TOP STORIES
Champions Trophy, semi-final - IND vs AUS: Fight for a place in the Champions Trophy final

The ongoing ICC Champions Trophy has reached its climax, and the highly anticipated semi-final clash between India and Australia is set to take centre stage. The showdown, which is a rematch of the 2023 ODI World Cup, will decide the finalist of the Champions Trophy 2025. The semi-final 1 is scheduled to be played on Tuesday at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai. With both teams performing admirably throughout the group stages, this encounter will witness a lot of competitiveness. The winner of this match will book a place in the coveted final.
India come into this semi-final with a strong sense of confidence after blasting New Zealand to a 44-run defeat in their last group stage match on Sunday. However, they are facing a selection dilemma that could add an interesting layer to their preparations. The spotlight has shifted to Varun Chakravarathy, the young mystery spinner who delivered a breathtaking performance in India’s final group stage match against New Zealand. Chakravarathy, who has been gradually growing into his role in the national team, took a sensational five-wicket haul, giving selectors a massive headache ahead of the semi-final.
Chakaravarthy’s performance has raised the question of whether he should be included in the playing XI for the semi-final against Australia. But, with a lineup already consisting of experienced spinners and pacers, the inclusion of Chakaravarthy could give India an added dimension.
On the other hand, undermanned Australia come into the semi-final with a team that is brimmed with young firepower. Australia also have a good record in Dubai, having won four of five ODIs they have played here. With players like Travis Head, Steve Smith, Alex Carey and Marnus Labuschagne, Australia’s batting lineup is capable of challenging India. However, Australia will need to be cautious of India’s spinners, especially if Chakraborty gets a chance to play. India have also been unbeaten in the tournament so far.
The match-up between India and Australia has always been a classic, and this semi-final promises to be no different. For India, the form of key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be crucial, but it will also be interesting to see how the team balances their spin attack with the addition of Chakraborty, if selected.
HEAD-TO-HEAD (ODIs)
Matches: 151
No Result: 10
India won: 57
Australia won: 84
India Probable XI: 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 Probable XI: Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk/Cooper Connolly, Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
Tags
More News

KKR edge out SRH in one-sided thriller
Kolkata Knight Riders squeezed out an 80-run win over star-studded Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday at Eden Gardens to return to winning ways. The win was made possible by an explosive middle-order batting display, a clinical bowling performance, and a determined team effort.
After being sent in, KKR faced early setbacks when their openers strugg...

“Every home team should have the right…”: Former Indian cricketer shares his views on pitch advantage
Since the start of IPL 2025, the discussion surrounding the pitch conditions for home sides has taken centre stage, with coaches, mentors and players sharing their opinions. Last night, RCB became the latest team to suffer a defeat on their home ground in Bengaluru against Gujarat Titans. Sharing his thoughts on the matter, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra felt that home t...

Kane Williamson hails Siraj’s bowling display against RCB
Veteran New Zealand star Kane Williamson has lavished huge praise on Mohammed Siraj for carrying out a sensational bowling display against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Wednesday at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Siraj broke the back of a high-flying RCB, grabbing three crucial wickets to help his side seal an eight-wicket win. He was also adjudged player...

Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf calls for team performance
Pakistan’s heavy defeat against New Zealand in the second ODI on Wednesday further highlighted their batting and bowling issues, with top-order being completely shattered by New Zealand’s suffocating bowling attack. Over the last few months, Pakistan have been performing underwhelmingly, with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and other to...

IPL 2025: Out of sorts KKR, SRH face each other
The finalists of IPL 2024 Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad are back as they are ready to face each other in the 15th match of the ongoing IPL 2025 on Thursday at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Both teams last met in the final of the IPL 2024 where KKR had prevailed to win the title. This season, the situation hasn’t been great for either of them, hav...