HIGHLIGHTS India vs Australia, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, 1st Semi-Final ODI- Result, Scorecard

Well, the Aussies are up and early and have already made it to the field. Steve Smith is having a chat with his inexperienced group and gets them into a huddle. Only time will tell whether the next Starc or Cummins or Hazlewood can be picked from THIS group but irrespective, Smith has to manage with the resources he has in hand and get the best out of them. And now, a huge cheer goes across as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill stride out to the middle, to open the innings for India. Ben Dwarshuis has the first new ball for Australia. The Indian skipper to face. Here we go!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

While we wait for the run chase to begin, let's take a quick peek on what's coming up on Wednesday. It is another clash between South Africa and New Zealand in another ICC event. It will be a clash between two good bowling attacks with decent batting lineups too. Both teams have been travelling to and fro from Dubai to either Lahore or Karachi or Rawalpindi, so both would be equally tired. If any, it could come down to the spin options with the Proteas preferring to stick with only Keshav Maharaj. Also, there is a bit of a cloud on Aiden Markram's fitness and should he not play, it could be a big blow to the Proteas' chances.

Australia will be slightly disappointed that they could not get to 280-290 but how can they make this look like one? Curiously, they have taken the inexperienced Tanveer Sangha to partner Adam Zampa over Spencer Johnson, which actually comes as a surprise. Johnson, much like Mitchell Johnson, has this ability to burst the ball through and a new-ball attack of Nathan Ellis and Ben Dwarshuis just does not seem to visualize any impact. So, despite this being the highest score in Dubai in this year's Champions Trophy, India will back themselves to be the first team to make it to the match scheduled for Sunday. In the last 11 ODIs played at this venue, the side batting first has successfully defended its total JUST 3 TIMES. So that makes Australia's task even tougher.

In big games, big players step up. It was Mohammad Shami in this semifinal. He was excellent with the new ball, nipping out Cooper Connolly and then came back towards the end of Powerplay 2 to get rid of Steve Smith. He eventually ended up with 3 wickets, with good support from nearly everyone, barring Hardik Pandya. The spinners squeezed the Aussies, with combined figures of 34-2-176-5. They were very accurate and forced the Kangaroos to use their feet and fair enough, some risky shots were attempted, which came off on some occasions but did not on some.

Having mentioned all of the above, Australia will be disappointed with a few things. Travis Head got to 39 but could not convert his start. Steve Smith himself got to 73 but could not convert it into a century. Towards the end, Alex Carey was stranded as he ran out of partners, as he looked good for more than 61. The Aussies were decent in their approach, mixing caution with aggression but one has to credit the Indians for being on the money consistently.

India started right on the money, not giving an inch to Australia. In fact, there was hardly any consistent run of freebies dished up by the Indians. Yes, here and there, one might have seen a loose ball and the Aussies had to make all the running. They lost Cooper Connolly early but then followed it up with 3 stands of 50-plus for the next 4 wickets. Even towards the end, Ben Dwarshuis managed to stitch a stand of 34 with Alex Carey which could prove to be crucial come the end of this game, given that Australia were 205/6 at that stage.

Hmmm... so what transpired? The moment the coin landed in Steve Smith's favour, he had no hesitation in electing to bat first. Incredibly, that's the 14th straight toss that India have lost in ODIs! But the results have not been equally corresponding. In fact, they are on a 6-match winning streak despite losing the toss and for this game, Rohit Sharma will be secretly happy that he did not have to call. On such pitches, which is fresh, it is sometimes better to lose the toss.

Let's hear what RAVINDRA JADEJA thinks about this score and the pitch as he chats with the official broadcasters. Jadeja says that the wicket looks better than the last game they played and isn't spinning as much. Reckons they need to do well in the first 10 overs and play sensibly. Adds that Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne bat well against spin and he had to bowl well and looked to bowl stump-to-stump. On being asked about his fielding, Ravindra has a bit of laugh and shares that he doesn't just worry about fitness and eats well too as he is 36 now and wants to enjoy things.

The highest total posted in Dubai, in this year's Champions Trophy. But is this enough? The wicket does look a lot better than the ones played previously but all the same, Australia will be happy that they have got runs on the board in a big knockout game. Just that they have a small problem. No Hazlewood. No Starc. No Cummins. No Stoinis. No Green. So because of that SMALL problem, this score is definitely competitive but by no means, matchwinning.

Hardik Pandya to Adam Zampa, OUT! BOWLED! The off cutter from Hardik, in line of the stumps, angling in from outside off, Zampa swings for the mid-wicket region but misses and the ball hits the top of middle stump. AUSTRALIA HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 264 WITH 3 BALLS TO SPARE.

Hardik Pandya to Tanveer Sangha, On a good length, outside off, 127.9 kph, Tanveer Sangha stays leg side of the ball and steers it with an open bat-face towards deep third for a run.

Hardik Pandya to Adam Zampa, A slower ball, 114.4 kph, on a length, outside off, Adam Zampa heaves it through square leg for a single.

Tanveer Sangha is the last man in, replacing Nathan Ellis.

Mohammad Shami to Nathan Ellis, OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to the man and Nathan Ellis will be thinking, a bit more elevation and it would have been another six. Mohammad Shami goes full and straight but serves it more in the slot than the blockhole. Ellis stays deep and clears the front leg to swing through the line but gets it off the toe end of the bat. The ball flies down to long on where Virat Kohli takes a couple of steps back and takes the catch just over his head. Australia 262/9 with one over to go.

Mohammad Shami to Nathan Ellis, SIX! Out of nowhere! Shami takes pace off and bowls into the pitch but doesn't get it quite wide enough outside off. Nathan Ellis is waiting for the slower one and backs away before fetching it and clobbering the ball over cow corner for a biggie. Australia get over 260 now.

Mohammad Shami to Adam Zampa, Goes for the straight yorker now and gets it well enough but Adam Zampa does well to just flick it away through square leg for yet another single.

Mohammad Shami to Nathan Ellis, Quicker ball, 136.9 kph, following the batter down the leg side, Ellis stands around leg stump and chips it towards Kohli at long on. The ball does not carry once again and it is another run taken.

Mohammad Shami to Adam Zampa, Slower ball, outside off, on a fuller length, Adam Zampa chips it over mid-wicket. Virat Kohli charges onto the ball from long on to his right but cannot get to it in time. It lands in front of him and he fumbles, but the batters do not attempt the second.

Mohammad Shami to Nathan Ellis, On a good length, outside off, Nathan Ellis exposes all his stumps and stands well outside leg stump. Pushes the ball to point for a single.

Hardik Pandya to Nathan Ellis, Slow and short, banged in halfway down the track over off, Ellis gets on op of the bounce and manages to pull it down through mid-wicket for a single.

Hardik Pandya to Nathan Ellis, Oh, that nearly got through! Full and wide, a bit too full, Nathan Ellis looks to drive but squeezes it off the toe end of the bat and fine too. But the fielder at short third makes a good stop down to his left.

Hardik Pandya to Adam Zampa, Another slower one, on a good length and around the top of off, Zampa waits well and works it away through mid-wicket for a single.

Hardik Pandya to Adam Zampa, Around off, pushed towards point.

Hardik Pandya to Nathan Ellis, Outside off, on a good length, pushed to the off side for a single to get off the mark. 250 UP FOR AUSTRALIA.

Nathan Ellis walks in at number 10, replacing Alex Carey.

Hardik Pandya to Alex Carey, OUT! CAREY IS RUN OUT! Superb piece of fielding by Shreyas Iyer and that throws 270 out of the window now. A length ball, around middle and leg, Alex Carey nudged it behind square leg and took the single. Decided to take Shreyas on, assuming that he would make it for the second by the time the keeper, KL Rahul collected the throw. But Iyer goes a step further. Takes Rahul out of the equation. Charges onto the ball from deep square leg, gets to the ball, picks it up and fires a direct hit at the striker's end! Carey is well short but he departs for a fantastic 61 (57) and Australia are now 249/8, with only 17 balls left!

Hardik Pandya is back on. 4-0-34-0 so far.

Mohammad Shami to Adam Zampa, Good review and Adam Zampa knew that right away! Mohammad Shami pitches the ball up on middle, getting it to tail back in. Zampa looks to just clip it away but is beaten past the inside edge and gets pinged on the pads, right in front of the stumps and the finger also goes up. Zampa does review it, and UltraEdge does confirm a big inside edge, which saves Zampa. It will only be a dot then.

That's gone, plumb LBW! But Zampa has straightaway asked for the review. Did he get any bat there? Yes, a big fat spike on UltraEdge as the ball goes past the bat. The decision is overturned but it is a dot ball. Time for the rules to be reviewed?

