It’s the business end of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the stage is set for the 1st semifinal. It’s India vs Australia, the greatest cricket rivalry of this decade. More importantly, it is an opportunity for Rohit Sharma-led Team India to avenge their World Cup 2023 final loss. With spin set to dominate in Dubai, India will have an advantage against Steve Smith’s Australia. But as history shows, Australia always find a way in ICC events and that will always be a threat to India.
Match Details
- Match: India vs Australia (1st Semi-Final)
- Event: ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Date: Tuesday, March 04, 2025
- Time: 2:30 PM IST
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
- Broadcast: Star Sports, Sports18 and JioHotstar
Dubai International Stadium Pitch Report
The Dubai International Stadium is known for its conditions that tend to favour spinners as the match progresses. As the game evolves, the pitch is likely to turn slow, making scoring increasingly challenging. In light of these conditions, the team winning the toss may opt to bowl first, aiming to exploit the initial moisture and take advantage of any assistance from the spinners later on.
However, with ICC using a fresh pitch for the India vs Australia clash, things could be a little different. There could be some early purchases for the seamers. But as there is no grass in the square, it will deteriorate the condition of the ball quickly, helping the spinners.
IND vs AUS Head-to-Head Records in ODIs
In the history of One Day Internationals, India and Australia have faced off 151 times. Australia holds a significant edge with 84 wins compared to India’s 57 victories, with 10 matches resulting in no result. In their most recent encounter on November 19, 2023, Australia emerged victorious, further intensifying the competitive spirit ahead of this semi-final.
In ICC events, even though Australia dominated in the early days, things have changed. Out of a total of 18 matches in ICC ODI events, India have won 7 while Australia have won 10 including two World Cup finals.
| Category | India | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 151 | 151 |
| Matches Won | 57 | 84 |
| Matches Lost | 84 | 57 |
| No Result | 10 | 10 |
| ICC Events | 7 | 10 |
IND vs AUS Predicted Playing XI
India
Under the astute leadership of Rohit Sharma, India features a well-rounded squad that has shown exceptional form, winning all their group-stage matches. Their batting order, spearheaded by Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, showcases explosive talent. The bowling attack, highlighted by Kuldeep Yadav and the in-form Varun Chakravarthy, is well-equipped for the slow bowling conditions expected in Dubai. Despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, India’s depth makes them a formidable opponent.
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Axar Patel
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Shami
- Varun Chakravarthy
Australia
Australia is led by seasoned campaigner Steve Smith and comes into the semi-final slightly hampered by injuries. Nevertheless, they possess the experience and tenacity to pose a significant threat. Key players like Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell will need to step up in the batting department, while the spin duo of Adam Zampa and Tanveer Sangha will be essential on this slowing pitch. Missing key pacers such as Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc is a setback, but Australia’s reputation for rising to the occasion in ICC tournaments cannot be disregarded.
- Travis Head
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Steve Smith (C)
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Josh Inglis (WK)
- Alex Carey
- Glenn Maxwell
- Ben Dwarshius
- Nathan Ellis
- Adam Zampa
- Spencer Johnson
IND vs AUS Semifinal 2025 Key Players
- Probable Best Batter: Travis Head (Australia) – Head’s ability to counter Indian bowlers, combined with recent excellent form against India, makes him a key player to watch in this match.
- Probable Best Bowler: Varun Chakravarthy (India) – Following a stellar performance against New Zealand, Chakravarthy is poised to make a significant impact given the pitch conditions.
IND vs AUS Semi Final 2025 Match Prediction
Heading into this semi-final, India are favourites to win. Backed by their strong performance throughout the tournament and familiarity with the conditions in Dubai, it is their game to lose. While they boast a balanced side capable of both high-scoring innings and restricting opposition, Australia’s history in ICC tournaments and knack for delivering under pressure make them dangerous adversaries.
- India’s Winning Chance: Approximately 65%
- Australia’s Winning Chance: Approximately 35%
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