On Tuesday, March 4, India defeated Australia by four wickets in the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final match played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
During the last moments of the game, Hardik Pandya made a stunning cameo. Following Virat Kohli’s dismissal for an outstanding 84 off 98 balls, he emerged to the crease. At that point, India needed to score 40 runs from 44 balls with five wickets remaining.
Hardik quickly adjusted to the conditions, which were not very conducive to batting. The Baroda all-rounder struck two consecutive sixes off Adam Zampa and one against Tanveer Sangha.
In addition to making the crowd go wild with his lustful punches, the Choryasi native caused Kohli to celebrate with euphoria.
Watch the video below:
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir’s reaction on kung fu pandya’s big sixes pic.twitter.com/7x5d1dOOPk
— ••TAUKIR•• (@iitaukir) March 4, 2025
In the 48th over, Hardik tried to knock another six to give India the victory, but Nathan Ellis got rid of him. Hardik hit one boundary and three sixes throughout his innings, which ended at a 24-ball 28. That was when the Asian giants needed six runs.
In the end, KL Rahul led India to victory after hitting a huge six against Glenn Maxwell in the 49th over.
The 83rd century by Virat Kohli is lost.
During the first powerplay, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were removed, and Kohli then played a brilliant knock. Shreyas Iyer and the former captain of India had an incredible 91-run partnership.
Ultimately, Zampa removed Kohli as he attempted to hit a slog over cow corner while down on one leg. But Ben Dwarshuis, who was based at long-on, was there.
However, after taking two fast wickets, India needed Kohli’s knock to calm the ship. Being regarded as one of the best chasers in the game, the 36-year-old once again shown why.