Mohammad Shami to Alex Carey, Another quick single! Hard length over off, Carey stays leg side of the ball and punches it down to the left of Hardik Pandya at covers before getting across to the other end.

Field changes. Mid on comes up and short third moves back.

Mohammad Shami to Alex Carey, Top bowling! Full and in the channel at 138.6 clicks, lands right on the popping crease. Carey backs away to open up the off side but can only dig it out and even takes a tumble. Thankfully, he is fine.

Mohammad Shami to Alex Carey, FOUR! CHEEKY! Alex Carey shuffles across his stumps early, seeing fine leg and deep third up. Shami targets the yorker but it lands as a low full toss. Carey laps it over short fine leg and gets his 8th four.

Mohammad Shami to Adam Zampa, Fuller, around off, Zampa commits himself completely and hence is early into the forward defense. The ball holds up onto the surface and spits up, flying off the face of the bat and landing just wide of mid off, to his left. A quick single taken.

Mohammad Shami to Adam Zampa, On a good length, outside of, shaping away, Adam Zampa pushes it towards point.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Adam Zampa, Around the wicket and floated up on off, Zampa drives it off the inner half of the blade and through mid on for one. Varun ends his spell with figures of 10-0-49-2!

Varun Chakaravarthy to Adam Zampa, Flighted up, a bit fuller and around off, it is the googly, Zampa leans on and looks to drive but gets a gentle inside edge onto the pads.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Alex Carey, Excellent running! Bowled well short and around off, Carey hops back and across before tapping it to covers and scampers through for the single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Adam Zampa, Fuller, around off, Adam Zampa works it through mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.

Adam Zampa walks in at number 9, replacing Ben Dwarshuis.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Ben Dwarshuis, OUT! CAUGHT! Varun strikes in his last over, claiming his second victim. Flighted ball, around off, Dwarshuis cannot resist and targets the leg-side boundary with a slog sweep. Cannot quite find the length and hence, subsequently, cannot get any elevation either. It goes flat and straight to Shreyas Iyer at deep mid-wicket who makes no mistake. A handy 19 (29) by Dwarshuis in a partnership of 34 with Carey. Australia are 239/7 with 28 balls left.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Ben Dwarshuis, Landed outside off, Ben Dwarshuis looks to steer it through the off side but misses.

Mohammad Shami to Ben Dwarshuis, Shami rolls his fingers on the leather, and bowls fuller on off, Ben Dwarshuis plays it with a horizontal bat angle to deep point for a single.

Mohammad Shami to Alex Carey, Over the stumps, a full toss on middle, Alex Carey plays with a straight bat, but drives it along the ground to the left of long off. One taken again.

Mohammad Shami to Ben Dwarshuis, Length-delivery, outside off, Ben Dwarshuis drags it across to the left of deep mid-wicket for another single.

Mohammad Shami to Alex Carey, A low full toss, angling on off, Alex Carey gets forward and pushes it to long off for a single.

Mohammad Shami to Ben Dwarshuis, Takes some pace off, full and on off, Ben Dwarshuis goes for a hoick across but inside edges it past the leg stump. The ball rolls to widish fine leg for one.

Mohammad Shami to Ben Dwarshuis, Nails in a yorker on the stumps, Ben shovels it out to the bowler.

Death-overs time and on comes the specialist. Mohammad Shami returns. 7-0-27-2 so far.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Alex Carey, Looped fuller on the stumps, Alex Carey looks to sweep but top-edges it over the keeper for a couple of runs to end the over.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Ben Dwarshuis, Slower and fuller on the leg stump, Ben Dwarshuis sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a single. They look to get the double, but Kohli is quick on the ball and intercepts and releases the throw flat and quick to the keeper.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Ben Dwarshuis, Bowls from a wider angle now, does Varun, fuller and outside off, Ben Dwarshuis prods and drives it to cover.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Ben Dwarshuis, Nice and full, around off, carved away to cover-point.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Ben Dwarshuis, Angled into the batter, full and on middle, clipped to short mid-wicket.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Ben Dwarshuis, EDGED AND FOUR! Outside off on a fractional fuller length, Ben Dwarshuis plays it late to push and outside edges it to deep third for a boundary.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, Carey now nudges this full ball to mid-wicket.

Kuldeep Yadav to Ben Dwarshuis, Slowish, turning away from off, on a length, punched down to long on for one.

Kuldeep Yadav to Ben Dwarshuis, A loopy leg break full and outside off, Ben Dwarshuis looks to smother the spin but outside edges it to short third.

Kuldeep Yadav to Ben Dwarshuis, SIX! Well, we have seen him smashing some biggies in the Big Bash League! An incoming googly, full and on off, Ben Dwarshuis finds it in the arc and cracks the slog sweep well behind deep mid-wicket for a six.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, FIFTY FOR CAREY! An invaluable innings from him! Length ball, on the pads, nudged away to short fine leg for a single. He has looked confident from the moment he has taken his guard and has the task to bat till the end, shepherding the tail. Well, he has done that before as well.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, Slowish delivery on the pads, on a good length, Alex Carey rocks back and taps it across with soft hands around the mid-wicket region. Runs the first one hard, calls for the second as the fielder from the deep chases it forward. Scampers back for the double. Moves to 49, does Carey!

Varun Chakaravarthy to Alex Carey, Quicker at 90.2 kph, too full on the stumps, Alex Carey uses his wrists to drill it down to long on for a single. Retains the strike.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Alex Carey, Pushed flat and full, angling on middle and leg, Alex Carey opens the bat face on the back foot and keeps it out to the off side.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Ben Dwarshuis, On a good length, outside off, Ben Dwarshuis is on the back foot and places it between cover and point to collect a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Ben Dwarshuis, Now, turns the ball away from outside off, on a fuller length. Ben Dwarshuis prods forward to defend, but keeps his bat inside the line to let it pass.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Alex Carey, Flattens the trajectory, on middle and leg, on a length, Alex Carey works it off the inside half of the bat, near square leg for a single.

With two left-handers in the middle, Rohit Sharma has gone back to Varun Chakaravarthy. Plenty of bowling options for Rohit and with Australia into the tail, the Indian skipper need not worry about saving runs at this stage.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Alex Carey, Varun Chakaravarthy is back on. Bowls it on a length, around off, Alex Carey taps it out off the back foot.

Kuldeep Yadav to Ben Dwarshuis, At 85.2 kph, on middle and leg, Ben Dwarshuis clips this full ball to the left of mid-wicket. The fielder makes a diving stop to his left. Just a single off this over then.

Kuldeep Yadav to Ben Dwarshuis, Dragged length, on off, Ben Dwarshuis hangs back and knocks it to the off side.

Kuldeep Yadav to Ben Dwarshuis, Fuller and floated up on middle, Ben Dwarshuis leans on it with a huge stride, blocks it out.

Kuldeep Yadav to Ben Dwarshuis, A wrong'un, on a length, spinning back in from off, Ben Dwarshuis rocks back and tucks it off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, Flat and full, on middle and leg, Alex Carey punches it off the back foot to long on. Jogs for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, Floated up, full on stumps, glanced to short fine leg.

POWERPLAY 3 time. 5 fielders allowed outside the circle now. Kuldeep Yadav returns. 6-0-33-0 so far.

Axar Patel to Ben Dwarshuis, Full and straight, pushed back to the bowler. That ends POWERPLAY 2. 150/4 in 30 overs. That wicket of Maxwell makes it India's Powerplay.

Axar Patel to Ben Dwarshuis, On middle and leg, Ben Dwarshuis goes hard at that and whips it uppishly towards short mid-wicket. Lands just short.

Axar Patel to Alex Carey, Fuller, around middle and leg, Carey pushes it through mid on and sneaks in a single.

Axar Patel to Alex Carey, FOUR! Alex Carey has been flawless thus far in this knock. Floated up around leg, Carey sits down and brings out the reverse sweep, swatting it uppishly but well behind point for a boundary. Moves into the 40s now does Carey.

Axar Patel to Alex Carey, Bowled flatter and angled in on leg stump, Carey backs away and cuts it firmly but straight to cover.

Axar Patel to Ben Dwarshuis, Good length, angled across off, Dwarshuis stays back and just taps it away in front of point and into the deep for a single.

Mohammad Shami to Alex Carey, Full and straight, Alex Carey pushes it back to the bowler.

Mohammad Shami to Ben Dwarshuis, Pad first? Shami went up in an LBW appeal straightaway but received no support from his mates. Virat Kohli from cover told him that it was bat. Full and tailing back into the left hander from around the wicket - signs of reverse? Dwarshuis somehow manages to cover the movement and ekes it out behind square leg for a single.

