Desk
Share
The Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final between India and Australia is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, with Australia posting a competitive 264 before being bowled out. The game has already witnessed momentum shifts, stunning wickets, and high-pressure moments, setting the stage for an intense chase.
Australia’s Innings: India’s Bowlers Shine in the Middle Overs
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Australia looked poised to post a 300+ total before India's bowlers triggered a collapse in the middle overs.
Key Moments from Australia’s Innings:
- Early breakthrough: Mohammed Shami struck in his second over, removing Cooper Connolly (0), giving India an ideal start.
- Varun Chakaravarthy’s magic: He dismissed Travis Head (39) just as he was looking dangerous.
- Shami’s golden arm: He got the big wicket of Steve Smith (73), who was anchoring the innings.
- Jadeja and Axar Patel’s spin web: They spun Australia into trouble, taking crucial middle-order wickets.
- Alex Carey’s late fightback: Carey scored 61, helping Australia reach 264, but his run-out by Shreyas Iyer ended their hopes of pushing past 280+.
Australia’s innings had three 50+ partnerships, but the lack of a century partnership meant they fell short of a truly daunting total.
India’s Chase: Kohli and Iyer Rebuilding After Early Blows
India’s innings started with aggression but quick wickets pegged them back.
Key Moments from India’s Chase (So Far):
- Rohit Sharma (28) looked fluent before falling LBW to Cooper Connolly.
- Shubman Gill (8) was dismissed early, edging the ball onto his stumps.
- Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer stabilizing the innings, keeping the scoreboard ticking with singles and boundaries.
At 21.5 overs, India was 109/2, with Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer well set.
Live Score Updates (India's Chase)
| Over | Score | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| 5th Over | 30/1 | Shubman Gill dismissed (Bowled by Ben Dwarshuis) |
| 7th Over | 42/1 | Rohit Sharma looking aggressive |
| 8th Over | 43/2 | Rohit Sharma LBW, reviewed but OUT! |
| 15th Over | 75/2 | Kohli and Iyer forming a steady partnership |
| 20th Over | 103/2 | India matching Australia’s pace at the same stage |
India needs 163 more runs from 28.1 overs to reach the final.
India vs Australia Head-to-Head in ICC Tournaments
India and Australia have shared a historic rivalry in ICC events. Australia has had the upper hand in several crucial encounters, including the 2023 ODI World Cup Final, where they handed India a heartbreaking defeat.
This match presents India with a golden opportunity for revenge.
- ODIs Played: 151
- India Wins: 57
- Australia Wins: 84
- No Result: 10
Pitch Report: A Tricky Surface for Batting
The Dubai pitch has behaved slowly, with low bounce and sharp spin seen in previous matches. Batting will not be easy, especially in the second half under lights.
- Batters need to apply themselves.
- Stroke-making won’t be easy—singles and twos will be crucial.
- Spinners will dominate in the later stages.
What Next?
With Kohli and Iyer set at the crease, India will aim to consolidate before accelerating.
Key Factors for India’s Chase:
Kohli anchoring the innings and ensuring a smooth chase.
Iyer playing an attacking role to keep the required rate in check.
Handling Australia’s spinners smartly to avoid a collapse.
Australia, on the other hand, will rely on their young bowling attack to break this partnership and push India into panic mode.
This match has all the ingredients of a classic India-Australia knockout battle. With history, rivalry, and a spot in the final at stake, every ball will be nerve-wracking for both teams.
Can India hold their nerve and chase 265? Or will Australia’s young bowlers pull off a dramatic upset?
_613899374.jpg)
