New Delhi: As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 heats up, the stage is set for a thrilling semifinal encounter between India and Australia in Dubai. The Indian team, having played all their group stage matches at this venue, might seem to have an edge, but Australian captain Steve Smith remains skeptical about this perceived advantage. “India obviously played all the games here. So they’ve seen what the pitch is doing. I don’t know if it is an advantage,” Smith noted, highlighting the dry conditions of the pitch.
The Australian team, despite missing key bowlers like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, is determined to rise to the challenge. Their journey to Dubai was confirmed after their last group stage match against Afghanistan was washed out, providing them with crucial extra preparation time. Smith views this as a blessing in disguise, allowing his team to acclimate to the conditions and train on the surface.
India, on the other hand, is driven by a desire to prove themselves against Australia, following recent defeats in the ODI World Cup final and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. With both teams ready to face off, the match promises to be a battle of wits and skill, particularly in navigating the challenging Dubai pitch, which is expected to favor spin bowlers.
Steve Smith’s uncertainty about India’s familiarity with Dubai conditions underscores the complexity of the situation. While India has indeed played all their matches in Dubai, Smith believes that adapting to the conditions is not insurmountable for his team. “It’s just playing our game, playing the conditions, and playing them well for the entire 100 overs,” he emphasized.
The absence of key Australian bowlers poses a significant challenge for the team. Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood are not only experienced but have been instrumental in past victories. However, Smith remains optimistic about the younger players stepping up. “We’ve got some guys here that have performed nicely. It’s good exposure for them to be able to play in an international tournament,” he said.
India’s recent losses to Australia have added an extra layer of motivation for the team. The ODI World Cup final defeat and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series loss have left India eager to prove their mettle. This semifinal match offers them a chance to rectify past mistakes and assert their dominance.
The Dubai pitch is expected to be challenging, with spin bowlers likely to play a crucial role. Travis Head, Australia’s vice-captain, has noted that the conditions in Dubai are more low-scoring compared to other venues, making the situation even more challenging. Smith agrees, stating that the game will be “won or lost on spin,” particularly in the middle overs.