Mohammad Shami to Ben Dwarshuis, Fuller, outside off, Ben Dwarshuis drives it through the covers but Virat Kohli over there ensures that the ball does not get past him, getting quickly down to his right.

Mohammad Shami to Ben Dwarshuis, Takes some pace off now, and bowls it a touch full on middle, Dwarshuis watches it well and keeps it out.

Mohammad Shami to Ben Dwarshuis, Full and on off, looking to slide one past the inside edge, Dwarshuis is a bit late to get forward and manages to drive it away to short cover.

Mohammad Shami to Ben Dwarshuis, On a hard length, trying to angle it in from around off, Ben Dwarshuis hops right back and just about jams it out.

Axar Patel to Alex Carey, On middle and leg, Alex works it towards short mid-wicket. 7 runs and a wicket from the over, Axar Patel's figures read 7-1-37-1.

Axar Patel to Alex Carey, Landed outside off, slower through the air, Carey steers it towards point.

Axar Patel to Ben Dwarshuis, Fuller, outside off, Ben Dwarshuis steers this through cover-point for a single to get off the mark.

Into the long tail now. Ben Dwarshuis walks out to bat at number 8, replacing Glenn Maxwell. All of a sudden, the big question pops up - can Australia play out their 50 overs?

Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, OUT! TIMBER! Six and out for Glenn Maxwell! Axar Patel fires this one in quicker on off and drags the length back a fair few inches as well. Maxwell backs away and hops onto the back foot to pull it across the line but loses the grip of his bat and misses it completely. The ball angles in sharply and shatters into the stumps and Maxwell has to walk back for just 7 runs. Just on-air, a minute or so ago, it was mentioned that Australia have done well to not lose wickets in a heap and just after that, they lose two in quick succession. 198/4 becomes 205/6!

Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, SIX! Oh, hello! No messing around from Maxwell! Fuller one on middle, angling it in again, Glenn Maxwell is down on one knee and slogs it away, hard and flat over deep square leg for a biggie. 200 UP FOR AUSTRALIA. 76 balls left.

Axar Patel to Glenn Maxwell, Gently sliding it in from around middle, Glenn Maxwell leans on and clips it to the leg side.

Back to spin. Axar Patel is back on. 6-1-30-0 so far.

Mohammad Shami to Glenn Maxwell, Outside off, on a length, Glenn Maxwell stays back and dabs it to deep third for a single to get off the mark. 4 runs and a wicket from the over, Mohammad Shami's figures read 6-0-26-2.

Mohammad Shami to Glenn Maxwell, Fuller, outside off, driven towards cover.

Glenn Maxwell walks in next at number 7, replacing his skipper, Steve Smith.

Mohammad Shami to Steve Smith, OUT! BOWLED! Shami gets the big fish and it is another partnership which cannot carry on. Steve Smith is massively disappointed because it was not a wicket-taking ball by any means. It was a gentle full toss, around off and Smith chose to charge at that and hit it through the off side. But he just missed it and the ball hit the base of off stump. Not the kind of shot you associate with Smith and given the form Carey has been in, seems like it would have been better had the skipper just continued to milk the bowling. Nevertheless, it ends a fine knock of 73 (96) and with the 54-run stand broken, India find themselves rejuvenated with Australia at 198/5. Not much batting left after Maxwell. That's the 5th time in ODIs that Shami has got rid of Smith.

Mohammad Shami to Steve Smith, Had to really reach for that one! An attempted slower bumper from Shami and well outside off, Steve Smith look to fetch and pull but gets it ott the toe end of the bat and forces it wide of mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Mohammad Shami to Alex Carey, Shorter in length over middle this time, gets it around hip height only and this is firmly pulled away to deep square leg for a single.

Mohammad Shami to Alex Carey, Around the wicket, goes wider on the crease and hurls it back in at the left-hander, Carey stays on the front foot and punches it towards cover.

Hardik Pandya to Alex Carey, A short ball, down the leg side, pull-helped towards long leg for a run.

Hardik Pandya to Alex Carey, FOUR! LOVELY! Second boundary of the over. Carey dances down the track and converts the length ball into a half volley. Drives it straight back past the non striker and with mid off in the ring, it was a tall chase for the fielders. 50-RUN STAND IS UP, IN 53 BALLS. Carey has scored 37 of those.

Hardik Pandya to Alex Carey, On a length, around middle and leg, 126.2 kph, Alex Carey nudges this to the leg side and sets off for the run but it is too close to the bowler and Carey goes back. Three straight dots after the first-ball boundary.

Hardik Pandya to Alex Carey, Bowled back of a length and angled across off, a bit of extra bounce as well, Carey gets on his toes and jams it down to short extra cover.

Hardik Pandya to Alex Carey, Pitches this one up on off and middle, Carey watchfully blocks it out to mid off.

Hardik Pandya to Alex Carey, FOUR! Carey on the attack right away! A nothing delivery from Pandya, just bowled into the pitch, at a gentle pace and sits up nicely around off. Alex Carey just leans back and clubs it over the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

DRINKS BREAK. Is this cricket being played? Because it seems like a nice game of chess or rather, in softer words, a game of cat and mouse. Both teams are not giving an inch to the other, with India keeping it tight with the ball and Australia trying to keep the scoreboard ticking through partnerships. New Zealand managed 12 fours and 4 sixes in their entire innings on Sunday - that is 16 boundaries in total. Australia have already hit 20 boundaries in 35 overs. Clearly, this is a better pitch than the one dished out for the New Zealand-India game and hence, despite winning the toss, the Aussies would want a minimum of 275 on the board. Their run rate continues to hover around the 5.2-5.3 mark and if they bat out their remaining 15 overs and don't collapse, they could get somewhere between 260 and 275. Whether they can defend it or not, is another question. Hardik Pandya is back on. 3-0-25-0 so far.

Mohammad Shami to Alex Carey, Dug into the surface, angling at the batter, from around the stumps. Alex Carey waits for it to arrive and pulls it across. Gets a single at deep backward square leg.

Mohammad Shami to Steve Smith, A gentle-paced short one, around off, Smith leans back and uppercuts it fine to the left of deep third for a run.

Mohammad Shami to Steve Smith, A low full toss around off, Steve Smith pushes it back to the bowler.

Mohammad Shami to Steve Smith, At 129.8 kph, on a length, nibbling away from outside off, Steve Smith is through the pull early and misses. Signals the ball to be holding on the deck to his partner.

Mohammad Shami to Steve Smith, Just over short mid-wicket! Nagging length again, on off, Steve Smith miscues his pull shot but gets it just above Rohit Sharma who leaps and stretches his right hand up. But the ball evades and runs to the deep for a couple of runs.

Mohammad Shami to Steve Smith, Big swing and a miss! On a back of a length from Shami, seam up, around off, Steve Smith shimmies down the track and tries to smash it downtown with a flat bat, but misses.

Change of pace again. Excellent captaincy from Rohit Sharma once more, not allowing the game to drift. The moment he realizes that the batters are getting used to one kind of pace, he changes the bowling. Mohammad Shami returns. 4-0-18-1 so far.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, FOUR! A southpaw's delight! A bit of flight offered by Kuldeep, around off, but it is that half volley to which Alex Carey pounces. He takes his front foot out, extends his arms and lofts it inside out over covers for a boundary. The partnership grows to 38 between these two now.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, Drifts it on the pads, on a length, Alex Carey misses to connect and the ball ricochets off the pad to the leg side. KL Rahul moves to the ball and collects it.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, Full, slow and on the stumps, blocked off.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, Fuller and on middle and leg, Carey flicks it a bit uppishly to mid-wicket.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, WIDE! Strayed outside off and beyond the tramline. Alex rocks back and tries to slash it away but misses.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, Turns away from middle, on a length, guided off the back foot to short third.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, FOUR! He is productive through the leg side, and is picking his gaps to perfection! Fuller and on off, Alex Carey gets down on a knee and slogs it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Slightly drags the length back a bit, on off, Steve Smith tucks it across to the leg side. 8 runs off Varun Chakaravarthy's 7th over.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Alex Carey, Fuller and slightly outside off, Alex Carey drives it to deep cover for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Alex Carey, SIX! Right out of the middle! Varun offers it right into the slot, outside off, Alex Carey reads this half volley well, and slogs it over deep mid-wicket for a cracking six.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Alex Carey, Drags the length, and bowls it flatter on off, stabbed down to the surface by Alex.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Pitched fuller and on off, Steve Smith drags it along the ground to wide of deep mid-wicket for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Nagging length, spinning in a shy bit, outside off, Steve Smith goes for a front foot cover drive, but is beaten on the inside edge.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, Flights it up, around middle and leg. Carey works it to short mid-wicket.

