March 04, 2025, saw cricket enthusiasts treat their eyes to a thrilling semi-final battle between India and Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In a thrilling match, India won, beating Australia by 4 wickets with 11 balls remaining. Not only did this victory demonstrate India’s calmness under pressure, but it also secured their place in the final, keeping their dream alive for another ICC title. Let’s move to the major highlights, performance highlights, and how this win affects Team India.
India vs Australia Match Summary: A Chase Masterclass
Australia, under the leadership of Steve Smith, decided to bat first after winning the toss. They managed a fighting total of 264 runs in 49.3 overs, with Smith (73 off 96) and Alex Carey (61 off 57) taking the lead. India’s bowling lineup, led by Mohammed Shami (3/48), Varun Chakravarthy (2/49), and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40), kept the Aussie batsmen in check, making the target within reach.
India’s chase in response was also shaky with the early fall of Rohit Sharma (22) and Shubman Gill (8), leaving them at 30/2. But Virat Kohli rose to the occasion with a match-winning 84, holding the innings together with poise and class. With support from Shreyas Iyer (45), KL Rahul (42*), and a late arrival by Hardik Pandya (28), India chased down 265 with 4 wickets remaining, completing at 267/6 in 48.1 overs. This was India’s third consecutive Champions Trophy final win.
Major Performances of India vs Australia Match
Virat Kohli: The Chase Master
Kohli’s 84 off 92 balls earned him the Player of the Match award. His ability to rotate the strike and build partnerships on a tricky Dubai pitch was instrumental. Speaking post-match, Kohli said, “It’s about understanding the conditions and playing sensible cricket. Partnerships are key on such pitches, and I’m happy to contribute to the win.”
Mohammed Shami: The Bowling Hero
Shami’s 3 wickets, including the early dismissal of Cooper Connolly for a duck, set the tone for India’s disciplined bowling effort. His ability to exploit the conditions kept Australia from posting a daunting total.
KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya: The Finishers
With the needed run rate increasing, Rahul’s 42 not out and Pandya’s aggressive 28, with a deluge of boundaries, saw to it that India won the game. Rahul’s six in the 49th over ignited the celebrations as India reached the finishing line.
India vs Australia Head-to-Head in Champions Trophy
This victory further entrenched India’s supremacy over Australia in Champions Trophy knockout encounters. Traditionally, India now boasts a 3-0 head-to-head record against Australia in such matches, having won the same in 1998, 2000, and now in 2025. This victory was also sweet revenge for India, who had previously lost to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
What This Win Means for India
India’s win on March 04, 2025, makes them unbeaten in the tournament, having won Group A against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. India’s captain Rohit Sharma was full of praise for the team’s calmness, “We were clinical with the bat and remained composed.”. The pitch was better today, but it’s all about playing good cricket no matter what conditions. India is through to the Champions Trophy final on March 09, 2025, in Dubai, where they will play the winner of the South Africa vs New Zealand semi-final.
Why India’s Win on March 04, 2025, Matters
Redemption Arc: After the heartbreak of the 2023 World Cup final loss to Australia, this victory boosts India’s confidence in crunch games.
Spin Advantage: India’s spinners, including Chakravarthy and Jadeja, exploited Dubai’s slow conditions, proving their squad depth.
Rohit Sharma’s Legacy: With this win, Rohit became the first Indian captain to reach the finals of all ICC tournaments, adding to his T20 World Cup triumph in 2024.
India vs Australia March 04, 2025: Match Scorecard
Australia: 264/10 (49.3 overs)
Steve Smith: 73 (96)
Alex Carey: 61 (57)
Mohammed Shami: 3/48
India: 267/6 (48.1 overs)
Virat Kohli: 84 (98)
KL Rahul: 42* (46)
Nathan Ellis: 1/41
How to Watch India vs Australia Highlights
Missed the action live? Watch the India vs Australia semi-final highlights on the Star Sports Network or catch it on the JioHotstar app. Catch live scores and commentary on websites such as ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz.
Ahead of the Match: India in the Champions Trophy Final
While waiting for the ultimate clash, their combination of grizzled veterans such as Kohli and Sharma with finishers Rahul and Pandya makes India a force to reckon with. The Dubai surface, which behaves under spin and is patient friendly, suits the best strengths of India. Are they going to hold the Champions Trophy aloft on March 09, 2025? Time will prove it.