India will face Australia in the first semi-final of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
04 March, 2025
PHOTO: ICC
India will face Australia in the first semi-final of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with both teams aiming for a spot in the final. The match, set to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, promises to be an exciting contest, as both sides have been in strong form throughout the tournament.
Match Details:
Team Previews:
India:
India enters this semi-final as one of the most formidable teams, led by Rohit Sharma, the Indian team has been in excellent form with both bat and ball. Key players such as Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Hardik Pandya have been contributing consistently. India’s strength lies in its well-rounded squad, with a powerful batting lineup and a spin-heavy bowling attack, including the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and the recently impressive Varun Chakravarthy. Although India will miss the services of injured pacer Jasprit Bumrah, their bowling depth remains one of the best in the world. The team will look to carry forward their momentum and make a strong statement in this high-stakes game.
Australia:
Australia, under the leadership of Steve Smith, is also in great form and has been impressive in the group stages. The absence of their key fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc due to injury has impacted their pace attack. However, with the skillful Adam Zampa leading the spin department, Australia still has a potent bowling attack. Batsmen like Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne will be crucial to Australia’s chances, with Head having a good record against India in recent encounters. Australia will aim to adapt to the conditions in Dubai and put up a strong fight in the knockout stage.
Squads:
India:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh
Australia:
Jake Fraser-McGurk, Travis Head, Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott, Aaron Hardie, Tanveer Sangha, Cooper Connolly
Pitch Report:
The pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is expected to favor spinners, with the dry conditions offering assistance to the slower bowlers. Teams batting first may find it challenging to post high scores, with conditions slightly easing in the second innings. The average runs per wicket tends to rise as the match progresses, making it easier for the chasing team. Teams winning the toss may opt to bat first, aiming to set a challenging target.
Weather Report:
The weather in Dubai is expected to be clear and sunny, with minimal chances of dew. The temperature will be ideal for a full day of cricket, and conditions should remain consistent throughout the game.
Match Prediction:
India's strong batting lineup, combined with their impressive bowling attack, will make them favorites heading into this semi-final. However, Australia’s experienced players and potent bowling attack, led by Adam Zampa, will look to challenge India’s dominance. Both teams are evenly matched, and the match is expected to be a closely contested affair. It promises to be an exciting semi-final as both teams fight for a place in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
