Australia has found a crucial breakthrough in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final as Adam Zampa dismissed India’s batting pillar, Virat Kohli, for 84. Kohli, who was playing a well-paced innings and anchoring India’s chase of 265 against Australia at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, fell while attempting an unnecessary big shot, shifting the momentum back towards the Aussies.
Kohli was in sublime form, accumulating 84 runs off 98 deliveries with five boundaries. His partnership with KL Rahul was steady, ensuring India stayed ahead in the chase. However, in a moment of misjudgment, he attempted to take on Zampa, who bowled a flighted googly outside off. Kohli, looking to clear cow corner, mistimed the shot, and the ball caught the bottom of his bat, landing safely in the hands of Ben Dwarshuis at long-on. The safe catch sent shockwaves through the Indian camp, as Australia got a much-needed lifeline.
A visibly frustrated KL Rahul, who was well-set at the other end, was caught on the stump mic expressing his disappointment, exclaiming, “Mein maar raha tha na?” (I was already hitting, right?), signaling that Kohli’s aggressive shot may not have been needed at that moment. With Kohli’s wicket at 225/5 in the 43rd over, the match has once again opened up, keeping both teams on edge.
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India now needs 38 runs from 40 balls, with KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya at the crease. While the required run rate remains manageable, Australia’s bowlers will aim to apply pressure and pick up more wickets in the final phase of this high-stakes chase. The next few overs could determine whether India cruises to the final or if Australia stages a dramatic comeback.
