India will face Australia in the first semi-final of Champions Trophy in Dubai on Tuesday, while New Zealand host South Africa in the second semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday.
Varun Chakravarthy was the hero of India’s recent win, bowling a breathtaking spell of 5-42—the tournament’s best bowling figures so far. His brilliance led India to a 44-run victory over New Zealand in their last Group A game at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. India topped Group A with this victory and will now play Australia in what is expected to be a thrilling rematch of the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
India’s Win Over New Zealand: Major Highlights
India posted a fighting total of 249/9 in 50 overs owing to a rescue act of 79 by Shreyas Iyer. India needed 250, and the Kiwis perished for 205 in 45.3 overs against the Indian bowling arsenal, with debutant Varun Chakaravarthy putting on a display of magic spell and picking 5 wickets.
Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final Schedule
India vs Australia – 1st Semi-Final, March 4, 2:30 PM IST (Dubai)
New Zealand vs South Africa – 2nd Semi-Final, March 5, 2:30 PM IST (Lahore)
Both the matches will start at 2:30 PM IST, with the toss at 2 PM.
Also Read: IND Vs NZ: Varun Chakaravarthy Scripts History Becomes 2nd Indian Bowler To…
India Vs Australia: The Toughest Rivalry
India entered the ODI World Cup final unbeaten with 10 consecutive victories in the tournament. The Men in Blue were playing infront of packed crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where everyone thought that they were the favourites to win. Batting first, India managed to score just 240 runs but the Aussie bowlers had wrecked havoc with Pat Cummins leading the bowling lineup. Chasing 241 Australia looked a bit shaky at 47/3 but a storm named Travis Head came and his stunning knock of 137 off 120 balls guided Australia towards a six-wicket victory.
The bitter memories of 19 November 2023 are still fresh in everyone’s mind and this will be perfect time for India to take the revenge and knock Australia out of the tournament.
Now, just over a year later, India has the perfect chance for payback. The Champions Trophy semifinal in Dubai will test whether Rohit Sharma’s side can overcome their past demons and finally defeat Australia in a major ICC knockout match.
