Dubai: India clinched a dominant five-wicket win over Australia in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final, thanks to a collective bowling performance and a steady half-century from Virat Kohli at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

India set off on their chase of a 265-run target with a mix of caution and intent, as the early stages of the match saw Shubman Gill looking unsettled, while captain Rohit Sharma remained unfazed, continuing his aggressive approach. Rohit, playing his fearless brand of cricket, got a reprieve after Cooper Connolly dropped an easy catch, and again when Marnus Labuschagne misjudged a catch in the outfield.

With India under pressure, Australia capitalized, and Ben Dwarshuis made the breakthrough, removing Gill for 10, who edged a delivery into the stumps while attempting to steer it down to third man. Rohit followed soon after, trapped in front by Connolly for 28, leaving India at 38-2.

Virat Kohli, however, steadied the ship alongside Shreyas Iyer, as the pair formed a vital 91-run partnership. Kohli played his trademark composed innings, while Iyer contributed with a mix of stylish and unconventional strokes.