India started their pursuit of 265 within the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal with a composed strategy. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill discovered early boundaries, setting a strong basis. Nevertheless, Australia fought again swiftly as Ben Dwarshuis dismissed Gill, breaking the opening stand and including stress on the Indian batting lineup.
Rohit, whereas managing to maintain the scoreboard ticking, appeared removed from his fluent finest. His innings had moments of luck, as he survived two dropped catches—first by Cooper Connolly and later by Marnus Labuschagne. With Australia tightening their grip, India needed to reassess their strategy in opposition to a disciplined bowling assault.
Cooper Connolly eliminates Rohit Sharma
Australia discovered a vital breakthrough within the eighth over when captain Steve Smith turned to spin, bringing Connolly into the assault. The left-arm spinner maintained a decent line, holding Rohit underneath stress with a collection of dot balls.
On the ultimate supply of the over, Connolly pitched a full-length ball straight on the stumps. Rohit tried a slog-sweep however mistimed it fully. The influence was in line, and umpire Chris Gaffaney had no hesitation in elevating his finger. Rohit opted for a overview, however ball-tracking confirmed the ball would crash into leg stump, sealing his destiny. He departed for 28 runs, leaving India in a difficult place.
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Pumped-up celebration from the teen
Connolly’s response was one in every of pure elation. Letting out an emphatic roar, the teen celebrated a pivotal second within the sport. Having had a quiet outing till then, his breakthrough in opposition to India’s captain was a game-changer for Australia.
The vitality in his celebration mirrored the importance of the wicket, shifting the momentum in Australia’s favor. With Rohit again within the pavilion, India’s chase grew to become much more difficult as they aimed to safe a spot within the closing.