Twitter reactions: Virat Kohli shines as India edge out Australia in a nervy chase to qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025 final

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India booked their spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final with a thrilling four-wicket win over Australia in the first semifinal at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 265, Virat Kohli‘s classy 84-run knock and crucial contributions from KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya powered India home with 11 balls to spare.

Australia’s gritty batting effort

After electing to bat first, Australia posted 264 in 49.3 overs, riding on a determined 73 from Steve Smith and a quickfire 61 by Alex Carey. Travis Head (39 off 33) and Marnus Labuschagne (29 off 36) chipped in, but India’s disciplined bowling attack prevented the Aussies from accelerating.

Mohammed Shami (3/48) led the attack brilliantly, while Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) provided crucial breakthroughs. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Australia managed to push past 260, setting a competitive total.

India’s chase: Virat Kohli’s brilliance seals the win

India got off to a steady but cautious start as Rohit Sharma (28) and Shubman Gill (8) looked to settle in. However, quick strikes from Ben Dwarshuis and Cooper Connolly put Australia on top early.

With India at 82/2, Kohli took control of the chase, crafting a well-paced 84 off 98 balls. His partnership with Shreyas Iyer (45 off 62) stabilized the innings before Rahul (42 off 34) and Pandya (28 off 24) provided the finishing touch. Despite some late jitters, India reached 267/6 in 48.1 overs, securing a place in the final.

Kohli’s match-winning 84-run knock anchored India’s chase and earned him the Player of the Match award. His composure under pressure once again proved decisive in a knockout clash. With this four-wicket victory, India marches into the final, awaiting the winner of the second semifinal.

Also WATCH: Cooper Connolly’s pumped-up celebration after removing Rohit Sharma in Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal

Here is how fans reacted:

India does it again! A masterclass in chasing led by composure, elegance, stability, and explosive finish. Pure domination, relentless intent, and a champion mentality on display! This team knows how to handle pressure and deliver…

— Siddharthh Kaul (@iamsidkaul)

India edge out Australia in a nervy chase to punch their ticket to the Final 🎫 📝:

— ICC (@ICC)

India has emerged victorious 🤩 With a stunning victory over Australia, Bharat secures a spot in the finals. Congratulations Indiaaaaaaa 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🔥🔥🔥👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

— Wazhma Ayoubi 🇦🇫 (@WazhmaAyoubi)

𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙊 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙁𝙄𝙉𝘼𝙇𝙎 🥳

Scorecard ▶️ | |

— BCCI (@BCCI)

Sunday, 9th March. 🏆⏳🤩 🇮🇳

— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy)

🎫 𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐄 ✅🏆

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan)

India in their third successive – 2013, 2017 and now to become the first nation to do so!

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman)

What else we here for? 🇮🇳🔥

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals)

Better talent, better skills. This time the better team on field, and on paper, won. 🇮🇳 >— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif)

Whole is always greater than its individual parts .
Top team effort again lead by the brilliance of Virat .

— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7)

The problem for the rest of the world in White ball cricket is that India have another team that could play and they are equally as good … the Aussies to push them so close was a great effort with so many missing … It’s India’s trophy for me …

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan)