Australia has found a much-needed breakthrough in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final as Adam Zampa dismissed Indian batting mainstay Virat Kohli for 84. Kohli, who was anchoring India’s chase of 265 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, perished while attempting a big shot, bringing Australia back into the contest.
Kohli was looking in supreme touch, scoring 84 off 98 balls with five boundaries, and was comfortably rotating the strike with KL Rahul. However, Zampa lured him into a false shot with a flighted googly outside off. Kohli, attempting to slog it over cow corner, failed to get the required power as the ball caught the bottom of his bat and went straight to Ben Dwarshuis at long-on. The Australian fielder made no mistake, completing a safe catch to bring a moment of relief for his team.
With Kohli’s departure at 225/5 in the 43rd over, the match is now evenly poised. India still needs 38 runs from 40 balls, with KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya at the crease. While the required run rate remains under control, Australia’s bowlers will be looking to build pressure and push for more wickets in the final phase of the chase.