Kuldeep Yadav to Steve Smith, Fuller and on the leg stump, this is flicked off the wrists to deep mid-wicket for a single. Virat Kohli is not happy with Kuldeep Yadav as he didn't collect the throw at the bowler's end, and so is Rohit giving him an earful. Well, to be honest, that seemed to be a bit harsh. Unless there is a run out on offer, you would not want your bowlers to be collecting throws as they are fired in and could potentially damage your hand (s), if the webbing splits across your fingers.

Kuldeep Yadav to Steve Smith, Full and tossed up on middle, Steve Smith plays with a straight bat, hits it through the line and lofts it over the bowler. Gets a single as the ball pins between long on and long off. Two taken.

Kuldeep Yadav to Steve Smith, Fuller, on leg, Steve Smith shimmies down and clips it off the inside half of the bat to square leg.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, On off and turns away off the deck, Alex Carey slaps it off the back foot to deep point for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Steve Smith, Slower through the air, on middle, Steve Smith scoops this full ball over short fine leg for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Alex Carey, At 91.4 kph, fuller and on the stumps, Alex Carey sweeps it along the ground, straight to short fine leg.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Alex Carey, Nice and full, on off, knocked back to Varun.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Onto the pads, on a length, Steve Smith glides it off the pads to Ravindra Jadeja at backward square leg. A single as Jadeja fumbles a bit, but is quick to recover.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Flat, quick, on off, Smith punches it straight back to the bowler.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Full and on off, driven into the off side.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Alex Carey, Around the stumps, full and just outside off. Holds on a touch and comes slower at the batter. Alex Carey is early in the shot and ends up chipping it to the off side. Luckily, it lands safely. A single taken.

Varun Chakaravarthy is back on. 5-0-26-1 so far.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, Swept away again but this time for just a single. Tossed up around leg, Alex Carey backs away and sweeps it hard and down to deep backward square leg, can't get it fine enough though.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, Nagging length, a bit slower and on off, Carey pushes at it tentatively and gets it to mid off.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, FOUR! Easy pickings! Floated up, full and down leg, turning as well but Carey gets down on one knee and sweeps it well fine, beating the man at 45 on the leg side to his left and picks up a boundary.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, Slower through the air, another googly, 81.7 kph, Alex Carey stays right back and defends it towards point.

Kuldeep Yadav to Steve Smith, Around off, worked through mid-wicket for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Steve Smith, Landed around off, Steve Smith gets right back and across to defend but the ball grips and holds on the surface. Bounces sharply and catches Smith by surprise, who just hangs his bat in front to push the ball down the ground.

Ravindra Jadeja to Alex Carey, Just drags the length back a bit more and fires it in at the stumps, Carey defends it off the back foot.

Ravindra Jadeja to Alex Carey, FOUR! A safe shot, even against the turn! On a length and around off, turning in, Alex Carey backs away and looks to loft it away but gets more of a top edge on it. The ball though sails well over mid off, hits the turf and rolls away into the fence. 150 UP FOR AUSTRALIA.

Ravindra Jadeja to Alex Carey, Nagging length, on middle and turning in, Carey hops back and tucks it away to mid-wicket.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, Fuller, on middle and leg, Steve Smith punches this down to long on for a run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Alex Carey, Similar ball, this time Carey stands still and clips it to the right of short mid-wicket, getting a single towards long on.

Ravindra Jadeja to Alex Carey, Around off, 95.5 kph, Alex Carey gets a long way across and pushes it down the ground but Jadeja himself trots to his left to stop the ball.

Kuldeep Yadav to Steve Smith, Beaten! Quicker through the air, bowled flat and angled across off, Steve Smith goes onto the back foot and has a poke at it but the ball just holds its line and beats the outside edge.

Kuldeep Yadav to Steve Smith, Floated up, on a dragged length and around the pads, Smith hops back and nudges it around the corner for another dot.

Kuldeep Yadav to Steve Smith, Nicely flighted, on middle, it is the googly that dips on the batter as well. Smith doesn't quite pick it up and edges it down with soft hands onto the off side.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, Fuller, around middle and leg, Alex Carey stays leg side of the ball and drives it inside out through cover for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Alex Carey, On middle and leg, the googly, worked through mid-wicket for nothing. Straight to the fielder.

Kuldeep Yadav to Steve Smith, Around middle, nudged through square leg for a run.

Alex Carey walks in at number 6, replacing Josh Inglis. Change in bowling as well, as Kuldeep Yadav comes back. 2-0-11-0 so far. Has got a good matchup against Carey, whom he has dismissed 5 times in ODIs.

Ravindra Jadeja to Josh Inglis, OUT! CAUGHT! A soft, soft dismissal, and Ravindra Jadeja picks up another timely wicket for his side. Fractionally short over off and middle, Josh Inglis keeps the low stance and just presses back to get on top of the ball and punch it down the ground, but the ball just holds in the pitch, and Inglis ends up jabbing it down towards cover. Virat Kohli takes a simple, low catch in front, and Inglis departs after a positive start. Australia 144/4 after 27 overs.

Ravindra Jadeja to Josh Inglis, Full and straight, Josh Inglis leans on and clips it away using the wirsts and gets it well on front of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, Forces Jadeja to drag the length back and bowl it flatter around off. Smith stays back and punches it through covers for a single right after the big hit, smart batting.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, SIX! Effortlessly hit! Flighted, around off, Smith comes half forward and just lofts it through the line. But the timing is so sweet that the ball clears the long off fence with ease! Nothing more than a check drive, mind you. The stand moves to 31 (24).

Ravindra Jadeja to Josh Inglis, The arm ball, around off, Josh Inglis stays right back and punches it down the ground through mid off for a run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, Landed outside off, Steve Smith is halfway down the track even before the ball is bowled. Manages to push the ball through point for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Just too full at the moment from Varun! Dishes it out wide outside off, almost a low full toss, Smith smacks it away through cover-point for just a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Another lovely drive and Steve Smith brings up a timely FIFTY! Tossed-up delivery, very full and outside off, driven on the up and wide of deep extra cover for a couple of runs. The Aussie skipper has looked solid against the spinners and will know that his job is only half done here.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Just a smidge fuller, on middle and Smith tickles it away to short fine leg.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, FOUR! Not the best of deliveries from Chakaravarthy and Smith pounces. A real drag on, around middle and off, Steve Smith rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket. Not off the middle but has enough to beat deep mid-wicket to his left. Moves to 48 with his fourth boundary.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Down the leg side, helped straight to short fine leg.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Josh Inglis, Fuller, on middle, Josh Inglis pushes this down the ground through mid on for a single.

Really good captaincy from Rohit Sharma. It would have been so tempting to continue Varun Chakaravarthy against the likes of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne but Rohit understands that Australia's soft underbelly of a middle order would not have played Chakaravarthy much at all. And he kept holding him back and now, has got a chance to rush through the fairly inexperienced middle order.

Ravindra Jadeja to Josh Inglis, Full again, on the stumps, Josh Inglis drills it to long on for one more. Halfway through in the first innings then, Australia are 125/3.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, Touch fuller on the stumps, Steve Smith works it along the ground to long on and jogs for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Josh Inglis, Good length, just outside off, Josh Inglis hangs back and guides it between point and short third for a quick run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, Tight line and length, on middle, Steve Smith punches it to long on for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, Over the top of middle, Smith backs away and defends it back to Jadeja.

Ravindra Jadeja to Josh Inglis, Quick and full, on middle, Inglis shimmies ahead and drives it to long on for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, FOUR! Oh, that is a fine, fine shot from the Aussie skipper! Overpitched by Varun, just around off, Steve Smith takes his front foot out and places the ball to the off side. Drives it past cover for a glorious boundary. Smith moves into his 40s!

Varun Chakaravarthy to Josh Inglis, Angling on middle and leg, full, clipped away by Inglis to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Too full, outside off, carved out by Smith to deep cover for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Nagging length, on middle, punched across to mid-wicket.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Josh Inglis, Good length, on off, Josh Inglis rocks back and punches it to the right of the non-striker's end and rushes through for a quick single. Virat Kohli from short mid-wicket runs after the ball, dives and keeps it to just a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Josh Inglis, Varun Chakaravarthy is back on and he straightaway gets past the outside edge! Full and outside off, Josh Inglis leans across to drive to the off side, but the ball turns back in a touch and beats the inside edge.

Ravindra Jadeja to Josh Inglis, Quick and flat, on off, Josh Inglis hangs back and works it past point for an easy single. A successful over for Jadeja.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, Touch full and around off, placed neatly between cover and point for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Josh Inglis, Off the mark, is Inglis! Back of a length, on middle and leg, punched down to long on for one.

