IND Vs AUS: Jasmin Walia Cheers For Hardik Pandya As He Hits Consecutive Sixes In Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinal 1

In a high-voltage semifinal clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India triumphed over Australia in a thrilling contest to secure their spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. While the match had its share of gripping moments, it was Hardik Pandya’s explosive batting in the death overs that stole the show, cementing India’s dominance in the knockout stage. The highlight of the game was Pandya’s back-to-back monstrous sixes, sending the ball soaring into the stands and electrifying the Indian fans, including British singer and actress Jasmin Walia, who was spotted passionately cheering for the all-rounder.

The encounter, played on a humid evening in Dubai, witnessed a perfect balance between bat and ball, with both teams displaying resilience and tactical acumen. However, India’s firepower in the latter stages of the chase proved too much for the Aussies, as Pandya’s finishing touch helped India secure a four-wicket victory.

Australia Sets a Competitive Target of 264

Australia, opting to bat first after winning the toss, managed to post a competitive total of 264 runs before being bowled out in 49.3 overs. The innings had its share of ups and downs, as Indian bowlers kept things tight, preventing Australia from running away with a massive score.

Key Contributions from Steve Smith and Alex Carey

Australia’s innings was anchored by Steve Smith, who played a masterful knock of 73 runs off 96 balls, displaying his usual elegance and composure. Partnering with him was wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey, who added 61 runs, proving to be a key middle-order stabilizer for the Aussies.

Despite losing early wickets, the Smith-Carey duo steadied the innings and ensured Australia reached a respectable total. Their partnership frustrated the Indian bowlers, who kept probing for wickets but had to wait patiently before breaking through.

Mohammed Shami Leads India’s Bowling Attack

India’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Mohammed Shami, who once again proved why he is one of India’s most lethal pacers. He picked up 3 wickets for 48 runs, rattling the Australian top order and preventing them from accelerating in the middle overs.

Meanwhile, spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Varun Chakaravarthy chipped in with two wickets each, putting the brakes on Australia’s scoring rate. The Indian bowling unit ensured that despite partnerships developing, Australia could never truly dominate.

India’s Chase: Kohli Leads, Pandya Finishes in Style

Chasing 265 for victory, India got off to a shaky start, losing openers Shubman Gill (8) and Rohit Sharma (28) early. With the scoreboard reading 56/2, the responsibility fell on Virat Kohli, who once again delivered under pressure.

Virat Kohli’s Classic Knock

Kohli displayed his trademark calmness, crafting a brilliant 84-run knock that guided India through the middle phase of the innings. Partnering with Shreyas Iyer (45 off 62 balls), Kohli ensured that India stayed in control and did not lose wickets in clusters.

His innings was a masterclass in calculated aggression, picking the right deliveries to attack while rotating the strike effectively. However, just when he looked set to take India home, he fell while attempting an aggressive shot, leaving the chase slightly tense.

Hardik Pandya Turns the Tide

With India still needing crucial runs in the final overs, all eyes turned to Hardik Pandya, known for his explosive finishing abilities. The equation was 50 runs required off the last 6 overs, and with KL Rahul anchoring one end, Pandya took it upon himself to finish the game.

The 44th Over – A 106-Meter Monster

Facing Tanvir Sangha in the 44th over, Pandya launched an over-pitched delivery into the stands for a monstrous 106-meter six, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The stadium erupted as Pandya effortlessly cleared the boundary, showcasing his ability to change the game within a few deliveries.

The 46th Over – Zampa’s Nightmare

The real fireworks, however, came in Adam Zampa’s 46th over, where Pandya delivered the knockout punch to Australia. On the fifth ball of the over, he cleared long-off with a towering six that left the fielders merely spectators.

Not stopping there, on the very next ball, Pandya went even bigger, launching a 101-meter six straight down the ground. The sheer power and audacity of the shots left the opposition stunned and effectively sealed India’s victory.

KL Rahul’s Cool Finish

While Pandya stole the show, KL Rahul (42 off 34 balls)* played the perfect supporting role, ensuring India reached the target without any hiccups. His composed innings, coupled with Pandya’s pyrotechnics, helped India chase down 267 in 48.1 overs, securing a well-fought four-wicket win.

Jasmin Walia’s Enthusiastic Support for Hardik Pandya

Amidst the celebrations and fireworks, one moment that caught everyone’s attention was Jasmin Walia’s passionate support for Hardik Pandya. The British singer and actress, known for her appearances in Bollywood and UK music charts, was spotted in the VIP stands, cheering loudly each time Pandya sent the ball into the stands.

Fans on social media quickly noticed her enthusiasm, with many speculating on her connection with Pandya. Some even dubbed her “Hardik’s lucky charm”, as India successfully stormed into the finals with a dominant finish.

Post-Match Reactions: Praise for Pandya and Kohli

After the match, cricket experts and former players heaped praise on Hardik Pandya for his stunning knock.

Sunil Gavaskar: “This is exactly why you keep someone like Hardik in the team. He can turn a match on its head within minutes.”
Harbhajan Singh: “Kohli built the foundation, and Pandya finished it with authority. A dream chase!”
Michael Clarke: “Australia had no answer to Pandya’s brutal hitting. You can’t bowl full to him in the death overs.”

Pandya’s Reaction

In the post-match interview, Pandya credited his performance to his confidence in his ability.

“I knew if I got a few balls in my arc, I could finish it. I back myself to clear the boundaries, and tonight was just one of those nights where everything clicked,” he said.

India Marches to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final

With this sensational victory, India now advances to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they will face the winner of the New Zealand vs South Africa semifinal.

The team’s balanced performance, featuring both experienced batters and clinical bowlers, makes them the favorites to lift the trophy. If Pandya continues his scintillating form, India will have a strong chance of securing another ICC title.

Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember

The semifinal clash between India and Australia had everything—grit, drama, tension, and breathtaking moments. But in the end, it was Hardik Pandya’s electrifying batting that stole the show, ensuring India’s place in the grand finale.

With Jasmin Walia’s cheers echoing in the background, Pandya’s sixes will be remembered as the turning point of the match, sealing one of India’s most memorable victories in recent history.

Now, all eyes are on the final, as India prepares for one last battle to claim the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Will Pandya and his teammates deliver one more iconic performance? Fans around the world wait in anticipation!

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