In a high-stakes semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Australia won the toss and decided to bat first against India at the Dubai International Stadium. This match marks a rematch of the 2023 ICC World Cup final, where Australia triumphed over India in Ahmedabad. India, led by Rohit Sharma, will look to avenge that defeat and book a place in the tournament’s final.
The playing XIs of both teams feature a blend of seasoned players and key performers. Australia, captained by Steven Smith, is without key players like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc due to injuries but remains a formidable force with stars like Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, and Adam Zampa. For India, key players such as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya will be pivotal, alongside their spin-heavy attack led by Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final Matches Confirmed
Pitch and Conditions:
The Dubai pitch has historically been a difficult one for batters, with high totals being rare. In the ongoing tournament, the highest first-innings total at this venue was 249, posted by India against New Zealand, which they successfully defended. Spinners are expected to play a major role, as seen in India’s recent match where Varun Chakravarthy claimed five wickets.
However, despite the spinner’s recent success, seamers tend to perform well at Dubai, with pacers taking 486 wickets in 61 ODIs. As batting conditions typically improve slightly in the second innings, India may look to restrict Australia to a low total and take advantage of the chasing conditions.
Rivalry and Stakes:
India and Australia share a long and intense rivalry in One Day Internationals (ODIs), with Australia holding the upper hand historically. In ICC events, they have met in numerous critical matches, including the 2023 World Cup final, where Australia’s Travis Head played a match-winning role. Head will once again be a key player for Australia, having rediscovered his form ahead of this crucial encounter.
This Champions Trophy semi-final also carries an added layer of controversy, as the ICC has faced criticism for scheduling all of India’s matches in Dubai. Critics argue that India’s familiarity with the venue could give them an advantage, especially with Australia dealing with key injuries. However, the Aussies will be determined to prove their resilience on the big stage.
With the stakes high and both teams eager for a shot at the title, fans can expect a gripping contest as the action unfolds in Dubai.
Head-to-Head Stats:
India and Australia have faced off 151 times in ODIs, with Australia winning 84 matches to India’s 57. The two cricketing giants have a storied history in ICC tournaments, producing some of the most iconic moments in cricket, including Australia’s dominant performance in the 2003 World Cup final and India’s redemption in the 2011 World Cup quarter-final.
ICC Champions Trophy Clashes:
In the ICC Champions Trophy, India and Australia have faced each other four times. India won their knockout matches in 1998 and 2000, but Australia claimed victory in their 2006 group-stage encounter. Their most recent Champions Trophy match in 2009 ended without a result.
With their latest encounter set to decide a finalist, both teams will be keen to add another chapter to their storied rivalry.
