India and Australia are battling it out in the high-stakes semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. After winning the toss, Australia opted to bat first, but India managed to strike early, claiming two wickets, including the prized scalp of Travis Head. However, a moment of frustration unfolded in the 14th over when Steve Smith had a lucky escape.
Facing Axar Patel, Smith misjudged a full delivery that brushed his pad and rolled onto the stumps. Incredibly, the bails remained intact, denying India a crucial breakthrough. The Indian players were visibly disappointed, knowing that Smith’s survival could prove to be a game-changing moment.
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With the pitch proving tricky for batters, Australia will aim for a total close to 300, which could be a daunting target. Fortunately for India, their spin attack is already making an impact, with the surface offering some turn.
WATCH – Virat Kohli’s Bhangra Steals the Show After Travis Head’s Dismissal in Dubai
Rohit Sharma will be counting on his bowlers to keep the pressure on and break Australia’s momentum in the middle overs. India and Australia have a fierce rivalry in knockout games. Just over a year ago, Australia broke Indian hearts by winning the 2023 World Cup final.
Now, with a place in the Champions Trophy final at stake, Rohit Sharma and his men have the perfect opportunity to settle scores. Indian fans will be hoping for a strong fightback to turn the tide in their favour. At the time of writing, Australia was cruising at 182/4 in 34 overs.
WATCH – Varun Chakravarthy Strikes As Travis Head Falls Early In Champions Trophy Semi-Final
Australia (Playing XI): Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Steven Smith(c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis(w), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
