‘Men in Blue displayed exceptional teamwork, class’: Nadda on Indian Cricket team’s win in Champions Trophy semi-final

NEW DELHI: Union Minister JP Nadda on Tuesday congratulated the Indian Men’s Cricket team for their victory against Australia in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy and extended best wishes to bring the trophy home.

The Union Minister Nadda praised the players and said that the ‘Men in Blue’ once again displayed exceptional teamwork, determination, and class.

“Into the Finals! Heartiest congratulations to the Indian Men’s Cricket Team on their impressive victory against Australia in the semi-final. The Men in Blue have once again showcased exceptional teamwork, determination, and class. Wishing them all the best to continue this winning momentum and bring the trophy home,” posted Nadda on X.

By chasing down a competitive 265-run target, India toppled the record by completing its highest-successful run chase against Australia in an ICC event, bettering the previous best chase of 261 in the 2011 World Cup quarter-final.

Virat Kohli delivered yet another classic ODI knock, perfectly suiting the 50-over template, guiding India to a four-wicket win over Australia with a magnificent 84 runs in 98 balls, with five fours. While the batter missed out on his 52nd ODI and 83rd international ton, Virat brought his team to victory from a worrying situation of 43/2.

Coming to the match, Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. After an early wicket of Cooper Connolly, Travis Head (39 in 33 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) had a 50-run stand with Steve Smith.

Smith carried on, with half-century stands against Marnus Labuschagne (29 in 36 balls, with two fours and a six) and Alex Carey (61 in 57 balls, with eight fours and a six).

Carey was there till 48th over, untill a fine direct hit from Shreyas Iyer ended his knock. Australia was skittled out for 264 in 49.3 overs.

Shami (3/48) was the top bowler for India, while Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) also unleashed a spin web. Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya took a wicket each.

During the run chase, India lost skipper Rohit Sharma (28 in 29 balls, with three fours and a six) and Shubman Gill (8) early and were reduced to 43/2. From then on, a 91-run partnership between Virat and Shreyas Iyer (45 in 62 balls, with three fours) brought India back into the game. Virat also had a brief 44-run stand with Axar Patel (27 in 30 balls, with a four and six) and a 47-run stand with KL Rahul (42* in 34 balls, with two fours and two sixes).

Hardik delivered a brief and fiery cameo, scoring 28 in 24 balls, with a four and three sixes, helping India seal a win. India finished at 267/6 in 48.1 overs.

Nathan Ellis (2/48) and Adam Zampa (2/60) were the top bowlers for Australia.

India’s stalwart batter Virat Kohli, opened up on his classic match-winning knock against Australia while chasing in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy, and said his focus was on assessing the conditions and rotating the strike was the “most pleasing part” of his knock for him. (ANI)