DUBAI: India secured a place in the Champions Trophy final with a hard-fought four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final on Tuesday, thanks to another masterful chase led by Virat Kohli.
Player of the match Kohli (84) anchored India’s chase but could not complete it. KL Rahul chipped in with an unbeaten 42 down the order as India won with 11 balls to spare.
“We were very, very clinical with the bat,” India captain Rohit Sharma said.
“Yes, we got the runs at the 48th over but I thought we were very calm and composed in our chase.”
With the win, India advances to Sunday’s final in Dubai, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand, set to take place in Lahore on Wednesday.
Australia, batting first, posted a competitive total of 264 all out, powered by half-centuries from skipper Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61). The total proved challenging on a pitch that has consistently produced low-scoring encounters throughout the tournament.
