The last time India and Australia met in an ODI, it was the 2023 World Cup final—a heartbreaking loss for 1.4 billion Indian fans. Australia had two clear objectives that day: to win the World Cup and to silence the 130,000-strong crowd at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Now, in another crucial ICC knockout match, Rohit Sharma and his team have a score to settle.
However, the Australian squad has undergone changes since 2023. The architect behind the “silencing 1.3 lakh people” moment is no longer in the squad, and with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc absent, Australia’s lethal new-ball attack has lost some of its firepower.
India, too, will be missing Jasprit Bumrah, but Rohit Sharma’s side has grown even stronger. The addition of Varun Chakaravarthy, who thrives in spin-friendly conditions alongside Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, provides India with an enviable bowling arsenal. With the Dubai pitch expected to favor spin, India holds a significant advantage.
India’s Form and Key Match-Ups
India enters the semi-final with a strong batting lineup. Even when the top three failed to fire against New Zealand, the team still managed a match-winning total. Shreyas Iyer’s form, combined with Axar Patel’s finishing ability and Hardik Pandya’s all-round contributions, bolsters India’s confidence.
A key battle to watch will be between Virat Kohli and Adam Zampa. The Australian leg-spinner has dismissed Kohli five times—more than any other Indian batter. Additionally, Rohit Sharma’s struggles against left-arm pacers could be a concern, especially with Spencer Johnson and Ben Dwarshuis in Australia’s lineup.
Travis Head remains a thorn in India’s side. His match-winning century in the 2023 World Cup final proved his ability to thrive against Indian bowlers. However, Australia may feel the absence of an additional spinner, with only Adam Zampa as their frontline option.
Team News & Probable Playing XIs
India
India is likely to stick with their winning combination, though a decision on Varun Chakaravarthy’s inclusion will depend on pitch conditions. Arshdeep Singh is an outside contender for a spot if India opts for an extra pacer over Mohammed Shami.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Australia
With Matthew Short ruled out, Jake Fraser-McGurk could be a direct replacement in the top order. Australia might also consider Tanveer Sangha or Cooper Connolly depending on pitch conditions.
Probable XI: Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.
Match Details
📍 Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
⏰ Date & Time: March 4, 2025 | 1:00 PM Local | 2:30 PM IST
Did You Know?
- Australia leads India 84-57 in ODIs and 10-7 in ICC ODI events, but since 2020, both teams have an even 7-7 record.
- India’s only loss in the 2023 World Cup came in a game where their spinners failed to take a single wicket.
- Rohit Sharma has scored the most runs in the powerplay (Overs 1-10) since 2023, with only Travis Head having a better strike rate in that phase.
As Rohit Sharma put it, “Australia have been a great team over the years. We expect some fightbacks and some tense moments in the middle.” With both teams eager for victory, this semi-final promises to be a thrilling encounter.
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