Watch: KL Rahul Imitates MS Dhoni In Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinal Before Fan’s Invasion

India displayed another clinical performance in the first semifinal of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium against Australia. KL Rahul finished things off in style with a humongous six to carry the side to their third consecutive event final.

For the entire chase of 265 runs, the blue brigade was under the control of the game, as Virat Kohli played another masterclass knock of 84 runs before the wicket-keeper batter stayed unbeaten on 42 runs in 34 deliveries at a strike rate of 123.53 to carry the side home.

Watch: KL Rahul smashes six to take India to the Champions Trophy 2025 final

Throughout the tournament, the question was whether the management had made the right decision by putting KL Rahul on the side rather than Rishabh Pant. Many criticized the Bengaluru-born for his fumbles with the gloves, while a few questioned the batter's number six position.

Also Read: Revealed- Why Indian Players Are Wearing Black Armbands vs Australia In Champions Trophy

But Rahul, amidst all the criticism, held one end in the most vital semifinal fixture against the Steve Smith-led side to take the game deep on a surface that was offering help to the spinners consistently. When the 2013 title winners lost Axar Patel as the fourth wicket for 178 runs, Rahul joined Virat Kohli in the middle.

At the start, the basic focus for KL Rahul was to tick the singles and keep the scoreboard moving. But after a drinks break, he decided to break free and smash a few big shots around the park. The former captain of the side smashed Adam Zampa over long-on for a beautiful six before finishing the game off with the same shot over wide long-on.

KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 42 runs, shouldering on two boundaries and as many sixes to seal the deal for the Indian side. A wicket at his arrival could have brought the Aussies back into the contest, but they failed to do so.

A fan broke through the security and hugged KL Rahul at the end of the encounter. It was a small personal revenge from the batter who was at the firing line against the same opposition in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

India restricts Australia to 264 in the first innings

After winning the toss, Australia’s captain, Steve Smith, decided to bat first on a surface that they expected to go slow in the second innings. But Travis Head showed his aggression and creamed a fabulous knock of 39 runs in 33 balls at a strike rate of 118.18. The 56-run stand between Marnus Labuschagne and the captain pushed them to a safe position.

But the Indian spinners never allowed the current ODI World Champions to escape with the game. Mohammad Shami dismissed Smith to bring the blue brigade back in the chase. Later, Alex Carey’s 61-run knock in 57 deliveries, thanks to eight boundaries and one six, was enough to take them beyond the 250-run mark.

Also Read: BCCI Official To Visit Pakistan Before Champions Trophy 2025 Final

Iyer’s direct hit and KL Rahul’s incredible judgment to make the direct hit sent back Alex Carey, which kept the Australian side into the north score of 260.

KL RAHUL FINISHES OFF IN STYLE!!!!! 🇮🇳

What a moment, what a win as #TeamIndia qualify for the #ChampionsTrophy final for the 5th time! 👏#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar FINAL 👉 SUN, 9th March, 1:30 PM on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1!

📺📱 Start… pic.twitter.com/ymcT8TwJdA

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 4, 2025

India to face the winner of New Zealand vs South Africa in the Champions Trophy 2025 final

India will now wait and celebrate their winning moment before one of New Zealand and South Africa qualifies for the final after their semifinal battle in the eight-team tournament on March 05 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

With Rohit’s army’s victory, Pakistan has also lost the chance to host the Champions Trophy 2025 final, which will now take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.