Virat Kohli was on track for another match-winning hundred in the Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia on Tuesday but got out 16 runs short of the milestone. His 84 runs were very important and helped his team celebrate a special win under the Dubai sky.
India successfully chased down Australia’s total of 264 with 1.5 overs to spare. Kohli got strong support from Shreyas Iyer, and together they made a 91-run partnership when India was at 43 for 2.
Later, Kohli scored 44 more runs with Axar Patel, who made 27, and then added 47 runs with KL Rahul, who remained not out on 42. This brought India closer to victory before Kohli was dismissed by leg-spinner Adam Zampa while trying to score quickly. Hardik Pandya then hit three sixes, making sure that the match did not reach the final over, and Rahul finished the win with a six on the very first ball of the second-last over.
There were many heartwarming moments too. Kohli was seen smiling in almost every video clip, sharing hugs with his teammates. In one clip, he was also seen looking towards his wife, Anushka, in the stands and punching the air in pure joy.
India now waits to know who they will play in the final. The opponent will be decided between South Africa and New Zealand, who will face off in the second semifinal on Wednesday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
