India stormed into the Champions Trophy 2025 final after gunning down world champions Australia by four wickets in the thrilling semifinal played at the Dubai International stadium on March 4, Tuesday. Rohit Sharma-led India chased down the challenging 265-run target with 11 balls to spare, avenging their ODI World Cup 2023 final defeat against Australia. This win ended Steve Smith's Australia's Champions Trophy campaign, setting the stage for the summit clash to be held in the UAE.
It was the chase master Virat Kohli who played a match-winning knock to send India to Champions Trophy final. Kohli beautifully anchored India's chase with a masterful 84 runs despite losing Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma early. Shreyas Iyer also delivered a solid innings to steady India's boat with his well crafted 45-run knock. Hardik Pandya (28) injected excitement into the match with three towering sixes, and KL Rahul (42) provided the finishing touch, sealing India's victory with a decisive six, thus securing their spot in the Champions Trophy final.
Steve Smith indirectly blames Australia batters after losing to India in Champions Trophy semifinal
However, Australia captain Steve Smith was left gutted after Australia's defeat against India. While taking an aim at his batters he said that Australia lost a couple of wickets at crucial times and admitted the result would have been different had his team posted a 280-plus score.
"I thought the bowlers did a really good job, they worked hard throughout, the spinners squeezed and took the game deep. It was a tricky wicket to start on batting, tough to rotate the strike, everyone did a really good job tonight. It played pretty similar throughout. Little bit of hold for the spinners, little bit of spin and a bit of skid. For the pacers, it was two-paced. We probably could have got a few more on. We lost a couple of wickets at crucial times. If we got 280+, things would have been different. Felt like we were one wicket too many down at each stage of the game. The way we've come together. The bowling unit did a wonderful job, some of the batters stood up. We played exceptionally well against England. Some really good cricketers, they are going to get bigger and better," Smith said at the post-match presentation.
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