Australia set a competitive target of 264 runs in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against India. The Australia vs India Semi-Final saw Steven Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61) play crucial knocks, ensuring their team had a respectable total to defend.
Early Breakthroughs for India Despite Head’s Aggression
After winning the toss, Australia opted to bat first on a fresh Dubai pitch. India went unchanged, relying on their four spinners to control the game. Varun Chakaravarthy struck with his first delivery, removing Travis Head for 39 after mistiming a lofted shot in the intense Australia vs India Semi-Final.
Mohammed Shami troubled the openers with his sharp movement. Cooper Connolly struggled to find his rhythm, edging one to be dismissed for a 9-ball duck. India had the upper hand in the first power play with two early wickets.
Smith Steadies the Ship for Australia
Steven Smith took charge, displaying patience and control. He found his touch early, lofting Axar Patel for a boundary to set the tone. Some lucky escapes helped him settle, including an inside edge that hit the stumps but did not dislodge the bails in this crucial Australia vs India Semi-Final.
Marnus Labuschagne attempted to counter India’s spinners, but his innings ended at 24 runs after a slog-sweep misjudgment against Ravindra Jadeja. Smith held firm, reaching his fifty off 66 balls, maintaining his impressive ICC knockout record.
Carey’s Counterattack Gives Australia Momentum
Josh Inglis failed to capitalize on his start, chipping a simple catch to cover for 11 runs. Alex Carey then joined Smith, forming a valuable 54-run stand. Carey played aggressively, targeting India’s spin attack and increasing the run rate significantly.
Smith’s knock ended at 73, missing a full toss from Shami, shifting the pressure onto Australia’s lower order. Soon after, Axar Patel bowled Glenn Maxwell, who fell immediately after hitting a boundary.
A Costly Run-Out Ends Australia’s Hopes of a Big Finish
Carey reached his fifty in just 48 balls, punishing Kuldeep Yadav and keeping Australia in contention for a substantial total. However, his innings ended unexpectedly, thanks to a brilliant direct hit by Shreyas Iyer while attempting a risky second run. With Carey’s dismissal in the Australia vs India Semi-Final, Australia’s final surge fell short, losing wickets in quick succession. The team bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs, missing out on a late acceleration that could have pushed them past 280.
India Gears Up for a Competitive Chase
India now needs 265 runs to secure a place in the final. With a batting lineup filled with match-winners, they will aim to chase the target efficiently at the Australia vs India Semi-Final. However, Australia’s bowling attack, including their pace and spin options, will look to defend the total with early breakthroughs.
Will India dominate the chase, or can Australia’s bowlers create magic under pressure? Stay tuned for an exciting second inning in this high-stakes Australia vs India Semi-Final.
