Champions Trophy Semi-Final: India Chasing 265 After Australia’s Fighting Total in Dubai

Steve Smith and Alex Carey’s Half-Centuries Guide Australia to 264; India Set for Tough Chase in High-Stakes Knockout Clash

Dubai, March 5 – The much-anticipated Champions Trophy semi-final between cricketing giants India and Australia is delivering all the excitement as Australia posted a competitive total of 264 before being bowled out in 49.3 overs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Led by captain Steve Smith’s well-constructed 73 and Alex Carey’s crucial 61, Australia fought hard to set the highest total of the tournament so far at this venue. However, India’s bowlers, particularly Mohammed Shami (3-48) and spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja (two wickets each), kept the Aussies from running away with the game.

India, undefeated in the tournament, now face a chase of 265 runs to book their place in the final, where they will face either South Africa or New Zealand in a bid for Champions Trophy glory.

Australia’s Innings: Smith & Carey Lead the Fightback

Early Struggles for Australia as Shami and Chakravarthy Strike

Australia’s innings got off to a shaky start as India’s pacers applied immediate pressure, testing the openers with a disciplined line and length. Mohammed Shami’s breakthrough came early, as Cooper Connolly edged a delivery to wicketkeeper KL Rahul, initially given not out but successfully overturned by India on review. Connolly, who replaced the injured Matthew Short, departed for a nine-ball duck, leaving Australia in trouble.

Travis Head’s Aggressive Start Ends Abruptly

The left-handed Travis Head looked dangerous, hitting four boundaries and two sixes to remind India of his match-winning century in the 2023 World Cup final. However, his counterattack was short-lived, as Varun Chakravarthy struck on his second ball, dismissing Head for 39 off 33 deliveries.

With Australia at 54-2, the onus shifted to Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, two of Australia’s most dependable batters, to steady the innings.

Smith Anchors the Innings, Jadeja Spins a Web

Smith and Labuschagne adopted a watchful approach, chipping away at India’s spinners while scoring occasional boundaries. The pair put on 56 runs for the third wicket before Jadeja’s left-arm spin trapped Labuschagne LBW for 29, breaking the stand just as it began to look threatening.

Smith Reaches 35th ODI Fifty, But India Keep Striking

Smith, displaying his trademark resilience, brought up his 35th ODI half-century, guiding Australia through the middle overs. However, Jadeja struck again, dismissing Josh Inglis cheaply, and soon after, Shami returned to castle Smith on a low full toss for 73, ending Australia’s hopes of crossing 300.

Alex Carey, however, stepped up, playing a counter-attacking knock of 61, finding the boundary regularly and forging an important 54-run stand with Smith.

Final Flourish & Collapse: Carey’s Fighting Effort Takes Australia to 264

With Smith back in the pavilion, Australia relied on Carey and Ben Dwarshuis (19) to push the total past 250. Carey’s strokeplay ensured momentum stayed with Australia, but Varun Chakravarthy’s dismissal of Dwarshuis and a direct hit run-out from Shreyas Iyer cut short their charge.

Despite losing wickets towards the end, Australia managed to surpass the previous highest total in Dubai during this tournament—India’s 249 against New Zealand in the group stage.

"We lost wickets at crucial moments, but we still have a competitive total on the board. Our bowlers need to be disciplined," said Australia’s captain Steve Smith post-innings.

India’s Challenge: Can Rohit Sharma’s Men Chase Down 265?

India’s batting lineup, featuring Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, has been in red-hot form throughout the tournament. Having won all three of their group-stage matches, India will be confident about chasing down 265, but Australia’s bowling attack—led by Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis—will pose a stern challenge.

"We know what to expect in Dubai. The wicket isn’t easy, but we have played here all tournament and know how to pace our innings," India’s vice-captain KL Rahul stated ahead of the run chase.

India will have to watch out for Australia’s spinners, especially Zampa, who has been effective on the slow pitches of Dubai. The battle between India’s batting powerhouses and Australia’s spin attack could decide the fate of the match.

What’s at Stake?

???? A Place in the Final – The winner of this semi-final books a spot in Sunday’s final against South Africa or New Zealand.

???? India’s Redemption vs Australia – Can India avenge their 2023 World Cup final loss to Australia