NEW DELHI: Team India is set to face Australia on March 4, 2025, in the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium. This match follows India's impressive 44-run victory over New Zealand on March 2, securing their position at the top of Group A.
With this triumph, India aims to continue their undefeated streak, having won all three of their group-stage matches. They are now poised to meet the second-ranked team from Group B, Australia, who began their campaign with a five-wicket victory over arch-rivals England but faced challenges as their remaining group matches were washed out due to rain. Australia has had less match practice, which could prove pivotal.
Australia will be without star pacer Mitchell Starc, who is unavailable due to personal reasons, along with other key players such as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. This situation raises questions about how the team will perform under pressure against India, particularly considering their recent history—Australia defeated India by six wickets during the 2023 World Cup final, still fresh on the players' and fans’ minds.
Historically, India holds the edge over Australia in ICC Champions Trophy encounters, leading 2-1, with one match resulting in no result. Notably, India recorded victories against Australia, winning by 44 runs in Dhaka back in 1998 and by 20 runs in Nairobi two years later. Overall, out of their 151 completed ODIs, Australia has secured victory 84 times, compared to India's 57, with ten matches ending without results.
The semi-final match, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Dubai, is heating up, and the weather seems favorable. No rain is predicted, and temperatures are expected to hover around 30°C during the first half of the day, dropping to approximately 25°C after sunset, which should make for comfortable conditions for players and fans alike.
Cricket analysts suggest the pitch may be challenging for batting, particularly for the left-handed batsmen, with typical Dubai conditions favoring spin bowlers. How successful India’s spinners will be could play a decisive role, especially since they’ve shown formidable skills throughout the tournament.
Betting trends indicate India as favorites, with current odds placed at 1.54, compared to Australia’s odds of 2.04. Expectations are climbing as fans look forward to how India's powerhouse lineup, which has been consistently batting strong and bowling well, will perform against Australia’s ups and downs.
With every encounter between India and Australia layered with intensity and historical importance, this semi-final promises to be no different. It's not just about securing victory; it’s also about pride, revenge, and the distinction of being crowned the finalist of the prestigious eight-nation tournament.
Catch the live action broadcasting on the JioStar network, which will feature extensive coverage across multiple channels, including Star Sports and Sports18. For online viewers, the match will be live-streamed via the JioHotstar platform.
Expectations are high for this epical cricket showdown as fans await to see which team will earn the opportunity to vie for the ICC Champions Trophy title. It's the thrill of cricket at its best: rivalry, skill, and the pursuit of excellence as India and Australia gear up for what promises to be another chapter of their storied history.