The Champions Trophy 2025 kicked off with a twist: Pakistan hosted, but India’s refusal to travel there shifted their matches and, if they qualified, the final to Dubai.
On Tuesday, India sealed their fifth final berth in seven tournaments, toppling Australia by four wickets in the semi-final. Pakistan, meanwhile, crashed out in the group stage, adding irony to the venue saga.
Chasing a record-breaking 265 in ICC knockouts, India leaned on Virat Kohli’s masterful 84 to clinch victory. Harbhajan Singh, India’s spin legend, couldn’t resist a dig at Pakistan on X: “Pehle Pakistan tournament se bahar, aur ab final Pakistan se bahar” (First Pakistan’s out of the tourney, now the final’s out of Pakistan).
Fans and ex-players erupted online, savoring the triumph after losses to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2022 World Test Championship finals.
India’s flawless run peaked with this win. Harbhajan hailed the squad: “VIRAT win for #TeamIndia! @imVkohli’s fabulous 84, @MdShami11’s key wickets, and power knocks from @klrahul and @hardikpandya7 sealed a deserved victory over mighty Australia.” The Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final showcased talent and grit, setting the stage for a Dubai showdown.
India’s Champions Trophy 2025 surge, spiced by Harbhajan’s jab, flips the script on Pakistan’s hosting woes.
