In a thrilling semi-final clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India emerged victorious over Australia by four wickets, securing their spot in the tournament’s final. The match, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 4, showcased high-quality cricket from both sides.
Australia’s Innings:
After winning the toss, Australia opted to bat first. Their innings concluded at 264 runs in 49.3 overs. Steve Smith anchored the innings with a commendable 73 runs, while Alex Carey contributed a valuable 61. India’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Mohammed Shami, who claimed three wickets for 48 runs. Spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Varun Chakravarthy also played pivotal roles, taking two wickets each and applying consistent pressure on the Australian batsmen.
India’s Chase:
Chasing a target of 265, India faced early setbacks, losing both openers with just 43 runs on the board. However, Virat Kohli’s masterful 84 runs off 98 balls stabilized the innings. He formed crucial partnerships, notably with Shreyas Iyer (45 runs) and later with KL Rahul, who remained unbeaten at 42. Despite Australia’s efforts, including tight bowling spells from Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa, India reached the target, scoring 267 for 6 in 48.1 overs, with 11 balls to spare.
Key Moments:
- Virat Kohli’s Resilience: Kohli’s innings exemplified his chasing prowess. He focused on rotating the strike and building partnerships, ensuring India remained on course despite early losses.
- Australian Bowling Challenges: The absence of key bowlers like Pat Cummins and Mitch Starc was evident. The inclusion of Cooper Connolly didn’t yield the desired results, as he was dismissed without scoring, and the spin attack struggled to contain India’s batsmen.
- Fielding Lapses: Australia’s fielding was below their usual standards, with several dropped catches that proved costly in the context of the match.
Looking Ahead:
With this victory, India advances to the Champions Trophy final, where they will face the winner of the semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa. The team’s performance against Australia underscores their strong form and strategic acumen, making them a formidable contender for the title.
For fans eager to relive the match’s highlights, the official ICC website offers a comprehensive video recap.
India vs Australia Semi-Final, Champions Trophy 2025: Match Details
India will face Australia in the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Below are the key details about the match:
Match Date and Time:
- Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
- Toss: 2:00 PM IST
- Match Start: 2:30 PM IST
Venue:
- Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Broadcast and Streaming:
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports and Network 18 channels
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar
Teams Overview
India Squad:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar.
Predicted XI:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Australia Squad:
Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis (wk), Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis, Aaron Hardie, Tanveer Sangha.
Predicted XI:
Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa.
Pitch and Weather Report
Pitch Report:
The Dubai pitch is expected to be slow and spinner-friendly. India’s spin-heavy attack may have an advantage over Australia’s pace-dominated lineup. Teams winning the toss might prefer batting first to avoid chasing under lights.
Weather Forecast:
- Afternoon temperature: ~30°C (hazy conditions)
- Evening temperature: ~22°C (partly cloudy)
- Rain Probability: None
Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
- Total Matches Played: 151
- Australia Wins: 84
- India Wins: 57
- No Result: 10
In ICC tournaments’ knockout stages (ODIs), both teams have won three matches each. However, India’s last knockout win against Australia was in the 2011 World Cup quarter-final.
