India M vs Australia M, IML 2025 Semi-Final Highlights: IND Hammer AUS by 94 Runs, Reach Final
In an electrifying semi-final clash of the IML 2025, India M put on a dominant performance to thump Australia M by a commanding 94 runs and secure their place in the final. The much-anticipated encounter at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai saw India’s well-oiled machine fire on all cylinders as they outclassed their opponents with both bat and ball.
India’s Stellar Batting Performance
India’s journey to the final started with the bat after they were put into bat first by Australia’s captain. The team’s opening partnership came under the spotlight once again, with Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma tasked with setting a solid foundation. Right from the start, the duo exhibited a perfect blend of caution and aggression, threading boundaries while keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Rohit Sharma, who had been in blistering form throughout the tournament, wasted no time in asserting his dominance. His timing was immaculate, driving the ball effortlessly through the offside. In the company of Shubman Gill, the pair added a brisk 75 runs for the first wicket. Gill, known for his technical precision, was at his best, playing the ball on its merit. However, it was Rohit’s sheer power that grabbed the attention as he found the boundary rope with ease. His stay was ultimately cut short on 52 runs when he edged a delivery from Mitchell Starc to the wicketkeeper, but his knock laid the foundation for what was to come.
At the crease next was the ever-reliable Virat Kohli, and he continued his outstanding form. Kohli, under pressure to deliver in big matches, responded with yet another stellar innings. With his trademark cover drives and flicks off the pads, he notched up a composed 75 runs from 58 balls. His partnership with Shreyas Iyer was a delight to watch as the duo built a platform for the middle order to accelerate.
Shreyas Iyer, who has been a revelation in the middle order, proved his worth again with a fine knock. His ability to rotate the strike and find the gaps in the field brought much-needed balance to the innings. Iyer’s 47 runs off 39 balls came at a crucial stage when the Australian bowlers were looking to claw their way back into the contest. But, despite Iyer’s contributions, it was Hardik Pandya who made the real difference in the final stages.
Coming in at number five, Pandya played an explosive cameo that turned the game in India’s favor. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting as he took apart the Australian attack with aggressive strokes all around the park. He dispatched the ball to the boundary with ease, including three huge sixes, and finished with an unbeaten 43 runs off just 25 balls. Pandya’s scintillating knock helped India post an imposing total of 243/5 in their 50 overs, a score that would prove to be too much for the Australian batting lineup.
Australia’s Fightback Stifled by Indian Bowlers
Chasing a massive 244 for victory, Australia M’s batting lineup needed to be at its best. However, from the moment they began their chase, it was clear that the Indian bowlers were in no mood to relent. Mohammed Shami, who has been India’s spearhead throughout the tournament, struck early, sending back Australia’s in-form opener David Warner. Warner, who had been a key player for Australia in the tournament, was trapped leg before wicket for just 6 runs, and the pressure began to mount.
Australia’s captain, Steven Smith, walked to the crease next, looking to steady the ship. Smith, known for his composure and experience, showed glimpses of his class as he and Travis Head tried to rebuild the innings. Smith played some elegant drives through the covers, while Head, with his aggressive approach, tried to counter-attack. Together, they managed to put on a partnership of 55 runs for the second wicket, which provided a brief moment of hope for the Australian fans.
However, it was the introduction of Kuldeep Yadav into the attack that shifted the momentum decisively in India’s favor. Kuldeep, with his left-arm wrist-spin, had the Australians completely bamboozled. He found the perfect length, turning the ball sharply both ways and causing problems for the Australian batsmen. Smith’s resistance came to an end when he was trapped in front of the stumps by a sharp turning delivery from Kuldeep, who had him dismissed for 31 runs.
With the Australians now in trouble, the middle-order crumbled. Mitchell Marsh, who has been a match-winner for Australia in past encounters, never got going, as he was dismissed for a duck by Shami. The Indian pace attack continued to keep the pressure on, with Jasprit Bumrah providing his usual reliability in the death overs. Bumrah’s yorkers were impeccable, and his spell was instrumental in reducing the Australian chase to rubble.
By the time the spinners, led by Ravindra Jadeja, came into play, Australia had already lost most of their key batsmen. Travis Head, who had been the only one showing some promise, was dismissed for 43 by Jadeja. Jadeja’s left-arm orthodox spin proved just as effective as Kuldeep’s wrist-spin, and together, they strangled the life out of the Australian batting order.
India’s Clinical Finish
With Australia reeling at 120/7, it was just a matter of time before India would seal the game. The lower order, including Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, offered some resistance, but it was all in vain. Shami and Bumrah continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals, with Starc being dismissed for 11 and Cummins falling for 5. Kuldeep Yadav wrapped up the innings by dismissing Adam Zampa for 2 runs, as Australia were bowled out for just 149 runs in 38.2 overs.
India’s bowlers were the standout performers in this semi-final, with Shami, Bumrah, and Kuldeep taking 2 wickets each. Jadeja was also in top form, contributing with a crucial wicket and tight economy rate. India’s comprehensive 94-run victory was a testament to their well-rounded team effort.
Conclusion
India’s emphatic win over Australia in the IML 2025 semi-final not only earned them a well-deserved place in the final but also sent a strong message to the rest of the tournament contenders. Their all-round performance, with clinical batting and disciplined bowling, made it clear that they are a force to be reckoned with. Australia, on the other hand, will be left to reflect on their inability to capitalize on key moments, as their batting line-up faltered under pressure.
With the final now in sight, India will be brimming with confidence as they look to lift the IML trophy for the first time. The stage is set for what promises to be an enthralling final, and if India can replicate this performance, they will undoubtedly be the team to beat.