By Zainab Shafiq 
In a high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India secured a hard-fought four-wicket victory over Australia, setting up a summit clash in the final. The win also confirmed a significant off-field development—the final, originally scheduled to be played in Pakistan, will now take place in Dubai due to India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan.
Kohli’s Masterclass Guides India into Champions Trophy Final Set to be Played in Dubai
Chasing a target of 265, India displayed a composed batting performance, with Virat Kohli leading the charge with a match-winning 84 off 98 balls. Despite early jitters in the chase, Kohli anchored the innings, forming crucial partnerships with Shreyas Iyer (45) and KL Rahul (42*). His calm approach helped India absorb the pressure after losing both openers within the first eight overs.
India got off to a shaky start as Shubman Gill (8) was cleaned up by Ben Dwarshuis, and Rohit Sharma (28) was adjudged lbw to Cooper Connolly. Kohli, however, steadied the innings alongside Iyer, with their 91-run stand taking India to a comfortable position. Once Iyer fell to Adam Zampa, Axar Patel contributed a quick 27 before Nathan Ellis removed him to give Australia a glimmer of hope.
As the required run rate crept up, Kohli and Rahul absorbed the pressure, playing risk-free cricket. Kohli’s dismissal in the 43rd over, caught at deep mid-wicket off Zampa, momentarily tilted the momentum. But Hardik Pandya (28 off 24) ensured the lower order held firm. Rahul’s composed innings took India past the finish line in the 49th over, with Ravindra Jadeja scoring the winning runs.
Australia’s Batting Falters After Strong Start
Earlier in the day, Australia opted to bat first after winning the toss but could not capitalize on a solid foundation. Travis Head’s aggressive 39 off 33 balls gave Australia an early push before he was dismissed by Varun Chakravarthy. Mohammed Shami then ripped through the top order, dismissing Cooper Connolly and Steve Smith (73) in a brilliant spell.
Marnus Labuschagne (29) and Josh Inglis (11) failed to build on promising starts, falling to Ravindra Jadeja’s spin, leaving Australia at 144/4. The experienced Alex Carey played a vital knock, scoring 61 off 57, but his run-out in the 47th over ended Australia’s hopes of a strong finish. Shami (3/48) and Chakravarthy (2/49) led India’s disciplined bowling effort, restricting Australia to 264 in 49.3 overs.
Final Shifted to Dubai Due to India’s Stand on Pakistan
Beyond the thrilling contest, India’s victory had wider implications. With the BCCI’s firm stance against sending the Indian team to Pakistan, the ICC had been exploring alternative venues for the final. Now that India have secured their place in the summit clash, Dubai has been officially chosen as the host venue. The decision ensures that India will participate in the final without political tensions interfering with the event.
India will now await the winner of the second semi-final as they aim for another ICC trophy. With Kohli in sublime form and the team firing collectively, they will be favorites to lift the prestigious title in Dubai on March 7.
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