King Kohli Leads India to 2025 Champions Trophy Final
Virat Kohli Fires India Into Champions Trophy Final
After KL Rahul sent the ball soaring over the boundary with a mighty blow, India overcame the biggest challenge in 50-over ICC tournaments, beating the reigning world champions Australia in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy on Tuesday afternoon. The four-wicket win, achieved with 11 balls to spare, was just another illustration of the dominance India have in the limited-overs game right now, towering above their subcontinental counterparts Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, none of which were able to make it out of the group stage. India are now the favourites to win the tournament, according to all of the best online bookmakers.
It was none other than stalwart Virat Kohli, who once again emerged as the star of the Men in Blue’s semi-final victory. The 36-year-old delivered a composed inning of 84 from 98 balls, including five boundaries, and held the batting order together after the early dismissals of the opening pair of Rohit Sharma (28) and Shubman Gill (8). Kohli’s mastery of the 50-over format and ability to adapt to different situations have evolved to a point where he seems to bat almost effortlessly, timing the ball with immense precision while never looking rushed during his time at the crease. Along the way, Kohli reached another milestone, completing 8,000 runs in successful run chases.
Aside from Kohli, the ultra-consistent Shreyas Iyer played a key role in India’s run chase, contributing to a crucial 91-run partnership for the third wicket, while Rahul finished unbeaten on 42 off 34 balls, guiding the T20 World champions to a historic victory - the highest-ever chase against the Baggy Greens in an ICC event. India’s triumph has ensured that the final will take place in Dubai, where the 2013 champions will face either South Africa or New Zealand, who will battle it out in Lahore on Wednesday.
You can also check out our South Africa vs. New Zealand forecast and Champions Trophy final prediction right here.
Steve Smith Calls Quits After Champions Trophy Defeat
After top-scoring for Australia, albeit in defeat in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy, skipper Steve Smith announced his retirement from One Day International Cricket on Tuesday evening. Since his debut against the West Indies over a decade ago in 2010, Smith went on to feature in 170 ODIs for his country, scoring 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28, including 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries, while also notching up 28 wickets. The 35-year-old was part of Australia’s ICC World Cup-winning teams in both 2015 and 2023 and captained the team for this competition in place of the injured Pat Cummins. Speaking after the match, he said:
“It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said. There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight along with the many fantastic teammates who shared the journey. Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it feels like the right time to make way.”
Smith will still be a part of Australia’s squad for their battle against South Africa in the ICC Test Championship final in June, so be sure to check out our cricket predictions ahead of the match!
