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India hold nerve to reach Champions Trophy final

## India Edges Out Australia in Thrilling Champions Trophy Semi-Final

India secured a dramatic four-wicket victory over Australia in a pulsating Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai, booking their place in Sunday's final. Chasing a challenging 265, India overcame a shaky start to prevail with 11 balls to spare, thanks to a match-winning six from KL Rahul.

**Australia's Innings: A Solid Foundation Crumbles**

Australia, batting first, appeared poised for a significantly higher total, reaching a comfortable 198-4 in the 38th over. Stand-in captain Steve Smith anchored the innings with a determined 73, forging crucial partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne (56) and Alex Carey (61). Carey, in particular, impressed with eight fours and a six, showcasing his powerful strokeplay. Travis Head also contributed a quickfire 39.

However, Australia's momentum faltered dramatically in the space of six balls. Smith missed a full toss from Mohammed Shami, initiating a collapse. Glenn Maxwell, after a six off Axar Patel, was bowled by a quicker delivery in the following over. The crucial blow came with a brilliant run-out of Carey by Shreyas Iyer, ending a promising partnership and effectively halting Australia's charge. The final 10 overs yielded a meager 59 runs. Despite a strong start, Australia ultimately finished on 264 all out in 49.3 overs. This missed opportunity proved costly, leaving them significantly short of a potentially match-winning score. Their total, while respectable, fell short of the 320 they potentially could have achieved.

**India's Chase: Composed Control and Thrilling Finish**

India's chase began inauspiciously with the early dismissals of captain Rohit Sharma (lbw for 28) and Shubman Gill (bowled for 8) within the first eight overs. However, Virat Kohli (84) displayed his mastery of run chases, exhibiting composure and skill. While Glenn Maxwell dropped Kohli on 51, the Indian stalwart continued his measured approach.

The match appeared to be heading for a comfortable victory for India until Kohli's dismissal with 40 runs needed. Australia’s spinners applied pressure, creating a tense atmosphere. The crowd grew quiet as the equation tightened. But Hardik Pandya exploded, smashing two consecutive sixes off Adam Zampa in a crucial 24-ball 28, igniting the crowd and shifting the momentum decisively back in India's favor. Although Pandya was eventually dismissed with six runs still needed, Rahul sealed the victory with a towering six, ending the match on a high.

**Key Moments and Analysis:**

* **Australia's batting collapse:** The loss of Smith and Maxwell within six balls proved catastrophic, significantly hindering their final total.

* **Kohli's composed innings:** Kohli once again showcased his exceptional ability to steer his team to victory under pressure.

* **Pandya's explosive cameo:** His two sixes broke the tension and revitalized India's chase.

* **India's home advantage:** Playing all their matches in Dubai provided a significant advantage for India, offering familiarity and home-crowd support.

**Looking Ahead:**

India's victory means the Champions Trophy final will be held in Dubai instead of Lahore due to security concerns. They will face either New Zealand or South Africa in the final on Sunday. Their impressive run and the comments made by captain Rohit Sharma and commentator Aatif Nawaz suggest India enter the final as strong favorites, but the team acknowledged that anything is possible until the final ball is bowled. This semi-final showcased both India's prowess and Australia's resilience despite their ultimately disappointing outcome.

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