Steve Smith and Alex Carey scored crucial half-centuries to help Australia post a competitive total of 264 against India in the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India now need 265 runs to secure a place in the final.
Australia, the reigning ODI world champions, won the toss and elected to bat. However, their start was shaky as debutant Cooper Connolly failed to open his account. Early movement and a double-paced surface made scoring difficult against Mohammad Shami. Despite the challenge, Travis Head provided momentum in the powerplay before falling to Varun Chakravarthy for 39. Australia lost both openers with the score at 54.
The middle order ensured stability with small but crucial partnerships. Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis started well but could not capitalize, both falling to Ravindra Jadeja. Smith, known for his consistency against India, anchored the innings with a well-crafted 73-run knock. His performance not only guided Australia out of trouble but also helped them set up a defendable total.
Carey, often an underrated performer, played a key role with a 61-run innings. His partnership with Smith pushed Australia past the 250-run mark on a difficult pitch. A late surge was cut short when Shreyas Iyer’s direct hit from the deep ran Carey out in the 48th over.
For India, Shami was the standout bowler with three wickets. Chakravarthy and Jadeja also made valuable contributions, picking up two wickets each.
India, winners of the 2013 edition and runners-up in 2017, are aiming for their third consecutive Champions Trophy final. A victory today will secure that milestone.
