India maintained a strong grip on the chase until the dismissal of Virat Kohli in the 43rd over. At that point, the required run rate escalated to a run per ball in the final five overs, with Australia seeking two additional wickets to target the lower order in a high-stakes semifinal of the 2025 Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday. However, Hardik Pandya swiftly shifted the momentum back in India's favor with three consecutive sixes, two of which were hit back-to-back off Adam Zampa. Kohli, visibly emotional, expressed his excitement by shouting into the ears of head coach Gautam Gambhir after witnessing those powerful shots.

Fast bowler Nathan Ellis applied immediate pressure on Hardik in the 44th over with his slower deliveries, but Hardik soon broke free in the following over against leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, launching a remarkable 106-meter six on the fifth ball. He cleared his front leg and struck the overpitched delivery with force, sending the ball soaring into the Royal Box, where ICC president Jay Shah was seated. The former BCCI secretary beamed with delight as he retrieved the ball and tossed it back onto the field.

Following another challenging over against Ellis, Hardik faced a new leg-spinner, Zampa, and struck consecutive sixes. He launched the first ball, a towering six, over long-off from a fuller delivery perfectly positioned for hitting, and delivered a decisive blow on the final ball of the over with an impressive 101-metre six straight down the ground.

Kohli, who missed the chance to secure the winning run after contributing significantly to India's momentum with his commendable score of 84, could not contain his emotions as he shouted in Gambhir's ear following Hardik's successive sixes. Despite the cacophony from the Dubai crowd, Gambhir remained composed and applauded Hardik's performance from the dressing room.

Who will India face in the semifinal?

Ellis ultimately succeeded in dismissing Hardik during the 48th over; however, the damage had already been inflicted. KL Rahul concluded the chase with a six over long-on off Glenn Maxwell on the very first ball of the penultimate over, leading India to a four-wicket victory over Australia.

India is now poised to observe the outcome of the second semifinal, which features New Zealand and South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday. The South African team completed an unbeaten journey to the semifinals, finishing at the top of Group B with two victories and a draw, while New Zealand secured the second position in Group A, suffering only one defeat against India. The final match is scheduled to take place on Sunday in Dubai.

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