Dubai (Web Desk): Australia set a target of 265 runs for India in the first semi-final of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with Steven Smith and Alex Carey anchoring the innings after a rocky start
Opting to bat first, Australia were bundled out for 264 in 49.3 overs, with Smith’s steady knock of 73 runs off 96 balls being the highlight.
Despite a poor beginning, where Cooper Connolly was dismissed early for just four runs, Smith steadied the ship with Travis Head, who played an aggressive cameo of 39 runs from 33 balls. The pair put together a crucial 50-run stand before Head fell.
Smith continued to hold the innings together, finding support in Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis, but after his departure, Australia’s middle order faltered, losing wickets at regular intervals.
Carey, however, showed resilience, adding vital runs with a gritty half-century, finishing with 61 runs from 57 balls. His knock, which included eight boundaries and a six, ensured that Australia managed to set a competitive total.
Mohammed Shami was the most successful bowler for India, taking three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja also played key roles with two wickets each.
Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel chipped in with a wicket each as the Indian bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings.
Teams
Australia: Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha.
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy.
