After India's intense semifinal match against Australia, a fan broke through the ground security and entered the Dubai International Stadium. The fan even embraced Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul after the latter ended the match with a huge six off Glenn Maxwell in the penultimate over. Rahul put together a valiant 42* from 34 balls and shared game-winning partnerships with half-centurion Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya to lead India home.
Fan breaches ground to hug Rahul
KL Rahul, who batted at number six, made his way into the crease after dismissing Axar Patel at 178-4 in 35 overs. The cricketer scored a valiant 42* from 34 balls with two boundaries and two sixes to fend off Australian bowlers alongside Virat Kohli (84 off 98) and Hardik Pandya (28 off 24). This was just moments after Rahul smoked Glenn Maxwell out of the ground for a gigantic six to storm India to a 4-wicket victory.
India beat Australia
For most Indian fans, the agony of November 19, 2023, may have subsided a bit more on Tuesday as the Men in Blue defeated the Australian side in the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final. The wounds from that World Cup final may still be fresh, but India dealt Australia a knockout blow in a major ICC one-day international tournament for the first time in 14 years. Virat Kohli may have lost a well-earned century, falling for a steady 84, but by the time he left in the 43rd over, the game was virtually decided. Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul maintained their cool, ensuring India finished the chase with 11 balls remaining.
When India defeated Australia, they recorded the most successful run chase against them in the ICC tournament knockout match in history. With KL Rahul hitting the winning runs with a six and singing his own redemption song, India crossed the finish line in spectacular fashion. After winning the Champions Trophy in 2013 but losing in the 2017 final, India advanced to the final for the third time in a row. After placing second in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup, this was India's third straight final appearance in ICC white-ball competitions.
