Dubai: Virat Kohli led India to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, chasing down a target of 265. Kohli top-scored with 84 runs off 98 balls, anchoring India’s successful run chase.
After Australia posted a total of 264, Kohli’s steady presence at the crease formed the backbone of the Indian chase. The 36-year-old’s approach was marked by composure and a clear focus on rotating the strike, which ultimately set the stage for a successful partnership-based run chase.
Speaking after the match, Kohli reflected on his mindset during the innings. “I was not feeling desperate, and I was pretty happy knocking ones around,” Kohli explained. “When, as a batter, you start taking pride in hitting those singles into the gaps, that is when you know you are playing good cricket.”
His innings included only five boundaries, but Kohli emphasized the importance of adapting to the conditions. “It is about understanding the conditions, preparing my game accordingly, rotating strike,” he said. “Big partnerships on this pitch are the most important thing.”
Despite falling 16 runs short of his 52nd ODI century, Kohli remained focused on team success. “I am never focused on those milestones,” he said. “It’s all about doing the job for the team. If I get to the three-figure mark, great. If not, the win is what matters.”
Read more: Virat Kohli Reaches Milestone of 14,000 Runs in One-Day Cricket
Australia’s captain Steven Smith, who top-scored for his side with 73, attributed the loss to the team’s inability to build partnerships at crucial moments. “If we got 280+, things could have been different,” Smith said. “We lost a couple of wickets at crucial times, and that cost us.”
India now awaits the winner of the second semi-final, either South Africa or New Zealand, in the Champions Trophy final, with Kohli’s steady leadership a key factor in their path to victory.
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