"Exceptional teamwork": Rajnath Singh congratulates team India following win in CT semifinals

New Delhi [India], March 5 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian Cricket team on a "stupendous" victory in the Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia on Tuesday night.
India trounced Australia by four wickets in 48.1 overs. 'Men in Blue' finished at 267/6 and avenged the 2023 ODI World Cup loss to Kangaroos in Ahmedabad.
In a post on X, Singh said that the nation is elated by this victory.
"Congratulations to the Indian cricket team on a stupendous victory against Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 Semi Final match! It was a wonderful display of exceptional teamwork, perseverance and tenacity. The nation is elated by this victory," the Defence Minister said.
Union minister H D Kumaraswamy also congratulated the Indian cricket team on a "fantastic victory against Australia."
"Congratulations to Team India on a fantastic victory against Australia in the #ICCChampionsTrophy semifinal. A brilliant display of skill and determination. Best wishes for the final--bring home the trophy," Kumaraswamy said in a post on X.
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. After an early wicket of Cooper Connolly, Travis Head (39 in 33 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) had a 50-run stand with Steve Smith. Smith carried on, with half-century stands against Marnus Labuschagne (29 in 36 balls, with two fours and a six) and Alex Carey (61 in 57 balls, with eight fours and a six). Carey was there till 48th over, untill a fine direct hit from Shreyas Iyer ended his knock.
Australia was skittled out for 264 in 49.3 overs.
Shami (3/48) was the top bowler for India, while Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) also unleashed a spin web. Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya took a wicket each.
During the run chase, India lost skipper Rohit Sharma (28 in 29 balls, with three fours and a six) and Shubman Gill (8) early and were reduced to 43/2. From then on, a 91-run partnership between Virat and Shreyas Iyer (45 in 62 balls, with three fours) brought India back into the game. Virat also had a brief 44-run stand with Axar Patel (27 in 30 balls, with a four and six) and a 47-run stand with KL Rahul (42* in 34 balls, with two fours and two sixes).
Hardik delivered a brief and fiery cameo, scoring 28 in 24 balls, with a four and three sixes, helping India seal a win. India finished at 267/6 in 48.1 overs.
Nathan Ellis (2/48) and Adam Zampa (2/60) were the top bowlers for Australia. (ANI)