India has secured a place in the final of the Champions Trophy after defeating Australia in the first semi-final in Dubai.

This marks India’s fifth appearance in a Champions Trophy final.

India triumphed over Australia by four wickets, successfully chasing a target of 265 runs.

With this victory, the venue for the final has also been confirmed — it will be held on March 9 in Dubai.

The second semi-final, set for Thursday, will see South Africa face off against New Zealand.

Batting first, Australia posted a total of 264 runs before being bowled out in the final over. Captain Steve Smith played a crucial knock of 73, while Alex Carey contributed 61 runs.

For India, Mohammad Shami claimed three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets each.

Smith had won the toss and opted to bat first, citing the dry nature of the Dubai pitch.

“The wicket is much drier compared to Pakistan’s pitches, which will assist turn. We want to set a good total on the board to put pressure on the opposition,” he explained.

India’s chase was anchored by Virat Kohli, who scored 84 runs before getting out. The team reached the target in 49.1 overs, losing six wickets in the process.

Smith and Labuschagne stabilise innings

Australia lost its first wicket at just four runs in the third over. However, a strong start by Travis Head (39) pushed the team to 53 runs by the eighth over. Shortly after, Head was dismissed at 54 runs, halting Australia’s momentum.

Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne then built a solid partnership, taking the score to 105 by the 20th over. Despite their efforts, Australia couldn’t capitalize fully and was bowled out in the final over.

India’s playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy.

Australia’s playing XI: Steve Smith (c), Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, and Tanveer Sangha.

Both teams entered the semi-finals unbeaten in the tournament.

India secured three consecutive wins, while Australia progressed with just one victory, as two of their group-stage matches were washed out due to rain.

Upcoming fixtures

Second semi-final: New Zealand vs South Africa at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday (tomorrow).

Final: Scheduled for Sunday, March 9