Dubai: The first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will see cricket powerhouses India and Australia face off at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday, as both teams strive to secure a spot in the championship match on Sunday.
The knockout phase of an ICC tournament is renowned for its intensity, excitement, and exhilarating cricket, and the upcoming match between India and Australia promises to deliver on all fronts, fueled by their historical rivalry and current form.
India will undoubtedly be reflecting on their experiences from 2023, including the recent Border-Gavaskar series held in Australia.
Australia's ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches is well-established, even in the absence of several key players.
Recent form:
India: Following their victory over New Zealand, India has demonstrated exceptional form, completing a flawless group stage with three wins in Dubai. Their experience in these matches and adaptation to local conditions will be advantageous, as they are likely to deploy up to four spinners capable of making significant impacts.
Australia: Two of Australia's three matches in the Champions Trophy have been affected by rain, including one that was completely abandoned. However, they were poised for a strong win against Afghanistan before rain interrupted the game. They began the tournament with a remarkable victory over England, which featured a substantial run chase.
Players to Watch:
India: Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav stands out as a key player in India's renowned spin bowling arsenal. He has claimed multiple wickets in two of India's three group stage matches, instilling confidence in his ability to perform effectively during the middle overs once the ball ceases to swing. His impressive figures of 3/40 against Pakistan were instrumental in limiting their score to 241 all out, a target that India successfully chased down with ease.
Australia: Adam Zampa
As expected, Australia's spin bowlers will play a crucial role in Dubai. The composition of the Australian XI will be intriguing, particularly in deciding whether to field three fast bowlers or include an extra spinner. Regardless, it is essential for Australia to capitalize on Adam Zampa's 10 overs. The 32-year-old leg spinner has acknowledged that he has not been at his peak during the Champions Trophy, making this an opportune moment for him to excel.
Squads:
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Australia: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.
