India vs Australia: High-Stakes Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinal
The stage is set for a high-voltage clash as India and Australia lock horns in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semifinal. This highly anticipated encounter will take place in Dubai on Tuesday, March 4. Both teams have shown immense grit and determination throughout the tournament, and now they stand just one step away from securing a spot in the grand finale.
India enters the semifinal as Group A toppers, having secured three consecutive victories in the league stage. On the other hand, Australia finished as runners-up in Group B, just behind South Africa. This semifinal battle reignites a fierce rivalry between two cricketing giants who last met in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. In that match, Australia outclassed India, securing their sixth ODI World Cup title in history.
For India, this match presents an opportunity to make amends and take revenge for their World Cup final loss. The Men in Blue last won the Champions Trophy in 2013, defeating England, while in 2017, they finished as runners-up, losing to Pakistan. The tournament returns after an eight-year hiatus, and India has the chance to etch their name in history by reaching their third consecutive final. The winner of this clash will face either New Zealand or South Africa in the final.
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India vs Australia: Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
The two teams have clashed in ODIs 151 times. Australia holds the upper hand with 84 wins, while India has claimed victory on 57 occasions. Ten matches ended with no result. However, in Champions Trophy history, India leads the battle with a 2-1 record over Australia, with one match yielding no result.
Ahead of this all-important contest, several players are on the verge of achieving remarkable records and milestones. Let’s take a detailed look at the key milestones players from both sides could reach in this crucial semifinal.
Axar Patel Eyes Entry into the 200-Wicket Club in List A Cricket
Indian all-rounder Axar Patel is on the cusp of achieving a major milestone in the 50-over format. The left-arm spinner is just one wicket away from reaching 200 wickets in List A cricket. As per ESPNcricinfo, Axar currently has 199 wickets in 165 matches at an average of 29.86.
Notably, 71 of these wickets have come while representing India in ODIs, where he averages 32.39. If Axar manages to pick up a wicket in the semifinal against Australia, he will join an elite group of Indian bowlers who have taken 200 or more wickets in List A cricket.
KL Rahul Nears 3000 ODI Runs for India
Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul is on the brink of achieving a significant milestone in ODI cricket. The middle-order batter has amassed 2967 runs in 83 ODIs (77 innings) at an impressive average of 47.85. He needs just 33 more runs to become the 23rd Indian batter to cross the 3000-run mark in ODIs.
Rahul has been a consistent performer in ODIs, with seven centuries and 18 half-centuries to his name. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a key player for India in this crunch semifinal match.
Rahul Chasing 5000 Runs in List A Cricket
Apart from nearing 3000 ODI runs for India, KL Rahul is also on the verge of another major milestone in List A cricket. The stylish right-hander has accumulated 4977 runs in 135 List A matches at an average of 45.66. He needs just 23 more runs to reach the 5000-run landmark in the format.
With 11 centuries and 31 fifties in List A cricket, Rahul has proven his mettle in the 50-over format. If he plays a substantial knock against Australia, he can reach both the 3000-run mark in ODIs and the 5000-run milestone in List A cricket in the same game.
Ravindra Jadeja Eyes 100 Catches in List A Cricket
Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, known for his exceptional fielding, is on the verge of completing 100 catches in List A cricket. Currently, he has 98 catches to his name and needs just two more to reach the milestone.
Jadeja’s fielding prowess has been a key asset for India, and his safe hands have contributed significantly to the team’s success over the years. Notably, 54 of his 98 List A catches have come while playing for India in ODIs.
Shubman Gill Aims to Smash 50 Sixes in Asia (ODIs)
Young Indian opener Shubman Gill has been in sensational form in ODIs, and he will be keen to make an impact against Australia. Gill has played 38 ODIs in Asia, amassing 2003 runs at a remarkable average of 60.69. His tally includes seven centuries and 10 fifties.
Gill has also struck 47 sixes in ODI matches played in Asia, and he is just three maximums away from reaching the 50-six mark in the continent. Overall, he has hit 58 sixes in ODI cricket.
Virat Kohli Set for 50th ODI Match vs Australia
Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli is set to feature in his 50th ODI against Australia. Kohli will become only the second Indian cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar (71 ODIs vs Australia) to achieve this feat.
In 49 ODIs against the Aussies, Kohli has scored 2367 runs at an average of 53.69, with eight centuries and 14 half-centuries. His experience and consistency will be crucial for India in this high-pressure match.
Ind vs Aus Live Score: Travis Head Departs for 39, Chakravarthy Strikes
Adam Zampa Eyes 50 ODI Wickets at Neutral Venues
Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa has been a key bowler for his side in white-ball cricket. Zampa currently has 185 ODI wickets from 110 matches at an average of 28.55.
He is also close to a unique milestone—picking up 50 wickets in ODIs at neutral venues. So far, Zampa has 47 wickets in such conditions at an excellent average of 25 from 24 matches. He needs three more scalps to achieve this feat.
Shami, Jadeja Aim to Join Kapil Dev in an Elite Club
Indian pacer Mohammed Shami and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja are closing in on a unique milestone. Both are on the verge of becoming the third and fourth Indian bowlers to take 40 or more wickets against Australia in ODIs.
Indian legend Kapil Dev currently leads the list with 45 wickets against Australia. Shami, who has 39 wickets, needs just one more to enter the 40-wicket club, while Jadeja is three wickets away with 37 scalps.
Jadeja on the Verge of Becoming 8th Bowler with 20+ Champions Trophy Wickets
Jadeja has been a standout performer in the Champions Trophy, with 18 wickets from 13 matches at an average of 28.66. If he picks up two more wickets against Australia, he will become only the eighth bowler in the tournament’s history to take 20 or more wickets.
The list currently features Kyle Mills (28), Lasith Malinga (25), Muthiah Muralidaran (24), Brett Lee (22), Glenn McGrath (21), and Jacques Kallis (20).
Hardik Pandya Eyes Six-Hitting Record in Champions Trophy
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is known for his power-hitting ability, and he is on the verge of creating a new record in the Champions Trophy. Pandya currently has 12 sixes in the tournament and is tied with Shane Watson as the fourth-highest six-hitter.
If he smashes three more sixes in the semifinal, he will surpass Eoin Morgan (14 sixes) and join Chris Gayle (15 sixes) as the joint second-highest six-hitter in Champions Trophy history.
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Ind vs Aus Live Score: Travis Head Departs for 39, Chakravarthy Strikes
Conclusion
With so many records and milestones at stake, the India vs Australia semifinal promises to be an electrifying contest. Both teams have a rich history of thrilling encounters, and this match will be no different. With key players looking to etch their names in the record books, fans can expect a high-octane battle in Dubai.
