Kohli’s Grit and Shami’s Strikes Break New Ground in Dubai
Packed stands, anxious faces, and a whiff of history—this was the semi-final stage India craved. On March 4, 2025, at the Dubai International Stadium, India scripted an unforgettable chase against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final. Australia posted a tall 264/9 in 50 overs, historically a challenging total to overhaul in a knockout match. Yet, it wasn’t just the India vs Australia rivalry that left fans on the edge of their seats; it was the way Virat Kohli and his squad delivered under pressure.
The chase had everything. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill showed their intent from ball one. Sharma, living on the edge after being dropped twice—first on 10 and then on 24—blasted a brisk 28, keeping the asking rate within sight. Gill added 20, but both openers fell before the halfway mark, bringing with them a sense of nervous anticipation in the Indian camp.
Kohli Breaks Tendulkar’s Record and Anchors the Innings
It was Virat Kohli, though, who once again proved why he’s built for moments like these. Facing a disciplined Australian attack, Kohli worked his way to a determined 84 from 98 balls. With every drive and nudge, he chipped away at the target but, more significantly, passed Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic record for most 50-plus scores in ICC ODI tournaments—Kohli now stands at 24 against Tendulkar’s 23. That’s not something you see every day.
Kohli’s knock was far from a one-man show. He found steady allies in the middle—KL Rahul chipped in with 36, while Hardik Pandya’s quick 28 late in the innings allowed the team to keep control even as wickets fell at awkward intervals. Spin and pace tried to throttle India’s middle order, but Kohli’s calm—mixed with flashes of aggression—set the tempo.
The final moments weren’t without drama. With India needing under 20 runs and Australia sensing a twist, Suryakumar Yadav clipped a crucial boundary, and Ravindra Jadeja iced it with a confident six in the 49th over. India crossed the finish line at 48.1 overs with four wickets in hand—a record chase against Australia in an ICC knockout match, breaking a hoodoo that had haunted previous Indian campaigns.
Let’s not push Mohammed Shami’s bowling heroics aside. He finished with 3 for 48, picking up the big wickets just as Australia threatened to accelerate. Every time Australia looked set for a late surge—especially with their lower order swinging freely—Shami nipped those hopes with his accuracy.
India’s place in the final felt earned, not gifted. Now, as Mumbai and cricket fans across the globe gear up for the finals on March 9, all eyes will be on the team’s next opponent—South Africa or New Zealand. If Kohli’s nerves and Shami’s knack stay sharp, there’s every chance this campaign ends with silverware in Indian hands.
