Stage is set for an India and Australia clash in the Champions Trophy, following captain Rohit Sharma-led team’s comfortable win against New Zealand by 44 runs. Team India is all set to lock horns with world champions Australia in the semi-finals on March 4th at the Dubai Cricket Stadium.
While the men in blue have remained undefeated since the beginning of the tournament, their clash with Kangaroos remains a crucial one, given its history of being a major obstacle to the Indian team in various ICC tournaments.
All eyes will be on India’s star batter Virat Kohli and Australia’s spinner Adam Zampa, who has troubled Kohli in ODI matches, dismissing him five times since 2017. However, Kohli’s recent form suggests he is eager to turn the tables in this high-stakes encounter.
Kohli’s best against Australia was last seen in 2023, when the star batter played Zampa cautiously, accumulating 50 runs off 52 balls without losing his wicket, a sign of a more measured approach. At the same time, another player to watch would be mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who played exceptionally well in the match against the Kiwis, securing a five-wicket haul.
However, despite his brilliant performance against the Black Caps, it would be interesting to watch whether the Australian batters will be able to read him or will the Indian bowler demolish the Kangaroos’ batting lineup.
Coming to the stats, it is a very clear history indeed that Australia has been a major trouble for the Indian cricket team–whether it was during the World Test Championship finals or the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Even today, everyone gets teary eyed, remembering how the Aussies had dissolved India’s dream when the Australian pacers dismissed the Indian batting lineup by the barest of margins during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
As the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final is set to commence in Dubai, it will be interesting to see how well-prepared India is to take on their long-time ICC tournament rivals, Australia. Nonetheless, don’t let your hopes die down just yet.
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