Virat Kohli Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli felt India always had control of their run chase after his side's defeat of Australia in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy in Dubai. (Highlights | Talking Points | Full Coverage)

India chased 264 to progress to Sunday's final against either South Africa or New Zealand, with Kohli underpinning their innings with 84 off 98 deliveries.

Indeed, Kohli recorded his 23rd score of 50 or more against Australia in ODIs, equalling Viv Richards (23) for the second-most in the format (Sachin Tendulkar has 24).

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He also scored his seventh knock of half a century or more in the Champions Trophy, the outright most of any player. 

Though Kohli was dismissed with 40 runs still required, he was delighted to play his part in the victory that saw India take some form of revenge for the 2023 World Cup final defeat against the same opponent.

"For me, it's all about taking pride and doing the job for the team. And if I get to the three-figure mark, great. If not, nights like these, you win. It's a happy dressing room," Kohli said.

"You feel grateful for what happened out there. And then you put your head down, work hard and go all over again. That's what I've done all my career.

"I wasn't feeling desperate. I was pretty happy knocking ones around. When as a batsman you start taking pride in hitting those singles into the gaps,66cassino that's when you know you're playing good cricket.

His counterpart Temba Bavuma said the wicket looked a bit drier than the past couple of days, and added that he feels it will turn big in the second innings. The South Africa skipper called it a challenge that they need to front up as a batting unit.

"You know you're in for a big partnership and settle the nerves down a little bit and head towards chasing the total down. That was the most pleasing factor for me."

One Step Closer toClinical #TeamIndia overcome Australia by 4 wickets and book their spot in the finalScorecard https://t.co/HYAJl7biEo#INDvAUS | #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/rFYYEd70VC

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 4, 2025

India's victory means they are now unbeaten in 10 men's ODIs at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, winning nine and drawing the other.

They are just the second team to ever complete 10 games in the format at any ground without losing, after New Zealand at the University Oval in Dunedin (10 wins). 

And Rohit Sharma, who scored 28 in his innings, heaped even more praise on Kohli after the victory, but was not thinking about the final just yet. 

"He [Kohli] has done it for us for so many years. We were very calm. We wanted that big stand, which Shreyas [Iyer] and Virat had," Sharma said.

"When you want to play the final, you want all your guys in form. That is something that gives us a lot of confidence.

"We will not think too much about it. When the time comesabracopg7, we will think about it. I also want the guys to relax."