The first Semi-final is going to be played between India and Australia on the 5th March in Dubai. It’s certainly going to be an entertaining encounter between two fierce rivals.
Ahead of this massive encounter, here’s our preview and predictions for the match.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 | Semi-Final 1: India vs Australia | 14:30 IST, March 5th
India has a distinct advantage here as they have played all their previous games in Dubai and know the conditions much better than Australia who have only played in Pakistan. Add to that the fact that India has gotten to play all full matches while Australia only got a full game against England and their other two matches ended in a draw due to rain.
India played New Zealand in their last encounter where they batted first, lost three big wickets in the powerplay and looked like faltering. However, Shreyas Iyer 79(98) and Axar Patel 42(61) initiated the rebuild and with the help of Hardik Pandya 45(45) balls down the order, India managed to get a fighting total of 249/9. Kiwi pacer Matt Henry ended with figures of 5/42.
New Zealand in response, didn’t have a riposte to India’s spin quartet of Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja. Chakaravarthy’s inclusion was a masterstroke by the Indian think tank as he ended up taking a fifer with figures of 5/42. India bowled out New Zealand for 205 runs in 45.3 overs to end unbeaten and top of the group. Only top order batter Kane Williamson offered some resistance with a fighting score of 81(120).
Australia on the other hand didn’t get to play against South Africa and couldn’t bat the full overs against Afghanistan as well but their batting lineup is very strong and has already chased a 350+ score against England in their opening game. However, Australian bowling will be a concern as they have inexperienced fast bowlers and with the exception of Adam Zampa, they don’t possess decent spin bowling options which could hamper their chances.
Based on team balance, form and better experience of the conditions, India look more likely to go through but never count Australia out in an ICC tournament so it could go their way as well.
Fantasy XI: Travis Head, Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Shreyas Iyer, Josh Englis (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Adam Zampa, Mohammed Shami.
Winner’s Prediction: India
Venue: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai
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