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In a riveting semifinal match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India secured a nail-biting four-wicket victory over Australia, thanks in large part to a crucial unbeaten knock by KL Rahul. The match, played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday (March 4), saw Rahul’s composed 42 runs from 34 balls seal the win for India, propelling them into their fifth Champions Trophy final.
Match summary
Australia, led by Steve Smith, set a competitive target of 264 runs after being bowled out in 48.1 overs. Smith and Alex Carey were the standout performers for Australia, scoring 73 and 61 runs, respectively. India’s chase was anchored by Virat Kohli, who scored an impressive 84 runs off 98 balls. However, his dismissal in the 43rd over injected new life into the contest. Despite this setback, Rahul’s calm and aggressive batting ensured India’s victory with 11 balls to spare.
KL Rahul’s impact
Rahul’s innings was pivotal in stabilizing India’s chase after Kohli’s departure. He took on the role of aggressor, hitting two fours and two sixes to ease the pressure. His conversation with Kohli during a drinks break highlighted his strategy, where he encouraged Kohli to stay at the crease while he took calculated risks to accelerate the scoring. Rahul’s ability to adapt to different batting positions has been a hallmark of his career, and this match was no exception.
Reactions of fans
The emotional response from fans was palpable as Rahul hit the winning six off Glenn Maxwell in the 49th over.
Also READ: WATCH – KL Rahul’s match-winning six against Australia sends India to Champions Trophy 2025 final
This video is a tight slap to all of them who trolled KL Rahul… More power to you bro.. more respect for you… Perfect song. Perfect timing 😉 perfect winning shot.. 🐐
— Shivang Kaushik (@Shivangkaushik3)
When life gives🐈 you Rahul be KL Rahul not Rahul Gandhi!
Take a bow man!
— Sonu Nigam (@SonuNigamSingh)
KL Rahul. Number 6. 𝑭𝑰𝑵𝑰𝑺𝑯𝑬𝑹. 💥
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals)
Beast KL Rahul 🔥🫡
— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB)
everyone who criticized and abused kl rahul for his slow innings in 🌃the world cup final should apologize, he has always been a key player for the indian team 🫶🏻🧿
— isHaHaHa (@hajarkagalwa)
THE WINNING CELEBRATION BY KL RAHUL. 🥶
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
KL RAHUL IN ODI TOURNAMENTS:
World Cup – 58.07 Average.
Champions Trophy – 106 Average.
Asia Cup – 58.07 Average.Mind blowing numbers for a player who 𝄹has been quest♌ioned his position every time ⚡
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
KL Rahul The John Wick!
— Savar 🦁 (@TheSavarTandon)
If life makes u a 'Rahul' be a
'KL' not a 'KL-PiDi' !!
😎😜😂🤣— Wondering Woman 🇮🇳 (@indiclogic)
KL Rahul pl🌱ayed one of the most memorable knocks of his career .
Hopefully in final as well
— 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒚 (@Messilite)
Me who trolled KL Rahul in the past….
— Charismatic (@swapnilarsekar)
