India Secures Semi-Final Spot Against Australia in ICC Champions Trophy

News Mar 3, 2025 0 15 Add to Reading List

India has officially booked its place in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy, set to face reigning ODI and Test world champions Australia. This comes after a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand, thanks to an impressive debut performance from Varun Chakravarti, who claimed a five-wicket haul.

Match Overview
In a crucial Group A match, India opted to bat first but faced early setbacks, losing captain Rohit Sharma and deputy Shubman Gill quickly. Virat Kohli also fell cheaply, leaving India struggling at 3 for 3 within the first seven overs. However, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel steadied the innings, forming a vital partnership of 98 runs. Iyer reached his half-century off 75 balls, while Axar contributed 42 runs before being dismissed by Ravindra Shastri.

KL Rahul then joined Iyer, and together they pushed India past the 170-run mark in the 36th over. The partnership ended at 44 runs when Iyer was dismissed for 79 off 98 balls. Hardik Pandya took control of the innings, scoring a brisk 45 runs, helping India finish at 249 for 9.

New Zealand's Response
New Zealand struggled in their chase, losing key wickets early on. Former captain Kane Williamson provided resistance with a score of 81 off 77 balls but received little support from the rest of the batting lineup. Apart from Will Young, who managed a modest score, no other top-order batsman exceeded 20 runs. Chakravarti's stellar bowling performance led to New Zealand being bowled out for just 205 runs.

Upcoming Semi-Finals
Looking ahead, the semi-final lineup features India taking on Australia in the first match on Tuesday in Dubai. The second semi-final will see New Zealand face South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday. The final is scheduled for March 9, with the venue contingent on India’s performance against Australia.

As India gears up for this high-stakes clash against a formidable opponent, fans eagerly await what promises to be an exciting semi-final in the ICC Champions Trophy.