India dominated the chase against Australia until Virat Kohli's exit in the 43rd over of the Champions Trophy semi-final at Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday. Australia needed two more wickets with the match balanced at a run per ball in the final five overs.
Hardik Pandya turned the momentum with three decisive sixes, including two consecutive hits against Adam Zampa. Kohli's emotional reaction was evident as he screamed in head coach Gautam Gambhir's ears.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Nathan Ellis challenged Pandya with slower deliveries in the 44th over. However, Pandya responded by hitting a massive 106-metre six against Tanveer Sangha in the following over, clearing his front leg to send the overpitched delivery downtown.
The six landed in the Royal Box, where ICC president Jay Shah was seated. The former BCCI secretary smiled as he retrieved the ball and returned it to the field.
After struggling against Ellis again, Pandya targeted Zampa with two more sixes. He hit a towering six over long-off against a full delivery, followed by a 101-metre maximum straight down the ground.
Kohli, who scored 84 but missed the chance to finish the match, displayed his excitement by screaming in Gambhir's ears after Pandya's consecutive sixes. Gambhir remained composed despite the loud Dubai crowd, applauding Pandya's performance from the dressing room.
Ellis eventually dismissed Pandya in the 48th over, but the crucial runs were already scored. KL Rahul sealed India's four-wicket victory with a six over long-on against Glenn Maxwell in the penultimate over's first ball.
India will face the winner of the second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. South Africa topped Group B with two wins and a draw, while New Zealand finished second in Group A with one loss against India.
The Champions Trophy final is scheduled for Sunday in Dubai.
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