India secured a place in the Champions Trophy 2025 final with a commanding four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final on Tuesday in Dubai. Despite losing early wickets, Virat Kohli’s 84-run knock and a crucial partnership between KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya guided India to victory with 11 balls to spare.
Opting to bat first, Australia posted 264 before being bundled out. Steve Smith led the charge with a 73-run knock, but lack of substantial partnerships cost them momentum. Mohammed Shami’s disciplined bowling attack, alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, ensured that the Aussies couldn’t capitalize on their start.
Heartwarming Moment: Fan Hugs KL Rahul on the Field
As soon as Rahul hit the winning six, Ravindra Jadeja hugged him in celebration. The most memorable moment, though, was when a fan broke security and ran on to the field to hug Rahul. The wicketkeeper-batter opened his arms wide and hugged the fan warmly, an act that quickly went viral on social media. Umpires soon escorted the fan off the field.
A Fan hugged KL Rahul after the Semi-Final and a beautiful gesture by Rahul as well ♥️ pic.twitter.com/qykn66XPdb
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 5, 2025
KL Rahul on His Batting Position in ODIs
Post-match, KL Rahul discussed his place in the batting line-up of India and how he has molded himself over the course of time.
“Yeah, I do [enjoy batting at the top], I mean I won’t lie. It’s after opening the batting in Australia in Test matches and having to face that attack in Australia and you know how red-ball [cricket] is much harder. I opened the batting there and then to come here and bat low seems a bit different, but this is how I’ve played white-ball cricket in the last four-five year,” Rahul told Star Sports.
“So, I’m quite used to going up and down the order so I’m just happy getting a chance to play in the middle and whatever role is given, I think it’s really helped me understand my game a lot more and I’ve had to work on boundary hitting a lot more in the last year or so because the last ODI we played in Sri Lanka I batted at No. 6, so I knew that’s where I’ll be batting and [we] needed a left-hander in the top order,” he said.
India’s Chase: Rahul Finishes in Style
India faced early setbacks, losing two wickets quickly, but Virat Kohli’s 84-run innings steadied the ship. Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul stitched together a crucial partnership to keep India on track. Rahul remained unbeaten at 42 off 34 balls*, sealing the win in style with a massive six off Glenn Maxwell.
India to Meet New Zealand in Champions Trophy 2025 Final
India progressed to the final with this victory and will meet New Zealand on Sunday in Dubai. The team hopes to carry its dominant streak and win the much-desired trophy.
