India Secures Champions Trophy Final Spot with Victory Over Australia as Kohli Punishes Maxwell’s Drop
India stormed into their third consecutive Champions Trophy final, defeating Australia by four wickets in Dubai. The victory was fueled by Virat Kohli’s resilient 84, capitalizing on Glenn Maxwell’s costly drop when the Indian maestro was on 51. Chasing 265, India crossed the finish line with 11 balls to spare, setting up a title clash against New Zealand or South Africa on Sunday.
Kohli’s knock, complemented by Shreyas Iyer (45), Axar Patel (27), and KL Rahul (42 off 34), laid the foundation for the chase. Kohli fell to Adam Zampa with 40 runs needed off 44 balls, but Hardik Pandya’s quick-fire 28 off 24 and Rahul’s finishing six off Maxwell ensured a comfortable win.
Australia’s Struggles and India’s Dominant Response
Steve Smith (73 off 96) and Alex Carey (61 off 57) anchored Australia’s 264 all out, but India’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami (3-48), Ravindra Jadeja (2-40), and Varun Chakravarthy (2-49), restricted the scoring in crucial phases. Shami’s spell was particularly impactful, dismissing Smith at 198-4, after which Australia managed only 66 runs in the last 13 overs.
India’s chase had early hiccups as Rohit Sharma (28) survived two dropped catches before falling to Cooper Connolly. Shubman Gill (8), Iyer, and Axar also departed, but Kohli’s partnership-building and late fireworks from Hardik and Rahul sealed the win.
Key Turning Points: Dropped Catches and Bowling Impact
Australia’s fielding errors proved costly, with Maxwell’s drop of Kohli on 51 being the defining moment. Earlier, Connolly and Marnus Labuschagne had spilled chances off Rohit, allowing India an easier path.
On the bowling front, Shami tormented Connolly before dismissing him for a nine-ball duck, while Australia’s attack, despite Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, and Zampa’s efforts, lacked the experience to defend the total.
India now aims to claim their third Champions Trophy title, looking to erase the heartbreak of 2017, when they fell to Pakistan in the final. With momentum on their side, they enter Sunday’s showdown as firm favorites.
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