India
Australia
India and Australia are set to battle in the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Tuesday, 4 March, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With a spot in the final on the line, both teams will be eager to bring their best game to the knockout stage.
India enters the contest in red-hot form, having won all their group stage matches, including a convincing victory over New Zealand. Rohit Sharma’s side has been dominant, making them the only unbeaten team in the tournament.
However, their biggest challenge awaits in the form of Australia, a team that has historically troubled them in major ICC events. The scars of the 2023 World Cup Final defeat to the Aussies will still linger, adding extra motivation for India.
Australia, on the other hand, had a mixed group stage campaign. They started strong with a win against England but were unfortunate to have their last two matches washed out. Despite this, the five-time world champions remain a formidable force in high-pressure encounters
Both teams have power hitters like Rohit, Maxwell, and Head, making a high six count likely.
The betting tip is...
Total Match Sixes Over 12.5
70 %
30 %
IndiaAustraliaIndia is expected to field an unchanged XI for their crucial semi-final clash against Australia. Rohit Sharma’s men put in a commanding performance against New Zealand in their last group-stage match, securing a comprehensive win. With the team looking well-balanced and in top form, there is little reason to tinker with the combination.
The batting unit, led by Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, has been solid, while the middle order featuring Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya provides stability and firepower. The all-rounders, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, add depth, and the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy will be crucial on the Dubai surface. Mohammed Shami remains the leader of the pace attack.
With India maintaining a 100% winning record so far, they will look to carry their momentum into the knockout stage against an Australian side that has troubled them in past ICC tournaments.
India is expected to field an unchanged XI against their tie against Asutralia.
Predicted Lineup: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Mohammed Shami.
Australia is likely to stick with the same playing XI for their high-stakes semi-final against India. Despite their last two group-stage matches being washed out, the team remains well-balanced and packed with match-winners.
Matthew Short and Travis Head will be key at the top, with Steve Smith anchoring the batting at No. 3. Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey add stability, while Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell bring explosiveness to the middle order. The bowling attack, featuring Adam Zampa’s spin and the pace trio of Ben Dwarshius, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson, offers a mix of variety and control.
With a history of delivering in big ICC tournaments, Australia will look to make the most of their experienced core and challenge an unbeaten Indian side in this blockbuster semi-final clash in Dubai.
Australia are also expected to field their strongest playing XI.
Predicted Lineup: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steve Smith ©, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshius, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.
India enters the semi-final unbeaten, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Shami in top form. Their balanced squad and spin attack could be key on the Dubai surface.
Australia, despite rain disruptions, remains dangerous, with Travis Head, Steve Smith, and Glenn Maxwell capable of match-winning performances. Adam Zampa’s spin and Spencer Johnson’s pace will test India’s batting.
India’s form gives them an edge, but Australia’s knockout pedigree makes them a real threat. Expect a close contest where India’s spin attack and top-order consistency could tilt the game in their favour unless Australia’s big-match players step up under pressure.
