The cricketing world is abuzz as arch-rivals Australia vs India clash in the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The high-stakes match is underway at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the final.
Match Overview
- Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
- Toss: Australia won the toss and elected to bat first.
Team Form and Journey to the Semi-Finals
India
The Indian team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, has showcased impeccable form throughout the tournament. They topped Group A with an unblemished record, securing victories against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Their dominance in the group stages has solidified their status as strong contenders for the title.
Australia
Australia’s journey has been a mix of resilience and strategic play. Finishing second in Group B, they faced challenges with rain-affected matches but secured a crucial win against England. Their ability to adapt and perform under pressure has been commendable.
Key Players to Watch
- India:
- Virat Kohli: The seasoned batsman has been in stellar form, consistently anchoring the innings and providing stability to the batting lineup.
- Mohammed Shami: Leading the pace attack, Shami’s early breakthroughs have been pivotal in restricting opposition teams.
- Australia:
- Steve Smith: The captain’s tactical acumen and batting prowess make him a central figure in Australia’s campaign.
- Glenn Maxwell: Known for his explosive batting and handy off-spin, Maxwell adds depth to both the batting and bowling departments.
Australia vs India Squads
India:
| Player | Role |
| Rohit Sharma (c) | Opening Batsman |
| Shubman Gill | Opening Batsman |
| Virat Kohli | Top-order Batsman |
| Shreyas Iyer | Middle-order Batsman |
| KL Rahul | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Rishabh Pant | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Hardik Pandya | All-rounder |
| Axar Patel | All-rounder |
| Washington Sundar | All-rounder |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Spin Bowler |
| Harshit Rana | Fast Bowler |
| Mohammed Shami | Fast Bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | Fast Bowler |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | Spin Bowler |
Australia:
| Player | Role |
| Steve Smith (c) | Top-order Batsman |
| Sean Abbott | Bowling All-rounder |
| Alex Carey | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Cooper Connolly | Batting All-rounder |
| Ben Dwarshuis | Fast Bowler |
| Nathan Ellis | Fast Bowler |
| Jake Fraser-McGurk | Batsman |
| Aaron Hardie | All-rounder |
| Travis Head | Opening Batsman |
| Josh Inglis | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Spencer Johnson | Fast Bowler |
| Marnus Labuschagne | Top-order Batsman |
| Glenn Maxwell | All-rounder |
| Tanveer Sangha | Spin Bowler |
| Adam Zampa | Spin Bowler |
Match Progress
As the match unfolds, Australia‘s innings commenced with Travis Head and Cooper Connolly opening the batting. The initial overs have seen a cautious approach, with India’s bowlers maintaining tight lines and lengths. A notable moment occurred in the very first over when Mohammed Shami induced a leading edge from Travis Head, only to miss a difficult return catch.
Where to Watch
Cricket enthusiasts can catch the live action on the Star Sports Network, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website in India. For global audiences, platforms like Sky Sports and ICC.tv are broadcasting the match.
The semi-final between Australia and India promises to be a thrilling encounter, reflecting the rich history and intensity of their rivalry. With both teams bringing their unique strengths to the fore, fans worldwide are in for an exhilarating contest as they vie for a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final.
