Virat Kohli. A high-stakes run chase. Immense pressure. We’ve seen it before, yet every time he delivers, it feels like witnessing something extraordinary. His approach remains calm, calculated, and utterly composed, as if he’s scripting the perfect chase, one phase at a time.
India’s target of 265 was tricky, especially in a high-pressure knockout against an Australian side that has often dashed their dreams. Early setbacks saw Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill depart quickly, but Kohli—true to his reputation—held firm. He absorbed the pressure, stitched together a crucial 91-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer, and kept the chase on track despite Steve Smith’s aggressive spin-heavy tactics.
With every passing over, Kohli showcased his trademark ability to rotate strike, pierce gaps, and accelerate just when needed. His 84 off 95 balls was a masterclass in pacing a run chase. Alongside Axar Patel, he ensured Australia never found an opening to derail India’s pursuit.
As Kohli neared another ODI century, the anticipation in the stands grew. The chants of “Kohli, Kohli” filled the air. But just when it seemed like he would finish the job himself, he mistimed a lofted shot off Adam Zampa, falling at 84. A brief moment of silence followed before the crowd erupted again, knowing he had already sealed India’s path to victory.
India reached 267/6 in 48.1 overs, securing a spot in the final. The ending wasn’t as poetic as Kohli might have wished, but the story of another run chase led by the ‘King’ remained a familiar one.
Brief Scores:
India 267/6 in 48.1 overs (Virat Kohli 84, KL Rahul 42*; Nathan Ellis 2/49, Adam Zampa 2/60)
beat
Australia 264 all out in 49.3 overs (Steve Smith 73, Alex Carey 61; Mohammed Shami 3/48, Varun Chakravarthy 2/49)
