Jammu, March 5, 2025 – The streets of Jammu, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, came alive with jubilation on Tuesday night as India secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia in the semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The match, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, saw India chase down a target of 265, booking their spot in the final scheduled for March 9.
Fans in Jammu poured out to celebrate the win, marked by Virat Kohli’s anchoring 84 runs and KL Rahul’s match-finishing six off Glenn Maxwell in the 49th over. Hardik Pandya’s late cameo of 28 runs also fueled the excitement. The victory was India’s third straight knockout win against Australia in the Champions Trophy, adding to their triumphs in 1998 and 2000.
Local residents waved flags, burst firecrackers, and chanted slogans, with many gathering at public squares to revel in the moment. “This is payback for the 2023 World Cup final,” said Anil Sharma, a cricket enthusiast, reflecting the sentiment of fans still stung by Australia’s win over India in Ahmedabad. Videos circulating online showed crowds cheering and some chanting “Jai Shree Ram,” blending patriotic fervor with spiritual exuberance.
The match showcased India’s resilience on a slow Dubai pitch, with Mohammed Shami’s 3-48 restricting Australia to 264, despite Steve Smith’s 73. India’s chase, bolstered by a 91-run partnership between Kohli and Shreyas Iyer (45), kept fans on edge until Rahul sealed the deal with 11 balls to spare.
As Jammu celebrated late into the night, attention now shifts to the final, where India will face the winner of the South Africa vs. New Zealand semifinal. For now, the city basks in the glow of a hard-fought victory, uniting cricket lovers in a shared moment of pride.