DUBAI, Mar 4: Virat Kohli emerged as the star performer for India, scoring 84 runs and leading the team to a four-wicket victory over Australia in the Champions Trophy semifinals on Tuesday. Australia, batting first, was bowled out for 264 runs in 49.3 overs. India successfully chased the target, finishing with 11 balls to spare. Kohli’s impressive 98-ball innings was supported by Shreyas Iyer with 45 runs, while KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya contributed 42 and 28 runs, respectively.
Earlier in the match, Australian captain Steve Smith and Alex Carey both made half-centuries, helping their side surpass the 260-run mark. Smith scored 73 runs off 96 balls, forming key partnerships with Travis Head (39) and Marnus Labuschagne (29), adding 50 and 56 runs, respectively. Carey contributed 61 runs to the total.
For India, Mohammed Shami was the standout bowler, securing three wickets for 38 runs, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja each claimed two wickets.
Brief Scores:
Australia: 264 all out in 49.3 overs (Travis Head 39; Steve Smith 73, Alex Carey 61; Mohammed Shami 3/48, Ravindra Jadeja 2/40, Varun Chakravarthy 2/49).
India: 267/6 in 48.1 overs (Virat Kohli 84, Shreyas Iyer 45; Adam Zampa 2/60).
