Australia vs. India – Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final: Latest News and Updates,
Australia vs. India – Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final: Latest News and Updates
Cricket fans, brace yourselves! The first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between Australia and India is underway at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, and it’s shaping up to be a blockbuster. As of March 04, 2025, 7:00 PM IST, the match is in full swing, with India chasing a target of 265 set by Australia. Here’s the latest news, straight from the pitch, as two cricketing giants battle for a spot in the final.
Australia Sets 264: A Competitive Total
Australia won the toss earlier today (2:00 PM IST) and elected to bat first, a decision that captain Steve Smith backed with a gritty 73 off 96 balls. The Aussies posted 264 all out in 49.3 overs, a total that’s the highest at this venue in the tournament so far, according to The Indian Express. Alex Carey chipped in with a brisk 61 off 57, while Travis Head’s 39 provided an early spark before Varun Chakaravarthy sent him packing.
India’s bowlers, however, kept things tight. Mohammed Shami led the charge with 3 wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel snared quick scalps in the middle overs to peg Australia back. Hardik Pandya’s fielding brilliance—a stunning catch—and Jadeja’s guile (including dismissing Josh Inglis for 11, caught by Virat Kohli) ensured Australia couldn’t run away with it. Posts on X from
@BCCI
celebrated the “excellent bowling and fielding display” as Australia slipped to 252/8 with two overs left, before being bowled out.India’s Chase Begins: Early Wobble at 42/1
As of 7:00 PM IST, India’s innings is underway, and it’s been a mixed start. At the latest update from Sportstar (posted around 6:37 PM IST), India were 42/1 after 7 overs, chasing 265. Rohit Sharma, the skipper, is unbeaten on 25* but has had two lives—dropped on 13 and 14—showing some nerves in this high-stakes clash. Shubman Gill, however, wasn’t so lucky. He fell for 8 off 11 balls, edging Ben Dwarshuis back onto his stumps, a breakthrough Business Standard called “unlucky” but critical for Australia.
Virat Kohli has joined Rohit at the crease, and the duo is now tasked with steadying the ship. With 223 runs still needed and 43 overs left, India’s deep batting lineup—featuring Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and all-rounders like Jadeja and Pandya—gives them hope. But Australia’s bowlers, including Adam Zampa and the pace attack, will look to exploit any further cracks.
The Context: Form, Stakes, and History
India came into this semi-final unbeaten, topping Group A with wins over Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand (NDTV Sports). Australia, meanwhile, qualified from Group B with a win over England and two rain-affected no-results against South Africa and Afghanistan (Times Now). This is their first ODI clash since the 2023 World Cup final, where Australia triumphed, adding extra spice to tonight’s encounter.
Historically, India and Australia have split their four Champions Trophy meetings evenly (2-2, one no-result), per Business Standard. But in ICC knockouts since 2011, Australia has had India’s number—can Rohit and Co. rewrite that script tonight?
What’s Happening Now – 7:00 PM IST
As I write this, India’s chase is at a pivotal moment. Rohit’s intent is clear—he’s already cracked a few boundaries—but Australia’s bowlers are keeping the pressure on. The Dubai pitch, described as “very dry” by India TV, isn’t making life easy, with the ball not coming onto the bat as freely as India might like. X posts earlier from
@kash8778
noted Australia’s tactical edge at the toss, adding spinner Tanveer Sangha to their six spin options, while India stuck with their unchanged XI featuring four spinners.The match is live on Star Sports and Sports18, with streaming on JioHotstar, and fans worldwide are glued to their screens. Weather’s no concern in Dubai tonight—clear skies mean we’re in for a full 100 overs of action.
Key Players to Watch
- India: Rohit Sharma’s captaincy and batting will be crucial, while Kohli’s record against Australia (he scored a match-winning knock in their last ODI meeting) makes him the man to watch. Shami’s bowling heroics could earn him a rest if the chase gets tight—will Arshdeep Singh step up?
- Australia: Steve Smith anchored the innings, but Travis Head’s explosive starts and Zampa’s spin could turn the game. Ben Dwarshuis’ early strike shows their pace attack means business.
Prediction and What’s at Stake
At 42/1 after 7 overs, India are slight favorites given their batting depth and form, but 265 is no walk in the park on this surface. Australia’s knack for ICC knockout wins—think 2023 World Cup final—makes them dangerous. I’m leaning toward a close finish—India might edge it if Rohit and Kohli build a big stand, but a collapse could see Australia sneak through.
The winner advances to the final on March 9, facing either New Zealand or South Africa (their semi-final is tomorrow). For India, it’s a shot at ending their ICC trophy drought since 2013; for Australia, another chance to cement their big-game legacy.
Final Thoughts
This semi-final is living up to the hype—tense, tactical, and teetering on the edge. Whether you’re cheering for the Men in Blue or the Baggy Greens, one thing’s certain: this is cricket at its finest. Stay tuned to Star Sports, JioHotstar, or X for real-time updates—I’ll be refreshing NDTV Sports and The Hindu as India’s chase unfolds. Who’s your money on? Drop your thoughts below or join the chatter trending on X!
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