WATCH: KL Rahul’s heartbreaking reaction after Virat Kohli throws his wicket away for 84 runs

Adam Zampa struck a crucial blow with the ball in the fourth ball of the 43rd over. Steve Smith had recalled his experienced spin bowler with India needing 40 runs 45 balls. Zampa threw the ball up and invited Kohli for the big shot and the former India skipper took the bait. Kohli couldn’t time the ball well as Ben Dwarshuis standing in long-on took an easy catch. KL Rahul who was batting at the other end was left disappointed. 

Just two balls ago Rahul had hit Zampa for a six to bring the run-rate under six runs per over. Kohli threw his head back as he had no option but to walk back to the hut after scoring 84 runs from 98 balls. The 36-year-old had held the innings together after India had lost two early wickets. 

KL Rahul after the dismissal
"Main maar raha tha na yaar (I was hitting it, man)" #goat #virat #kohli #ChampionsTrophy2025 #IndvsAus pic.twitter.com/DnOlqELOcA

— KRISHNA GOUR (@krishnagour042) March 4, 2025

The match was delicately poised with the Australian bowlers not throwing in the towel. Steve Smith kept changing his bowlers and made sure that the Indian batters had to work for their runs. Shreyas Iyer batted well to score 45 while Axar Patel who came into bat looking to score quick runs was out after scoring 27 runs from 30 balls. 

Virat Kohli’s innings helps India keep their hopes of reaching the finals alive

When Virat Kohli walked into bat the Indian team had lost Shubman Gill for eight runs with the score reading 30. Soon Rohit Sharma too was back in the hut for run-a-ball 28 with Cooper Connolly getting the massive wicket. Australia didn’t help themselves when they Rohit Sharma twice early in the innings. 

Kohli was batting on 51 when he played an uppish shot off Conolly who initially went for the catch. Connolly pulled out at the last moment and Maxwell nearly got his hands but dropped the ball to give Kohli huge lease of life. Adam Zampa had earlier got the wicket of Shreyas Iyer while Nathan Ellis had dismissed Axar Patel. 

KL Rahul then came out to join Kohli as the pair added 47 runs for the fifth wicket in 46 balls. Rahul during the course of his innings also went past 3000 runs in ODI cricket as the hopes of an Indian win rests on his shoulders. The winner of this game will play the winners of South Africa vs New Zealand on Sunday.