Dubai: Virat Kohli has achieved 51 centuries in One Day Internationals, with 28 of those coming during run chases. In 21 instances, he has successfully guided India to victory. However, on Tuesday, he was unable to complete the chase, at least from a statistical perspective. His score of 84 runs off 98 balls, including five boundaries, was akin to a century, as the renowned chase specialist once again played a pivotal role in leading India to the Champions Trophy final.

India managed to limit Australia to a total of 264 runs after they chose to bat first, successfully chasing down the target in 48.1 overs at the Dubai International Stadium. They will now face the winner of the second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday, with the final scheduled to take place in Dubai on Sunday.

Chasing a target of 265 on a sluggish pitch can be more challenging than successfully pursuing 365 runs on a batting-friendly surface. At what point does Kohli accelerate his innings? Is it after the loss of the third wicket in the 26th over, when Shreyas Iyer, India's most adept player against spin, was dismissed with half the target still to achieve? Or is it after the departure of left-handed batsman Axar Patel in the 35th over, when a run-a-ball was still required? Ultimately, he did not need to change gears.

Kohli possesses an exceptional understanding of the game. He functions almost like a supercomputer during ODI run chases, adeptly assessing risk and reward better than most. When placed on a significant stage and in high-pressure situations, he excels.

It was inconsequential that he faced Adam Zampa, a leg-spinner who has previously posed challenges for him. Additionally, Australia had a left-arm spinner who could have troubled him, and he narrowly avoided being dismissed by Cooper Connolly. However, such near misses are often forgotten; what remains in memory are the victories. Kohli once again demonstrated his prowess as a winner.

Following Kohli's dismissal at long-on against Zampa, the responsibility fell to KL Rahul, India's composed wicketkeeper, and Hardik Pandya, known for his powerful hitting. Rahul was selected for a specific purpose. Initially an opener, he was later positioned at No. 5, and now he bats at No. 6. Adhering to the team's strategy, his opportunity to shine would arise only under pressure. Rahul's unbeaten 42 runs off 34 balls ensured a smooth

Zampa's confrontation with Kohli was highly anticipated. As soon as the field was set, the leg-spinner was entrusted with the ball. Kohli, however, was not inclined to play extravagant shots. A hallmark of successful run chases on difficult pitches is the emphasis on partnership batting. Following the early dismissal of India's openers, Shreyas Iyer's presence provided reassurance for Kohli.

Iyer adopted a more aggressive approach against Zampa, taking calculated risks and targeting unconventional areas, while Kohli concentrated on rotating the strike. With Zampa being handled relatively easily during the early middle overs, Kohli showcased his square cut. Once he began to settle in, he appeared revitalized. When Zampa returned to bowl in the 25th over, Kohli reached his fifty with a boundary off him.

Zampa succeeded in dismissing Iyer, who scored 45 runs off 62 balls, but India still had Axar Patel, whose quickfire 27 off 30 balls proved significant. After Nathan Ellis bowled a short delivery that sent Axar back to the pavilion, Kohli continued to keep India in contention.

After winning the toss, Steve Smith became the central figure around which the Australian batting lineup was constructed. However, the advantage of winning the toss did not manifest as significantly as anticipated when the Australian batsmen faced India's spin-dominant attack. Varun Chakravarthy dismissed the dangerous Travis Head, while Mohammed Shami (10-0-48-3) utilized his extensive experience, skillfully mixing lengths with the new ball and maintaining control in the middle overs, complemented by precise yorkers and slower deliveries towards the end.

With a bit more fortune, Shami could have secured additional wickets. It was one of those days when the ball slipped from his sweaty hands. Had he taken the two return catches—Head on nought to his right and Smith on 36 to his left—Australia would have found themselves in a more precarious position.

Shami's new-ball spell was brief, lasting only three overs, primarily due to Head's aggressive batting. There was ample indication that Shami would have more work ahead of him. Ultimately, he bowled four incisive spells throughout the match.

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