Champions Trophy 2025, Semi-Final 1: India vs Australia Match Preview

Cricketing giants India and Australia square off in the first semi-final of the 2025 Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Tuesday, March 4. This is a repeat of the 2023 ODI World Cup final which Australia won in Ahmedabad.

India's winning streak in ODIs

India are coming into this clash on the back of a six-match winning streak in ODI cricket. After whitewashing England at home in a three-match ODI series, the Men in Blue have registered wins against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy.

Also Check: IND vs AUS Live Score, Semi-Final 1

Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill lead India's batting

Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill have been India's most consistent performers with the bat. While Shreyas has two half-centuries to his name, Shubman has notched up one ton. Virat Kohli couldn't score too many runs against Bangladesh and New Zealand but his unbeaten century against Pakistan was a treat to watch. Skipper Rohit Sharma is yet to score a fifty but he has batted with a positive frame of mind.

India's bowling strengths and performers

Mohammed Shami took a five-for in the first game against Bangladesh but has gone wicketless in the last two matches. Varun Chakravarthy was added to the side in the last game and he repaid the faith shown in him by the team management as he scalped five wickets.

Australia's journey to the semi-final

Australia finished second in Group B. They registered a famous win against England in their opening match, chasing down a 352-run target with consummate ease. Their next two matches ended without a result as they progressed to the knockouts.

Australia’s batting performers and injury concerns

Matthew Short looked in good touch in the two games he batted. He scored a quickfire fifty against England but he is ruled out due to a quad injury. His fellow opener Travis Head, on the other hand, scored a blazing half-century against Afghanistan in the last game. Head has been a thorn in India's side in recent times and the Men in Blue would want to see the back of him before he gets himself set at the crease. Josh Inglis was the hero with the bat against England as he slammed an unbeaten 120 off 86 balls to take his team home. Alex Carey had also scored a blistering half-century in that clash.

Also Check: IND vs AUS Dream11 Prediction

Australia's bowling challenges without key pacers

Australia are without their star troika of pacers - Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins. However, the likes of Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson have shown promise. Adam Zampa has been on the expensive side but has bagged two wickets in each of the two games he has bowled in.

Match Details