Australia Sets Up Thrilling 1st Semi-Final Clash with 264 Against India in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Image credits: Steven Smith en route to his half-century, setting the tone for Australia's competitive total, photo by Getty Images.
First Innings Drama Unfolds
The first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 got off to a thrilling start as Australia, led by Steven Smith, managed to post a competitive total of 264 against a strong Indian side. The Australian captain played a pivotal role, scoring 73 runs and anchoring the innings. His partnership with Alex Carey, who scored 61 runs, was instrumental in taking Australia to a respectable total. India's bowling attack, which included four frontline spinners, created an impact throughout the innings but couldn't exert the same dominance as in their previous game against New Zealand.
Indian Bowlers Fight Back
Mohammed Shami was the pick of the Indian bowlers, picking up three wickets for 48 runs. He troubled the Australian openers, including Cooper Connolly, who was dismissed for a duck. Varun Chakaravarthy also made an impact, striking with his first ball to dismiss Travis Head. The Indian spinners, including Axar Patel and Jadeja, played a crucial role in containing the Australian batsmen and picking up key wickets.
Australia's Late Surge Falls Short
The arrival of Alex Carey injected momentum into the Australian innings, and his partnership with Steven Smith took the team close to a run-a-ball score. However, the loss of wickets at regular intervals, including the dismissal of Smith and Glenn Maxwell, impeded Australia's progress. Carey's aggressive batting and his ability to drive the spinners helped Australia post a competitive total, but his run-out in the final overs robbed the team of a late surge. Australia was eventually bowled out for 264 in the final over, setting up a thrilling clash with India in the 1st Semi-Final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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