Will Carey get the nod over Inglis because of the left-arm spinners? Nope. Australia stick to the original batting slots. Josh Inglis walks in at number 5, replacing Marnus Labuschagne.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, OUT! LBW! TRAPPED IN FRONT! An appeal for LBW and up goes the umpire's finger this time! Marnus Labuschagne walks to his skipper and after a brief discussion, Marnus opts to walk back to the dugout! The only possibility for Marnus to get saved was whether he nicked it or not, but it has clearly beaten the bat's edge. Jadeja bowls it quick and on a flatter trajectory, keeping the stumps in play. It lands and skids a bit to hurry Marnus who goes on the back foot. He tries to nudge it across around the corner but misses. The ball raps his pads and the umpire raises up his finger instantly on the appeal. Marnus Labuschagne has a long chat with his skipper, almost trying to convince him to let him take the review, but like a perfect teacher who has all the answers to every question, Smith keeps on answering, shaking his head to everything. Eventually, Labuschagne has to agree and walk back without taking the review, for 29 (36). The 56-run stand has been broken and Australia are 110/3 now, after 22.3 overs. This is the 4th time that Jadeja has dismissed Labuschagne in ODIs.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller on off, Marnus Labuschagne stays on the back foot and eases it out to cover.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Well played! Dropped right into the slot on middle, Marnus Labuschagne slogs it over mid-wicket and collects a boundary.

Mohammad Shami to Steve Smith, Now then, Shami varies his pace, short and a bit slow, outside off, Steve Smith tries to ramp but misses.

Mohammad Shami to Steve Smith, An appeal for caught behind, but not given! Shami bowls it full and just outside off, Steve Smith shuffles way too across off to lap it away but the ball passes close to the bat and KL Rahul snaffles it behind the sticks. He appeals for a catch but the umpire shakes his head in denial. Rohit asks his keeper and Rahul denies for the review. The UltraEdge comes up later, with a flat line, when the ball passes the bat. That audacious shot from Smith came because fine leg was brought up for this ball. Now, fine leg drops back and mid on comes up.

Mohammad Shami to Steve Smith, DROPPED! Shami dropped Head to his right, and now shells a catch of Smith to his left. Bowls full and on off, Steve Smith doesn't quite get the bat under the ball to loft it over the bowler. It twists in his hands at the point of contact and goes flat off the toe end to the left of Shami. He sticks his left hand out to catch, but the ball deflects off his wrist to the mid off region.

Mohammad Shami to Steve Smith, Oh, some intent to take on the pacer! Speared in, tad fuller on off, Steve Smith dances down the track to smash it with a flat bat but hits it off the outer half of the bat to the bowler.

Mohammad Shami to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, around off, Marnus Labuschagne leans back and knocks it to deep point for a single.

Mohammad Shami to Marnus Labuschagne, BEATEN! Shami clocks 136.9 kph, full and nibbles outside off, Marnus Labuschagne plays with an angled bat to guide it to the off side, but is beaten by the ball deviating away from him.

Change of pace now. Mohammad Shami returns. With a change of ends. 3-0-17-1 from the other end.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, Nice and full, on off, pushed to cover. SECOND MAIDEN OF THE INNINGS.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, Fuller in length, on middle, Steve Smith gets ahead and blocks it to mid-wicket.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, BEATEN! Some turn now, on a fullish length, bowled a bit slower too on off. Steve Smith is flummoxed and gets beaten past the outside edge.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, Full and on off. Driven to short cover.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, Length, at off, Smith works it to the right of the bowler. It rolls towards Marnus Labuschagne and Jadeja almost hugs the non-striker in the process to stop the ball. No run taken.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, A yard fuller than short, outside off, stays low. Smith looks to cut it but misses.

Axar Patel to Marnus Labuschagne, The arm ball, around off, Marnus defends it to the off side.

Axar Patel to Marnus Labuschagne, SIX! AUDACIOUS! This one is hit much better. In fact, it is nailed. 100 UP FOR AUSTRALIA. Flighted, around middle and off, Labuschagne gets down and plays the slog sweep to perfection, clearing deep mid-wicket with ease. 50-RUN STAND IS UP AS WELL, IN 69 BALLS.

Axar Patel to Marnus Labuschagne, Outside off, Marnus Labuschagne backs away and tries to steer it behind point but cannot beat backward point.

Axar Patel to Marnus Labuschagne, Oh, a top edge but safe enough! Flighted ball, full and angled into middle and leg, Marnus Labuschagne sits down to slog but gets a top edge that flies over the infield and lands in between the onrushing fielders from long on and deep mid-wicket. Two taken.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, Bowled well short and around off, cut away offthe back foot and through point and cover for one.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, Nicely bowled! Sees the batter advancing and fires it in quick and outside off, Smith adjusts and strides across to defend it with bat and pad towards cover.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, Outside off, the skipper drives it wide of long off for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, Fuller, down the leg side, Smith comes forward again and looks for the flick this time. Misses and gets a leading edge back to the bowler. Is massively frustrated on missing out, even though it would have been just a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, Fuller, around off, Steve Smith comes forward and drives it down the ground but Ravindra Jadeja dives to his left and saves a certain single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, Bowled flatter and at the pads, tucked away neatly through backward square leg for another brace by Smith.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, A bit of aggression now from Steve Smith. Jadeja looks to dart it in full and at the stumps, Smith steps out and whips it over the mid-wicket region. The fielder at deep square leg tidies up to his left as the batters get two.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, On the money! A smidge fuller and on off, just turning a bit, Smith shows the full face of the bat and defends it to covers.

A small chat between umpire Richard Illingworth and Ravindra Jadeja. It seems to be regarding the taping on his left hand, which is also his bowling hand. As per the rules, your bowling hand cannot have any kind of taping and it is duly removed. Play resumes.

Axar Patel to Marnus Labuschagne, Outside off, Labuschagne looks to tap and run towards backward point but is sent back, as it is Ravindra Jadeja out there.

Axar Patel to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Beautifully played. Landed outside off, the ball lands and then turns away just a wee bit. But Marnus Labuschagne goes right back, watches the ball till the last moment and guides it past the keeper, almost off his gloves, through the vacant slip cordon, to the deep third fence. A boundary after 50 balls!

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, The arm ball, around off, Steve Smith stays leg side of the ball and punches it towards long off for a single. Moves to 30 (39).

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, Smith is quick to come down the pitch and Axar smartly fires it in at the toes. Smith though manages to flick it away but straight to Rohit Sharma at short mid-wicket.

Axar Patel to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller in length, on middle and off, Marnus drives this one down to long on and turns the strike over.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, Tossed up wide of the off stump, a nice flow of the bat from Smith as he drives it away square through the off side and picks up a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, On middle and leg, 95.6 kph, Steve Smith knocks it around through square leg for a run. The stand moves to 30 (52).

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller, on middle, Labuschagne whips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Fourth dot ball on the trot. Arrowed in on middle, Marnus Labuschagne defends.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Quick and flat again, straighter as well, Labuschagne stays back and defends it down the pitch.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Quicker through the air again, bowled flatter and angled into middle and leg, Labuschagne looks to work it off the back foot but can't quite get it away.

Axar is off the field now, for possibly more treatment.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Darted in at 96 clicks, fractionally full and on off, Marnus presses back and pats it away to point.

Axar Patel to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller, around middle, Labuschagne pushes it down the ground for the 6th single of the over.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, Around off, a touch short, Smith punches it through point for a run.

A slight halt in play. The umpires have called for a mandatory concussion check for Axar Patel but have also understood that this will take a while. Given that the DRINKS BREAK was due at the end of this over, the Drinks have been called for as well. A very edge-of-the-seat contest thus far. India have been right on the money from the word go but Australia managed to bounce back after a quiet start. Just 4 runs in the first 3 overs, but the next 7 went for 59. However, post Head's dismissal. the run scoring seems to have hit a rock and only singles or twos seem to be on offer. Spin is making its presence felt with the last 5.4 overs yielding just 17 runs. Not surprisingly, the last boundary was hit in the 10th over, with Smith looking to maximise the final over of Powerplay 1. Axar Patel is fit and ready and play resumes.

Axar Patel to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller, around middle and leg, Marnus Labuschagne pushes this back past the bowler. Axar Patel rushes to his right to stop the ball but collides with Smith's bat. The batters go through for the single and Axar immediately turns around and goes after the ball, which is going down the ground. Gets there, picks the ball and then tries to throw in one motion. But while doing that, he ends up jerking his head hard onto the ground and is in some discomfort.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, Just milking the singles as much as they can now. Flighted ball, full and around off, driven on the up and down to long off for a single.

Axar Patel to Marnus Labuschagne, Similar delivery, albeit a bit shorter, Marnus presses back and tucks it away through square leg for one more.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, On a dragged length and angled onto the pads, just eased away through square leg for one by Smith.

