Published Mar 4, 2025, 1:23 pm IST
The India vs Australia semifinal during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is going to be a nail-biting match. Taking place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the pitch conditions are going to make all the difference in determining the fate of this high-pressure game. Here is a comprehensive pitch report and how it may affect both teams.
Dubai has historically thrown up slow and spin-friendly wickets, and this match too is expected to be like that. The pitch has been newly prepared but will tend to give low bounce and grip for the spinners towards the later part of the game. Fluency in shooting shots may elude the batters, which will make the task of rotation of strike as well as forging partnerships even more important.
India's bowling line-up is suited for these conditions, with Varun Chakravarthy, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav constituting a potent spin trio. Chakravarthy, especially, has performed very well in the tournament, recently delivering a 5-wicket haul against New Zealand. His variations, supplemented by Jadeja's precision and Kuldeep's wrist spin, make India's line-up deadly on a dry and turning pitch.
Australia's primary issue will be how to deal with India's spinners during the middle overs. Steve Smith already identified this task, stating, "The key to this match will be how well we handle their spin attack." Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell will play key roles in dealing with India's spinners by playing in a positive mindset and employing aggressive stroke play where needed.
India: The opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will have to get the runs quickly in the powerplay to deny spinners later.
Australia: They could try playing aggressively against the spinners instead of defending, so they don't lose pace in the middle overs.
The conditions in Dubai favor India lightly due to their stronger spin attack. But Australia's ability to adjust, counter-attack, and play attacking cricket may turn the match into a gamble.
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