Published on: Mar 4, 2025 9:22 am IST|Updated on: Mar 7, 2025 11:55 am IST
India and Australia are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown in the first semifinal of the 2025 Champions Trophy. The action unfolds at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium TODAY at 2:30 PM IST. Meanwhile, South Africa and New Zealand will battle it out in Lahore for the other final spot.
India comes in hot, winning all three group-stage games against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Playing every match in Dubai gives them a big advantage—they know the pitch inside out. Expect a spin-heavy strategy, considering how slow and tricky the surface can be.
Australia hasn’t had as much game time as they’d like. They crushed England in the opener, but rain washed out their next two games against South Africa and Afghanistan. That lack of playtime in Dubai could make it tough to adjust, especially against an in-form Indian side. But history is on their side—Australia has dominated India in ICC knockout matches, including their win in the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad.
Dubai’s surface is slow and favors spinners, which plays into India’s strengths. Batting won’t be easy, but India’s top order has handled these conditions well. Rohit Sharma’s quick starts and Shubman Gill’s solid technique will be key. In the middle, Shreyas Iyer’s attacking play, combined with KL Rahul and Axar Patel’s steady hands, adds depth. And when it comes to finishing, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja bring the firepower.
For Australia, adjusting quickly is a must. Josh Inglis and Travis Head need to step up with the bat, while Ben Dwarshuis will be crucial with the ball. If the Aussies can get a grip on the conditions early, they could push India hard.
Shubman Gill – The young opener is in fine form with 149 runs in three games. His ability to counter Australia’s pace attack will be crucial.
Travis Head – He hasn’t been at his best lately, but he’s a big-game player. His century in the 2023 World Cup final against India will still be fresh in everyone’s mind.
We’re expecting a low-scoring battle, given the sluggish pitch. Batting first and putting up a decent total could be the game-changer. Here’s what we think:
With India’s strong spin attack and home-like familiarity with Dubai’s pitch, we give them the edge. But with Australia’s ICC track record, you can never count them out. Buckle up today for a cracking and nail-biting semifinal!