**Meta Description:** A nail-biting Champions Trophy semi-final between India and Australia saw Australia post a challenging total, leaving India with a tough chase. Read the full match report!
**Meta Keywords:** Cricket, India vs Australia, ICC Champions Trophy, Live Score, Sports, 2025, Semi-Final, Smith, Carey, Shami, Chakravarthy, Dubai
# India vs Australia: Champions Trophy Semi-Final Thriller!
## A High-Stakes Encounter in Dubai
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final at the Dubai International Stadium delivered a classic clash between India and Australia. Australia, after winning the toss and electing to bat, set a challenging 264 all out, leaving India needing a strong chase to secure their place in the final. The match was a rollercoaster of superb batting, brilliant bowling, and nail-biting moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
## Australia’s Determined Innings
Australia’s innings began with a slightly shaky start. Cooper Connolly’s early dismissal for a duck put pressure on the openers. Travis Head provided a brief burst of aggression, scoring a quick-fire 39 before falling to Varun Chakravarthy. However, the partnership between Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the ship, bringing up a crucial century partnership.
Smith and Labuschagne played with calculated caution, neutralizing India’s spin attack. Jadeja finally broke the partnership, dismissing Labuschagne for 29. The partnership between Smith and Josh Inglis was equally important to the Australian cause, however it didn’t last long thanks to Jadeja’s relentless bowling. Smith’s composed 73 anchored the innings, showcasing his knockout-stage prowess.
### Carey’s Explosive Contribution
Alex Carey’s arrival injected a new dynamic into Australia’s batting. He played a brilliant 60, blending aggression with measured stroke play, including eight boundaries and a six. His partnership with Ben Dwarshuis pushed the total beyond 260, however a direct hit run out ended his explosive knock.
## India’s Bowling Prowess
India’s bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami’s impressive three-wicket haul, consistently applied pressure. Shami’s ability to dismiss key batsmen like Smith and Dwarshuis was crucial. The contributions of Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja, each taking two wickets, alongside Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, were instrumental in keeping Australia’s scoring in check during pivotal moments.
### Australia’s Late Collapse
Australia’s final wickets tumbled rapidly. The dismissal of Ben Dwarshuis proved a turning point, exposing the lower order’s vulnerability. The fall of Carey and Nathan Ellis further accelerated the collapse. Adam Zampa’s dismissal by Hardik Pandya sealed Australia’s fate, leaving them all out for 264.
## India’s Chase: A Difficult Task
India faced a significant challenge chasing 265. Australia’s tight bowling meant India’s openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, needed a strong start to even stand a chance of victory. The match hinged on their ability to overcome the pressure and establish a solid platform for the rest of the batting order.
## A Classic Contest
The India vs Australia semi-final was a captivating spectacle. Australia’s determined batting was countered by India’s disciplined bowling. India will need to showcase their very best batting skills to secure victory. The match was filled with high-pressure moments, exciting partnerships, crucial wickets, and ultimately, a thrilling finish.
## What’s Next?
The upcoming final will undoubtedly be a captivating contest. The detailed analysis and statistics from this game will be crucial in understanding the strategies for the upcoming match.