India vs Australia Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final Preview

Image credits: AFP, PTI

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as India takes on Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final, with the Indian team seeking to avenge their heartbreaking loss in the 2023 World Cup final. The Australian team, however, will be without the services of key players like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, which could significantly impact their performance. India, on the other hand, will be without the firepower of Jasprit Bumrah, but they have a strong bowling depth with the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, who can exploit the spin-friendly conditions at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The Indian team has been in great form, with their batsmen performing exceptionally well, even without significant contributions from the top three. The strong form of Shreyas Iyer, along with the sensible batting of Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya, provides a major boost to India's chances in the upcoming knockout contest. However, there are concerns about the match-up between Virat Kohli and Adam Zampa, as the Australian leg-spinner has dismissed Kohli five times in the past. Additionally, Rohit Sharma has struggled against left-arm pacers, and Australia has two of them in Spencer Johnson and Ben Dwarshuis.

Australia, on the other hand, will be relying on players like Travis Head, who has a strong record against India, and Glenn Maxwell, who can be a game-changer with both bat and ball. The team will also be looking to Josh Inglis and Steve Smith to make significant contributions. The absence of an extra spinner, with only one specialist spinner in Zampa, could be a concern for Australia, especially given the spin-friendly conditions in Dubai. The team management will have to make some tough decisions, including whether to include an extra spinner or pacer, and how to utilize their resources effectively.

The match is expected to be a closely contested one, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. India will be looking to capitalize on the spin-friendly conditions, while Australia will be seeking to exploit the Indian team's vulnerabilities. The team that adapts better to the conditions and executes their strategy effectively will likely emerge victorious. The Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final between India and Australia promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams giving it their all to secure a spot in the final. The Indian team will be looking to make the most of their home advantage, having played all their games in Dubai, while the Australian team will be seeking to cause an upset and book their place in the final.

Here are the probable XIs for both teams:

• India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy
• Australia: Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshius, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

The match is scheduled to take place on March 4, 13:00 Local, 14:30 IST, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The team that wins the toss will have to make a tricky decision about whether to bat or bowl first, given the conditions. The Indian team will be looking to make the most of their experience and home advantage, while the Australian team will be seeking to cause an upset and book their place in the final.

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