Ravindra Jadeja to Steve Smith, Good length, on middle, Steve Smith rocks back and easily punches it to long on for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Oh, so nearly chopped on! Flat and quick, full around off, Marnus Labuschagne backs away to guide the ball to the deep third region, but ends up inside-edging it. The ball bounces past the stumps to short fine leg. One taken. Living very dangerously, are these two!

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Aims the stumps, full on off, knocked back to the bowler.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Good running! Good length, drifting on the pads, Marnus glances it to deep backward square leg. The boundary is fairly huge on that side and the batters return for the second run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, On middle and full, blocked nicely off the front foot.

Ravindra Jadeja to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on off, punched to point.

Trial by spin continues. Ravindra Jadeja into the attack. 6th bowler and 4th spinner.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, Oh, that hit the off stump, but the bails didn't come off! The zingers refused to light up! Flat and quick, fuller on the stumps, Steve Smith goes for the drive, but inside edges on the pads, and then the ball deflects on the stumps. Hits the sticks but the bails do not come up. MAIDEN for Axar, the first of the game.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, Back of a length, on the pads, Steve Smith guides it to short fine leg and rushes off for a single. But Marnus Labuschagne sends him back. A slight fumble allows Smith the breathing room to get back home.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, Nicely tossed up, full and on middle, defended well. A barrage of dots!

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, More slower than the previous one, full and on the sticks, pushed straight back by Steve.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, Tossed up, fuller and on off, Steve Smith hits it straight to point.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, Flat, full, on off, Smith keeps it out to the off side.

Interesting. Quite a few comments pouring in over the Shubman Gill catch to dismiss Travis Head. A fair bit seem to reckon that the catch was NOT completed, as the ball was not in Gill's hand for long. Or to be more specific, he was NOT in control of the ball. But that decision has to be made by the on-field umpires and if they are okay with the level of control, the matter ends there. Apparently, umpire Richard Illingworth had a word with Gill regarding the same, probably reminding him that around 25-26 years ago, a certain Herschelle Gibbs changed the outcome of the match almost literally during the 1999 World Cup.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Marnus Labuschagne, A short mid on now comes up for Labuschagne. Length-delivery, turning on the pads. Marnus glances it to square leg.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Marnus Labuschagne, Keeps the stumps into play, now. Full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne leans on it and defends watchfully.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Keeps it full again, but pushes it wide of off, Steve Smith extends his arms and drives past cover for one.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Marnus Labuschagne, Tossed up, overpitched on leg, Marnus Labuschagne drives it down to long on for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Marnus Labuschagne, Drag-downer on middle, tucked across by Marnus to the leg side.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Outside off, full in length, Smith takes a good stride out and drives to deep cover for one.

Axar Patel to Marnus Labuschagne, Drifts it into the stumps, does Axar, on a good length, Marnus Labuschagne backs away and then guides it to backward point. Just three singles off it.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, On top of middle, on a length, Steve Smith waits for it, hangs back and then punches it through cover for one more.

Axar Patel to Marnus Labuschagne, An armer, on a length, around off, Marnus Labuschagne knocks it off the back foot between cover and point for a single.

Axar Patel to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full, on the stumps, blocked out by Marnus.

Axar Patel to Marnus Labuschagne, Pushed through, on the stumps and full in length, Marnus Labuschagne plays it off the back foot and keeps it out to the off side.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, Tossed up, good length, on off, punched away to deep backward point for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Drags the length back a bit, on top of the stumps, Steve Smith hangs back and punches it down the ground. Strolls for a single to retain the strike.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Right into the blockhole, on the stumps, Steve Smith just about manages to jam his bat down in time. The ball keeps rolling and goes to the leg side, just near the strip.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Varun dishes out a tad slower delivery now, full and around off, Steve Smith leans on it and works it to mid-wicket.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Drifts it on the stumps, full in length, flatter as well. Smith blocks it carefully.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Marnus Labuschagne, Turns back into the right-hander, on a good length, Marnus Labuschagne turns it wide of square leg for another solo.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Flat and on a length, just outside off, Steve Smith stands tall and punches it to the right of the bowler and to the left of mid on. Takes a single.

POWERPLAY 2 time. 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over. The Indians are wearing black-arm bands in the field, as a mark of respect for the late PADMAKAR SHIVALKAR, who passed away on Monday, 3rd March, 2025, aged 84. One of the greatest left-arm spinners during the era of the famous spin quartet of India, at the time of Bishan Singh Bedi, Shivalkar was unfortunate not to play for India, despite his domestic heroics. He made his first-class debut in 1962, taking 5 wickets in a game against International XI, which included the likes of Colin Cowdrey, Bob Simpson, Sir Everton Weekes and Richie Benaud. Overall, Shivalkar took 589 wickets in 124 first-class matches, with 361 of those coming in the Ranji Trophy.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, Fligjhted delivery, full again and on off, Smith strokes it away through wide mid off for a single. Australia are 63/2 after Powerplay 1!

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, Just slows this one up a bit and angles it in fuller from around off, Smith blocks it off.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, Bowled on a nagging length, this one comes on with the arm from outside off, Smith hangs back and punches it away in front of point.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, Around off, the skipper pushes it to the off side and sets off for a single but rushes back quickly.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, FOUR! Up and over! Tossed up, around middle and leg, spinning away, Smith comes down the track and hits it against the turn, over mid-wicket. It is the last over of the fielding restrictions and the skipper is eager to maximise those.

Axar Patel to Steve Smith, Slightly loose to start, full and wide outside off, Steve Smith hammers the cover drive but finds the fielder.

More spin. Axar Patel to bowl now.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Full and straight, a bit too full and Smith is able to ease it away wide of mid off for a single. 5 runs and a big wicket off Varun's first over.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, A good hustle from the batters there! Just sliding it onto the pads, Steve Smith leans on and wrists this one just behind square leg and into the deep for a couple of quick runs.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Marnus Labuschagne, Flatter, at 92 clicks and angled in on off, Marnus Labuschagne rocks back and punches it through extra cover to get off the mark with a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Marnus Labuschagne, Landed outside off, Marnus Labuschagne tries to stay back and steer it past slip but gets it off the bottom edge, which goes on the bounce to slip.

Marnus Labuschagne walks out at number 4, replacing Travis Head.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Travis Head, OUT! CAUGHT! The bowling change works for India and Varun Chakaravarthy strikes on his very second ball! And it is the wicket which the Indians wanted the most. For once, Head falls for a low score against India in ICC tournaments. And it is an even bigger wicket given that he looked well set. Probably, that is why, he looked to take on Chakaravarthy, even before seeimg him off for a ball or two. That's the problem when you live by the sword. You die by it too. Tossed up, around middle and off, Travis Head comes down the track straightaway and looks to go over the top. But he is not to the pitch of the ball and hence, miscues it up in the air. The ball has gone a mile high in the sky and Shubman Gill takes a simple catch running to his left from long off. Head departs for 39 (33) and the 50-run stand has been broken, AUSTRALIA ARE 54/2 AFTER 8.2 OVERS!

Varun Chakaravarthy to Steve Smith, Fuller, around middle and leg, Steve Smith stays leg side of the ball and drives it through the covers for a single. THE 50-RUN STAND IS UP, in 31 balls. Smith has scored 9 of those.

Second bowling change. Time for the fourth bowler and second spinner. The mystery man, Varun Chakaravarthy, is on to ply his trade, fresh from a Michelle a couple of nights ago.

Kuldeep Yadav to Travis Head, And again! Similar delivery to the last one, just pushed through a bit quicker, Head looks to back away past leg stump and play it on the off side but the ball just darts back in and beats the bat. Good comeback from Kuldeep after conceding the six.

Kuldeep Yadav to Travis Head, Oh, immaculate length from Kuldeep this time! The wrong'un, tossed up fuller on middle and leg, Travis Head opts to rock back again and punch across but the ball turns in and just sneaks past the bat, clipping the pad on its way.

Kuldeep Yadav to Travis Head, Flattens it up and darts it in towards middle and leg, Head rocks back and jams it back towards the bowler.

Kuldeep Yadav to Travis Head, Landed around middle and off, Travis comes forward and watchfully pushes it towards point.

Kuldeep Yadav to Travis Head, SIX! That is a fine shot. Tossed up, around middle, Head dances down the track and hits it straight back over the sightscreen! 50 UP FOR AUSTRALIA.

Kuldeep Yadav to Travis Head, A touch short, around middle and off, Travis Head rocks back and punches it towards Virat Kohli at cover.

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, Another slower one, bowled a bit short and on leg, Head gets inside the line to pull but miscues it just fine of short fine leg for a single.

Shami is off the field now. The physio is tending to his left foot but it does not seem that serious.

