India secured a spot in the Champions Trophy final with a four-wicket victory over Australia at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Chasing a target of 265, India were guided by a composed 84 from Virat Kohli and a steady 45 from Shreyas Iyer. Australia’s fielding was below par, with dropped catches allowing Rohit Sharma (twice) and Kohli (once) to escape.
Earlier, Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61) hit half-centuries, putting Australia in a strong position. However, their momentum was disrupted when Smith was bowled by Mohammed Shami for 73, and Glenn Maxwell fell to Axar Patel soon after. Carey was run out for 61, thanks to a brilliant fielding effort by Shreyas Iyer. Shami led India’s bowling attack, taking three wickets after Australia opted to bat first.
India have been dominant throughout the tournament, winning all their matches with Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer in top form. Varun Chakravarthy made a strong impression with a five-wicket haul against New Zealand in the final Group A match. However, skipper Rohit Sharma has yet to capitalize on his starts and is still searching for a big score in the tournament.
Team India players wore black armbands in their Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal against Australia in Dubai on Tuesday to honour Padmakar Shivalkar, who passed away in Mumbai on Monday due to age-related issues.
Shivalkar was one of the finest left-arm spinners the country has ever produced. He died at 84.
The BCCI, in a post on X, said, “In honour of the late Shri Padmakar Shivalkar, Team India is wearing black armbands today.” Padmakar Shivalkar was conferred with the prestigious CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award by the BCCI.
About Padmakar Shivalkar
Padmakar Shivalkar started his career for Mumbai in the 1961-62 season at the age of 21 years. He played for Mumbai till the age of 47 before hanging up his boots in 1987-88. In 124 first-class matches, Padmakar Shivalkar picked up 589 wickets, which included 42 five-wicket hauls and 13 10-wicket hauls.
His best figures came against Tamil Nadu in the final of the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy, when he took 8/16 and 5/18. India have got three wins in the Champions Trophy 2025. Australia won just one game against England, while their games against Afghanistan and South Africa were washed out.
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