Kohli and Smith Display Sportsmanship After India’s Thrilling Win Over Australia
In a memorable and emotional moment, Steve Smith and Virat Kohli showcased their mutual admiration and sportsmanship after India’s stunning four-wicket victory over Australia in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final. The match, which was filled with high-intensity cricket, ended with India successfully chasing down 265, thanks to a match-winning knock by Virat Kohli.
However, what caught the attention of fans worldwide was a rare post-match gesture by Steve Smith, who not only congratulated Kohli but also placed his hand on the Indian star’s chest, a moment that has since gone viral on social media. The sportsmanship between two modern-day greats has drawn praise from cricket lovers, further highlighting the spirit of the game.
A Special Moment Between Steve Smith and Virat Kohli
As soon as KL Rahul struck the winning six off Glenn Maxwell’s delivery, jubilation erupted in the Indian camp. The players celebrated with roars of joy and passionate hugs, while KL Rahul let out a victorious scream, showcasing the relief and excitement of sealing the match.
At the same time, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the two pillars of Indian cricket, embraced each other, acknowledging another historic moment in their careers. However, the most unforgettable moment came shortly after, when Steve Smith walked up to Kohli.
In a rare and touching scene, Smith shook hands with Kohli, embraced him, and then placed his hand on Kohli’s chest. This unexpected display of respect and admiration led to speculation that Smith was acknowledging Kohli’s brilliance under pressure. The Australian legend seemed to recognize Kohli’s status as the ultimate chase master, who once again played a pivotal role in India’s journey to the ICC Champions Trophy final.
This gesture has won the hearts of cricket fans, with many taking to social media to praise the sportsmanship and camaraderie between the two greats.
Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell Share a Friendly Exchange
The sportsmanship did not end there, as Virat Kohli also warmly embraced Glenn Maxwell, his former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate. The duo, who have spent several IPL seasons together, exchanged smiles, spoke briefly, and shook hands, reinforcing the bond that IPL creates between international cricketers.
This was yet another example of how cricket goes beyond just competition, and moments like these make the game even more special.
Virat Kohli’s Heroic Match-Winning Knock
The match belonged to Virat Kohli, who once again proved why he is the king of chases in international cricket.
With India needing 265 runs to book their place in the final, Kohli played a masterclass innings, scoring 84 runs off 98 balls. His approach was a perfect mix of caution and aggression, ensuring that India never lost control of the chase.
His knock included timely boundaries, expert strike rotation, and a calm presence at the crease, making it one of the most impactful innings of the tournament.
His efforts earned him the Player of the Match award, further cementing his reputation as one of the greatest match-winners in cricket history.
India’s Road to the Final – Who Will They Face?
With this win, India has reached its third consecutive ICC Champions Trophy final, proving their dominance in global cricket tournaments.
The team now awaits the winner of the South Africa vs. New Zealand semi-final, which is being held at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
India’s Champions Trophy Journey So Far:
- Champions in 2013 – Defeated England in a rain-affected final.
- Runners-up in 2017 – Lost to Pakistan in the final at The Oval.
- Finalists again in 2025 – One step away from another ICC title.
If India wins the final, it will be their third Champions Trophy title, putting them among the most successful teams in the tournament’s history.
Australia’s Struggles Despite Steve Smith’s Heroics
Despite a strong effort from Steve Smith, Australia failed to put up a match-winning performance.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Australia managed to score 264 runs in 49.3 overs. The innings saw a steady knock from Steve Smith (79 runs) and a valuable contribution from Alex Carey (61 runs). However, their batting lineup struggled against India’s lethal bowling attack.
Key Bowling Performances for India:
- Mohammed Shami – 3 wickets
- Ravindra Jadeja – 2 wickets
- Varun Chakaravarthy – 2 wickets
Despite a few partnerships, Australia never looked in complete control, as India’s bowlers kept striking at crucial moments.
How India Sealed the Victory
India’s chase was executed to perfection, with contributions from multiple players.
- Virat Kohli (84 runs off 98 balls) – The backbone of the chase
- Shreyas Iyer (45 runs) – Played a crucial supporting role
- KL Rahul (42 runs) – Finished the chase in style*
With Virat Kohli leading from the front, India never allowed pressure to build up, ensuring that they reached the target comfortably with four wickets in hand and 11 balls to spare.
Looking Ahead to the ICC Champions Trophy Final
As India gears up for the grand finale, cricket fans across the globe are eagerly waiting to see if Kohli and his team can lift the Champions Trophy once again.
Will India continue its dominance in ICC tournaments and add another major trophy to its cabinet? All eyes will be on the final as the Men in Blue chase history.