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, WIDE! Oh, well bowled! Almost well bowled though. A slower bumper from Hardik, short and slow over middle and leg, this one lobs high up and Head still attempts to hop up and ramp it over the keeper. Head can't reach it though and a wide is called for height.

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, Bowls it fuller now and angles it across off at a gentle pace, Travis looks to play a cute late cut but ends up running it off the face of the blade and down to the keeper.

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, FOUR! Whipped away to the fence! Pandya bowls a quick off-spinner and bowls it a bit short and on the hips, Travis Head stands tall and flicks it well in front of square on the leg side for another boundary.

Hardik Pandya to Steve Smith, Fuller, around off, Smith looks to drive it through the covers but the ball jags back in and takes the inner half of the bat. Goes straight back down the ground and hits the stumps at the other end. Smith is already off the blocks but Head does not move as mid on has moved to his left to stop that. But because the ball hits the stumps, it defects away from the mid on fielder, to the place where he was originally stationed. Mid-wicket now has to get to the ball to gather it and that allows the batters to take the single, as Head starts to run now.

Nope, sorry. Please wait, mate, says Smith. Hardik comes rushing in but someone moves behind the sightscreen at the precise moment and Smith backs away. Explains the same to someone on the field when asked about the halt.

Hardik Pandya to Steve Smith, FOUR! Fractionally short, outside off, Steve Smith picks the length in a trice and swivels for the pull. However, the ball does not quite come onto the bat and hence, Smith does not hit it as well as he would have liked to. But he has enough on it to get the ball over the infield near square leg and beats fine leg to his left.

Hardik Pandya to Steve Smith, On a good length, around off, angling in, Steve Smith pushes it towards point.

Will Shami get one more? Not for now. Hardik Pandya gets a change of ends. 2-0-14-0 so far.

Kuldeep Yadav to Steve Smith, Gets it through! Tossed up around leg, Smith advances and punches it past the diving bowler and down to long on for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Travis Head, Tosses this one up, Travis comes down the pitch and clips the ball away through the gap at mid-wicket for one more.

Kuldeep Yadav to Steve Smith, Tap and run! Bowled flatter and on off, just curving it back in, Smith hops back and across before dabbing it down in front of square leg for a quick single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Travis Head, Full, on middle and leg, Head whips it through mid-wicket for a run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Travis Head, Landed around middle, straightaway some away turn, Travis Head punches it towards cover.

Kuldeep Yadav to Steve Smith, Around off, Steve Smith comes forward and whips it through mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.

Enough of those freebies, says Rohit. Does not want to let Australia get away. Turns to spin and brings on Kuldeep Yadav.

Mohammad Shami to Travis Head, Around off, pushed towards mid off. 14 from the over, 27 in the last 2!

Mohammad Shami to Travis Head, FOUR! Hattrick of boundaries! Plenty of width outside off. A touch short of good length, Travis Head comes forward and punches it between cover and point!

Mohammad Shami to Travis Head, FOUR MORE! If it was brute power on the previous ball, it is sheer luck on this one! A length ball, outside off, Head looks for the pull, but again, he has played it in January and the match is in March. The ball takes ages to arrive and shoots off the inside edge. But luckily for Head, whizzes past the off stump and into the fine leg fence!

Mohammad Shami to Travis Head, FOUR! ADMONISHED! This one will surely be a boundary. A length ball, but just too wide outside off on this occasion. Travis Head throws his bat at it but does not quite hit it well. Does not matter as once the ball threads the gap in the infield, it races away to the fence. Brute power.

Mohammad Shami to Travis Head, Another length ball outside off, Head has a hack and mistimes it through mid-wicket. Too big a ground to deny the second run. There is a deep square leg in place too, else it would have been a boundary.

Mohammad Shami to Travis Head, A touch short, around off, Travis Head punches it into the ground towards Ravindra Jadeja at point.

Hardik Pandya to Steve Smith, Around off and outside off, slightly fuller, Steve Smith defends it solidly. 13 from the over.

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, DIRECT HIT WOULD HAVE HAD HEAD. Outside off, Travis pushes it towards cover-point and sets off running. It is Ravindra Jadeja in that position who quickly gets to the ball and releases it even quicker. But to Head's luck, the shy misses its mark at the non-striker's end.

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, SIX! First confident shot of the day. And probably the first loose delivery of the game as well, ignoring the first wide of the match. This is half volley, on middle and leg, this time Head stays still and flicks it nonchalantly over square leg!

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, FOUR! Finally, a boundary for Australia. Head manages to get something away. A length ball, around middle and leg, Travis Head stays leg side of the ball, moves to the leg side a touch and looks to slap it down th ground. Mistimes it but gets it just wide of Shubman Gill at mid off, to his left, to the fence behind.

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, WIDE. Second one in the over. A length ball, down the leg side, Head looks to swivel and pull but misses.

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, A length ball, around leg and middle, Travis stays leg side of the ball and pushes this to the off side.

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, Outside off, on a length, Travis looks to cut but mistimes it to point.

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, WIDE. A short ball, around middle, Travis Head ducks underneath it. Wide signalled for height and Hardik is not impressed.

Skipper Steve Smith walks in at number 3, replacing Cooper Connolly.

Mohammad Shami to Cooper Connolly, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! The on-field decision is reversed and Cooper Connolly has been relieved of his misery. The way this contest was shaping up, it was more about when rather than how. Shami was continuously teasing the outside edge and after 6 consecutive plays and misses in this over, including the wide, the 7th one brings success. It is on a length, outside off, Connolly fishes at it, again without moving his feet and this time, makes contact. But unfortunately for him, the contact is with the outside edge and the ball goes behind to the keeper, KL Rahul. There is a big noise as soon as the ball goes past the bat and India celebrate but the umpire shakes his head. The bowling side immediately takes the review, almost in disbelief, as to how could the umpire not raise his finger and UltraEdge confirms the spike when the ball goes past the bat. A torturous 9-ball duck for Cooper Connolly ends and Australia are 4/1 after 3 overs.

Caught behind! Or no? There was definitely a sound and Shami and Rahul celebrated straightaway. But umpire Richard Illingworth shook his head. India take the review straightaway. And yes, a big fat spike when the ball goes past the bat. First strike then, on the 18th legal ball.

Mohammad Shami to Cooper Connolly, Sixth consecutive play and a miss in this over! On a length, around off, Cooper Connolly looks to play this through the off side but the ball angles in and then deviates away off the seam and beats the outside edge.

Mohammad Shami to Cooper Connolly, Another play and a miss! He can't buy a run at the moment. Or even, buy some contact shall we say! On a good length, outside off, CC looks to punch it on the up but misses due to the away movement.

Mohammad Shami to Cooper Connolly, Jaffa. He is just toying with this kid. On a length, around off, coming from around the wicket, Shami's wrist position seems to indicate that the ball will come in. But this one pitches, comes in with the angle and then deviates off the seam to beat the outside edge. Phenomenal bowling.

Mohammad Shami to Cooper Connolly, WIDE. A length ball, miles outside off, Cooper throws his bat at it but misses. The ball pitches and then deviates off the seam, well past the wide guideline.

Mohammad Shami to Cooper Connolly, And again. This time the front foot moves a bit but not enough. On a length, outside off, Connolly looks to drive it on the up through the covers but the ball pitches and then comes back in with the angle, beating the inside edge.

Mohammad Shami to Cooper Connolly, A length ball, from around the wicket, outside off, Cooper Connolly slashes hard without moving his feet and misses.

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, A touch short, outside off, 129.4 kph, Head looks to punch it through the off side but is unable to adjust to the pace of the pitch. Again, plays way too early and mistimes his cut towards point. This has been an excellent start by India but the Aussie openers can afford to spend a bit more time in the middle to analyze the pitch.

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, A touch fuller, around middle and leg, 134.3 kph, Travis Head works it with the inswing towards short mid-wicket.

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, On a good length, just arund off, TH pushes it towards point.

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, This is much quicker, bowled short, around middle and off, Travis goes for the pull but is beaten. There is a mild shout for the caught behind but nothing serious.

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, No patience. Just the 8th legal ball of the match and Head is already itching to get going. Just fractionally short, around middle, Travis thinks this is in his zone and goes for the pull. But the ball sticks on the surface and comes on slowly. The shot already being played, the ball goes off the inner half of the bat towards mid on. Very lucky not to drag that onto the stumps.

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, On a length, around middle and leg, Head flicks it uppishly but it does not carry to square leg. The replay seems to suggest that this one gripped too.

Hardik Pandya to Travis Head, WIDE. A length ball but down the leg side, Travis Head lets it go pass.

Any chances of spin? Not so early. Hardik Pandya to bowl with the second new ball.

