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India cruised past New Zealand in their final group-stage match of the 2025 Champions Trophy, securing a 44-run victory in Dubai. With three wins in three games, the Men in Blue finished at the top of Group B with 6 points and are now set to face Australia in the first semi-final on March 4 (Tuesday) in Dubai.
This highly anticipated clash will be the first ODI meeting between the two teams since India’s heartbreaking loss in the 2023 World Cup final. As a result, India will be eager to field their strongest XI against the reigning ODI World Cup champions.
No Changes Expected in Batting Lineup
India’s batting order is expected to remain unchanged, with the team banking on their experienced top-order to deliver.
Rohit Sharma will open the innings alongside Shubman Gill, with both batters looking to regain form.
Virat Kohli, despite falling to a sensational catch by Glenn Phillips against New Zealand, will aim to build on the momentum he gained against Pakistan.
Shreyas Iyer retains the No.4 spot after hitting back-to-back fifties in the tournament.
Middle-Order Stability
- Axar Patel will continue at No.5, ahead of KL Rahul, who will bat at No.6.
- Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja will provide all-round balance at No.7 and No.8, respectively.
Bowling Attack: Shami OUT, Varun Chakravarthy Stays
India made a big change against New Zealand, resting Harshit Rana and bringing in Varun Chakravarthy, who made an immediate impact with a five-wicket haul on his Champions Trophy debut. His match-winning spell has cemented his place in the XI against Australia.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami struggled with rhythm in the last game and is likely to miss out, with Harshit Rana returning to the XI.
Spin-Dominated Attack for Dubai Conditions
India is expected to stick with four spinners on the turning Dubai pitch, just like they did against New Zealand:
Ravindra Jadeja
Axar Patel
Kuldeep Yadav
Varun Chakravarthy
With Dubai’s conditions favoring spin, India will rely on this potent bowling attack to counter Australia’s batting lineup.
India’s Predicted Playing XI vs Australia
Rohit Sharma (c)
Shubman Gill
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
Axar Patel
KL Rahul (wk)
Hardik Pandya
Ravindra Jadeja
Harshit Rana
Kuldeep Yadav
Varun Chakravarthy
With a well-balanced squad and a strong spin attack, India will be hoping to settle the score against Australia and secure a place in the final. Will the Men in Blue avenge their 2023 World Cup loss, or will Australia continue their dominance in ICC knockout matches? All eyes will be on Dubai this Tuesday!
