

Both teams are expected to make lineup adjustments to tackle the conditions. While Australia is likely to tweak their side with one change, Team India could introduce two new faces to strengthen their playing XI. Here's everything you need to know about the predicted playing XI and what could decide who will win the 2nd Test match at the Adelaide Oval. Stay tuned as we dive into the likely XI for the Adelaide Test and analyze how each team stacks up under the lights.

Prior to the build-up to the second BGT Test, Australia received a shocking blow as right-arm quick bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out on Saturday due to what's described as a low-grade left-side injury. The pacer who took five wickets in Australia's colossal 295-run defeat in Perth will not take part in the upcoming pink-ball Test in Adelaide starting on December 6. 

However, the 33-year-old will remain under the close supervision of the medical staff and will still continue to be a part of the squad in Adelaide to prepare for the remainder of the series.  

See also: Who is Beau Webster? The latest inclusion in Australian Test squad

JUST IN: Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the second #AUSvIND Test with uncapped duo called up. Full details 👇https://t.co/ZHrw3TUO8a

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 30, 2024

Uncapped quicks Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett make an entry to the squad

Hazlewood's injury has compelled Cricket Australia to rope in two uncapped seamers Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett into the squad as a cover. Abbott while being handy with the bat averages nearly 30 with the ball in FC cricket and currently holds best figures of 8/63 in this format. The NSW fast-bowling all-rounder featured in six ODIs against India in which he claimed seven wickets. 

The Queensland-born Brendan Doggett is yet to make his international debut for Australia but has been actively performing well in the domestic circuit for quite some time now. The 30-year-old pace-bowling all-rounder has claimed 142 wickets across 40 FC games which includes his career-best figures of 7/58 whilst maintaining a formidable average of 28.63.

Opportunity for Scotty Boland to make an impact

The injury to Hazlewood has opened the doors for Scott Boland. The right-arm speedster from Melbourne has an outstanding record against India in Test cricket and his exploits with the ball in the WTC Final are still fresh in the memories of several ardent fans to this day. 

The 35-year-old has represented Australia in 10 Tests and has picked up 35 wickets at a stellar average of 20.34, Experts suggest that Boland could get a call-up ahead of Abbott and Doggett for the second Test solely due to his experience.

After being already 0-1 down in the series, Hazlewood's injury was the last thing the home side would have wished for. He was at his destructive best in the earlier pink-ball Test match in the 2020-21 BGT series where his figures of 5/8 in the second innings floored India for a record-low of 36.