Mohammad Shami to Cooper Connolly, A length ball wide outside off, Connolly slashes but misses. Excellent start from Shami and India.

Mohammad Shami to Cooper Connolly, On middle and leg, nudged to the leg side.

Mohammad Shami to Cooper Connolly, Don't know why but every time I see this bloke, he reminds me of SOS - Shaun Marsh. Brought up in Perth, loves to play off the back foot and does not move his feet much. On a length, outside off, Cooper Connolly stays back and punches it towards point.

Mohammad Shami to Travis Head, First run of the bat. On a length, outside off, Travis punches this to the right of mid off. Shubman Gill over there gets across to his right and dives full stretch, to keep the batters to a single.

Mohammad Shami to Travis Head, On middle and leg, flicked straight to mid on.

Mohammad Shami to Travis Head, DROPPED! Nearly a golden duck for Head. A tough chance for Shami. He came from around the wicket and bowled a cross seamer, around middle and off. Head looked to work it to the leg side but the ball stopped on the surface a touch. The shot was played early and as a result, a leading edge was induced. It went uppishly, to the right of the bowler who stuck out his right hand but it brushed his fingertips and went towards mid off.

Mohammad Shami to Travis Head, WIDE! A loosener, miles outside off on a length. Travis Head thinks about reaching out and going after that one but then bails out at the last moment.

The national anthems are done and dusted and we are ready for the mega event to begin. The Indians stride out to the middle, followed by another new-look opening pair - Travis Head and Cooper Connolly. Geez, we have seen plenty of opening combinations for the Kangaroos across formats over the last 2 years, haven't we? Ever since the ever-reliable David Warner has retired, the Aussies have been trying and trying to find an effective replacement. Mohammad Shami has the first new ball in his hand and Travis Head will face. 'Play!' says umpire Richard Illingworth and off we go...

We are just a few minutes away from the start of the action, but first, the officials will come out to the middle, followed by the two sets of players along with the mascots and they will line up for their respective national anthems. It will be the national anthem of Australia first, followed by the Indian national anthem.

India's VARUN CHAKARAVARTHY is up for a quick chat. He says he is looking forward to this match. Says he is trying to process it as a normal match and trying not to get under the pressure of the occasion. Adds he is working on his release points and writing his process down, so he's not out of touch here. Says that back then, he was a different bowler who used to bowl side spin and now he bowls over spin. He made this switch in three years and playing domestic cricket in India has helped him a lot. Mentions it is a fantastic squad of four spinners. Further tells the strategy to stick on the stumps and also says it is difficult to hit the stumps. Says you need to walk into every match with a belief to win. On being asked regarding Australia having the wood over India in ICC events, Varun admits that Australia are a top side but stresses that they have done their preparations accordingly and whatever happens related to the result will happen.

The captain of India, ROHIT SHARMA, says that they were prepared to either bat or bowl and when you are in two minds, it is better to lose the toss. Adds that they have played 3 games here and each time, the surface was a bit different and you can't say much and eventually, you have to play good cricket, which will be the deciding factor. Mentions that there are 4 or 5 surfaces here and each of them are a bit different and they know it will be challenging with the slower bowlers coming into the picture and hence, they have gone with the same team.

The captain of Australia, STEVE SMITH, says it looks a pretty dry surface with dry squares and says they want to put some runs on the board. Adds they are ready to go, and the guys had a couple of good practice sessions. Reckons that it might take some turn as well. Says India are a very good side. Informs two changes - Cooper Connolly comes in for Matt Short and Tanveer Sangha comes in for Spencer Johnson.

Australia (Playing XI) - Travis Head, Cooper Connolly (In for Matt Short), Steve Smith (C), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (WK), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha (In for Spencer Johnson) and Adam Zampa.

India (Unchanged XI) - Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Shami, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy.

TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in favor of Australia. Steve Smith opts to BAT first.

PITCH REPORT - Michael Atherton and Ramiz Raja are pitchside. Atherton says it is not that hot and a gentle breeze is blowing across the ground. Also, shares the pleasing news of no chances of rain. Then informs about the dimensions and says it is 69 meters and 62 meters on the squares with 77 meters being the straight hit. He further informs that this surface hasn't been used in this Champions Trophy yet and looks pretty bare. Also observes it is dry with a few cracks here and there, but also reckons it is still battable. Ramiz joins him and says it will grip and look good for spinners. Also opines that Australia might face some challenges against the Indian spinners as their bowlers have been accurate. Thinks batting first would be a good choice.

Right then, we have generally seen on all three surfaces here in Dubai, that the pitch gets slower as the game goes on and with the threat of dew almost negligible, the team batting first could control the game well and generally, runs on the board in the big matches help that extra bit as well. Who do you reckon will come out on top in this massive encounter? We shall find out in due time. Toss and team sheets in a bit, stay tuned.

Australia have yet again shown why they are a different beast in ICC competitions, especially when it comes to the ODIs and even without their first-choice frontline pace attack, they have yet again made it to the knockout stages. They will be without Matt Short, who proved to be handy with both bat and ball, but they do have a solid replacement in the form of Cooper Connolly, who could be useful on this surface. Given it is a shoot-out game, the Aussies might not be too worried about the surface and will look just to back their strengths.

India have a tried and tested side and have a good grasp of the conditions in Dubai but they will have a bit of a selection headache. Varun Chakaravarthy outclassed the Kiwis last time around, but he played that game in place of the rested Harshit Rana, who might be back in the XI and surprisingly, we could see either Kuldeep Yadav or Mohammad Shami benched. India have made it to the Final of the ICC Champions Trophy in the previous two editions and will be looking to carry the winning momentum against the Aussies and pick up a win that might just ease the pain of that World Cup Final loss.

Time and again, we have witnessed the prowess of these two teams when it comes to this format, and they are arguably two of the best ODI sides of the last couple of decades, which makes things that more challenging and intriguing. The last time these two sides met in an ICC ODI competition was that famous World Cup Final of 2023 that Australia won on Indian soil, and they have had the upper hand in ICC ODI knockout matches in the last decade. However, India are the in-form side, and they have almost all of their first-choice players to go on and do the job for the side.

Hello and a warm welcome to cricketing fans all across the globe! The stage is set and we are just a couple of matches away from the summit clash of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. In the first semifinal, we have a monumental clash as two cricketing giants in the form of India and Australia lock horns at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for a spot in the Grand Finale.

... MATCHDAY ...

The battle for supremacy in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is reaching its climax, with only four teams remaining. India and New Zealand have advanced from Group A, while South Africa and Australia have progressed from Group B. In the first semifinal, Group A toppers India will take on Group B’s second-placed team, Australia, at the Dubai International Stadium. India dominated the group stage, winning all three of their matches, while Australia had a disrupted campaign, with two washouts and just one completed game, which they won. Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill have both registered centuries, while Rohit Sharma has maintained his aggressive Powerplay approach but struggled to convert his starts. Shreyas Iyer has been a key performer, scoring back-to-back fifties in crucial moments, while Axar Patel has impressed with both bat and ball, controlling the middle overs and adding depth to the lineup. India’s pace attack remains a concern, with Mohammad Shami still finding his rhythm post his return from a long injury layoff. Their four-spinner strategy, highlighted by Varun Chakaravarthy’s match-winning five-wicket haul against New Zealand, has created a selection dilemma. Varun replaced Harshit Rana for that match, while Hardik Pandya took the new ball with Shami. The key question now is whether Rana returns to the XI and, if so, at whose expense. On the other hand, Australia have suffered a setback with Matthew Short ruled out due to a quad injury, with Cooper Connolly named as his replacement. Short’s absence is a blow not just to their batting but also to their bowling plans, as his off-breaks would have been valuable in the spin-friendly conditions of Dubai. The most straightforward replacement at the top is Jake Fraser-McGurk, though Aaron Hardie and Connolly offer added flexibility with both bat and ball. A positive sign for Australia is Travis Head’s return to form before rain interrupted his innings against Afghanistan. Josh Inglis and Alex Carey will also carry confidence from their heroics in the famous chase against England. As always, Marnus Labuschagne and skipper Steve Smith will be key against India’s spin-heavy attack. Despite admitting he hasn’t been at his best, Adam Zampa remains a crucial factor in conditions that should suit him. With a place in the final on the line, both teams face crucial selection decisions. Having played all their matches in Dubai, India will have a better grasp of the slow and low conditions, while Australia have spent their campaign in Pakistan, primarily in Lahore, with their Rawalpindi fixture against South Africa abandoned without a ball being bowled. A high-stakes battle awaits as two of cricket’s fiercest rivals clash in a knockout showdown. This marks their first ODI meeting since the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad. Can India script a different outcome this time, or will Australia once again halt their juggernaut? Only time will tell.