### India Triumphs Over Australia: Kohli's Stellar Performance Secures Champions Trophy Final Spot In a thrilling semi-final match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India emerged victorious against Australia by four wickets, thanks to a remarkable innings from Virat Kohli. Kohli's 84 runs were pivotal in chasing down Australia's total of 265 runs at the Dubai International Stadium, marking India's third consecutive appearance in the Champions Trophy final. This match not only showcased Kohli's exceptional batting skills but also highlighted his ability to perform under pressure, further solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest ODI players in history. ### Breakdown of the Match and Key Highlights 1. **Match Overview** - India chased down a target of 265 runs set by Australia, winning by four wickets. - Kohli's innings of 84 runs off 98 balls was instrumental in the victory [https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/champions-trophy-2025-india-vs-australia-semi-final-match-result-dubai-13868749.html]. 2. **Kohli's Record-Breaking Performance** - With this innings, Kohli became India's highest run-scorer in ICC Champions Trophy history, surpassing Shikhar Dhawan [https://www.india.com/sports/virat-kohli-becomes-2nd-batter-to-reach-8000-runs-in-odi-run-chases-during-ind-vs-aus-champions-trophy-semi-final-7655794.html]. - He also crossed the milestone of 8,000 runs in ODI chases, further establishing his legacy as a chase master [https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/india-vs-australia-semi-final-champions-trophy-2025-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-statistics-13868768.html]. 3. **Team Contributions** - Key partnerships with Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel helped stabilize the innings after early wickets fell [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/master-card-virat-kohlis-84-helps-india-ace-the-chase-as-they-beat-australia-to-enter-third-consecutive-champions-trophy-final/articleshow/118717222.cms]. - Bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja played crucial roles in restricting Australia to 264 runs [https://ommcomnews.com/sports-news/champions-trophy-shami-jadeja-chakaravarthy-bundle-out-australia-for-264-in-semi-final]. ### Supporting Evidence and Statistics - **Kohli's Performance Metrics** - Runs Scored: 84 off 98 balls - Significant Milestones: - Surpassed 8,000 runs in ODI chases - Became India's leading run-scorer in Champions Trophy history [https://www.india.com/sports/virat-kohli-surpasses-shikhar-dhawan-to-become-indias-highest-run-scorer-in-icc-champions-trophy-history-7655794.html]. - **Match Statistics** - Australia: 264 all out - India: 265 for 6 in 48.4 overs - Result: India won by 4 wickets [https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sports/one-step-away-from-glory-1503404807.html]. ### Conclusion: Kohli's Impact and India's Path Forward **Virat Kohli's exceptional performance not only led India to a crucial victory but also reinforced his status as a cricketing legend.** His ability to perform under pressure and achieve significant milestones has set the stage for India as they head into the Champions Trophy final. The team's collective effort, combined with Kohli's brilliance, positions them as strong contenders for the title. 1. **Kohli's Mastery**: His innings were crucial in the chase, showcasing his skill and experience. 2. **Team Dynamics**: Contributions from other players were vital in securing the win. 3. **Future Prospects**: With this victory, India looks poised to claim the Champions Trophy title, building on their recent successes [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3286421-virat-kohlis-heroics-propel-india-to-champions-trophy-final-glory].