Axar Patel delivered a crucial breakthrough for India, dismissing Glenn Maxwell in the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The left-arm spinner conceded a six on the previous delivery but bounced back immediately, rattling Maxwell’s stumps for just 7 runs off 5 balls.
The dismissal occurred in the 38th over when Axar bowled a length ball on middle stump. Maxwell, attempting to work it towards square leg, misjudged the line, and the ball crashed straight into the stumps. With Steve Smith falling to Mohammed Shami in the preceding over, India had successfully derailed Australia’s momentum.
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At the 40-over mark, Australia stood at 213/6, with Alex Carey (44 off 40) holding one end. Ben Dwarshuis had joined him at the crease. Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja have been the standout performers with two wickets each, while Steve Smith anchored the innings with a well-made 73 off 96 balls.
#AxarPatel takes the big wicket of #GlennMaxwell after being hit for a six!
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For India, this semi-final is about redemption. After their heartbreaking defeat to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, Rohit Sharma’s men are determined to settle the score. They have been dominant throughout the tournament, registering convincing wins over Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand.
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Meanwhile, Australia is missing key players, including regular captain Pat Cummins (injured), Josh Hazlewood (injured), and Mitchell Starc (unavailable). Despite their depleted squad, the Aussies started strong with a win over England before rain disrupted their matches against South Africa and Afghanistan.
With wickets falling at regular intervals, India is in a commanding position. But with the unpredictability of knockout cricket, they will need to maintain their intensity to seal a spot in the final.
