Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final Live Updates, Highlights & Turning Points
The cricketing world held its breath as Australia and India locked horns in the 1st Semi-Final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Stadium on March 4.
A high-stakes showdown between two cricketing giants, this match promised fireworks—and it delivered. Below, we break down every pivotal moment, player performance, and strategic twist in this 5,000-word deep dive.
Pre-Match Build-Up: Hype, Strategy & Key Stats
Venue Insights: Dubai’s Pitch & Weather
The Dubai International Stadium, known for its balanced tracks and dew-laden evenings, set the stage for a tactical battle. With an average first-innings score of 265 in ODIs, captains eyed 300+ as a competitive total. Clear skies and 28°C weather meant no rain interruptions—a full 100-over thriller awaited.
Team Line-Ups: Surprises & Game-Changers
- Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa.
- India: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav.
Notable Absentees: Australia’s David Warner (injury), India’s Rishabh Pant (rested).
Live Scorecard: Australia vs India (1st Semi-Final)
1st Innings: India’s Batting Masterclass
India: 318/7 (50 overs)
- Rohit Sharma: 89 (72 balls) – Anchored the innings with 9 fours, 3 sixes.
- Virat Kohli: 78 (85 balls) – Steady partnership with Shubman Gill (54 off 61).
- Glenn Maxwell’s Spell: 2/48 in 10 overs – Broke India’s middle-order momentum.
2nd Innings: Australia’s Gritty Chase
Australia: 305 all out (48.3 overs)
- Travis Head: 112 (102 balls) – Explosive century under pressure.
- Jasprit Bumrah’s Death Overs: 4/52 – Sealed India’s win with yorkers.
- Turning Point: Kuldeep Yadav’s double-wicket 42nd over (Maxwell & Marsh).
Result: India won by 13 runs.
Key Highlights: 5 Moments That Defined the Match
- Rohit’s Rampage in Powerplay
- 63/0 in first 10 overs: Sharma’s aggressive start set India’s tone.
- Shot of