Former India captain Virat Kohli delivered a masterclass in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal against Australia, setting a historic milestone in ICC knockout matches.
With his brilliant knock of 84 off 98 balls, Virat Kohli became the first batsman in the world to score 1000 runs in ICC knockout matches - solidifying his reputation as a big-match player.
India's most successful batsman in ICC Champions Trophy
During his innings, Virat Kohli surpassed Shikhar Dhawan's record of 701 runs to become India's highest run-scorer in ICC Champions Trophy history. He now has 744 runs in the tournament, making him the most prolific Indian batsman in this competition.
Surpassing Legends
Virat Kohli's latest feat saw him overtake cricketing greats such as Sourav Ganguly (665), Kumar Sangakkara (683), and Mahela Jayawardene (742) in the all-time Champions Trophy run charts.
He is now the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament's history, trailing only Chris Gayle (791). With the Champions Trophy 2025 final still to come, Kohli has a golden opportunity to surpass Gayle and claim the top spot.
Kohli's dominance in Champions Trophy
Since making his debut in the Champions Trophy tournament in 2009, Virat Kohli has played 17 matches across four editions (2009, 2013, 2017, 2025), amassing 744 runs in 16 innings. His tally includes one century and six half-centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 100 against Pakistan in this edition.
World Cup payback: India reaches CT Final, eliminating Australia
India secured a spot in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final with a hard-fought four-wicket win over Australia in the semifinals, avenging their ODI World Cup 2023 loss.
Australia, after winning the toss, posted 264 runs. In reply, India successfully chased down the target, reaching 265/6, with Virat Kohli leading the charge with a 81-run knock.
India's run chase got off to a shaky start as Shubman Gill fell for 8. Soon after, captain Rohit Sharma (28) was trapped lbw by Cooper Connolly.
Despite early setbacks, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings with a crucial 91-run partnership for the third wicket. However, just as India seemed to be gaining control, Adam Zampa dismissed Iyer for 45 off 62 balls, bringing Australia back into the contest.
Nathan Ellis then dismissed Axar Patel for 27 off 30 balls. Shortly after, Adam Zampa dealt a big blow by removing Virat Kohli, who had played a brilliant knock of 84 off 98 balls. Hardik Pandya provided late fireworks with a quick 28 off 24 balls.
As the match neared its climax, KL Rahul held his nerve, finishing the chase in style with a six. He remained unbeaten on 42 off 34 balls, guiding India to victory and securing a spot in the final.