New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson broke several records in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final match against South Africa in Lahore. Their titanic 164-run partnership is now the Black Caps' all-time highest-ever stand in the history of the tournament.

Both the centurions are back in the hut. New Zealand are 252/3 after 40 overs.

📸: JioStar pic.twitter.com/uOalYeMsUb

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 5, 2025

Both the batsmen also scored centuries, playing key roles in helping New Zealand to a huge total of 362 runs.

Ravindra's Century and Record-Breaking Stand

Ravindra was the key to this record-breaking alliance, hitting an unbelievable 108 off 101 deliveries. His innings were laced with classy shots and elegant shot-making before he was dismissed in the 34th over. Kagiso Rabada got rid of him with a wide off-cutter, which brought about an edge, that Heinrich Klaasen glove-slid behind the stumps safely.

Williamson Completes His Ton After Ravindra’s Departure

Williamson came in to join Ravindra quite early in the innings after Will Young was dismissed within the initial 10 overs. The pair took the Kiwis beyond the 210-run mark, keeping the South African bowlers on their toes.
Whereas Ravindra batted with ferocity, Williamson kept the scoreboard ticking through well-timed singles and strategic boundary hits. After Ravindra got out, Williamson batted on smoothly with Daryl Mitchell.

ALSO SEE: We will play fearless cricket says Pakistan New T20 captain Salman Ali Aga

He completed his century in the 40th over, reaching it in 91 balls. His innings, though, came to an end at 102 off 94 balls when he tried a scoop shot off Wiaan Mulder but could not get a clean connection. His elegant knock contained 10 fours and 2 sixes.

A Record-Breaking Partnership

The 164-run stand between Williamson and Ravindra is now the highest by a New Zealand pair in Champions Trophy history. According to Cricbuzz, the earlier record was a 163-run partnership between Scott Styris and Nathan Astle against the USA at The Oval in 2004.

Two players scoring centuries in the same innings in ICC knockouts

S Watson & R Ponting vs 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, 2009 CT SF
T Dilshan & U Tharanga vs 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, 2011 WC QF
T Head & S Smith vs 🇮🇳, 2023 WTC Final
V Kohli & S Iyer vs 🇳🇿, 2023 WC SF
R Ravindra & K Williamson vs 🇿🇦, 2025 CT SF… pic.twitter.com/U0iSnghg96

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 5, 2025

Moreover, Ravindra and Williamson are also the new record holders of the highest partnership against South Africa in the tournament. The old record was also 163, which was held by England's Paul Collingwood and Owais Shah in 2009.

Massive Feats for the Duo

Ravindra was the first New Zealand cricketer to make more than one century in a single Champions Trophy season. Williamson later joined him in the exclusive club of NZ batsmen with more than one Champions Trophy hundred overall.

Ravindra has now achieved the second-lowest number of innings to reach five ODI centuries for New Zealand, as per Cricbuzz. Only Devon Conway has done it quicker, reaching the mark in 22 innings.

At the same time, Williamson is currently second on the list of New Zealand batsmen with the most ODI centuries against one team. He trails Nathan Astle (five against India) and Ross Taylor (five against England).

Thanks to their record-breaking innings, Ravindra and Williamson have secured their position in New Zealand cricket history, leading their side to a strong total in a high-pressure semi-final.

Australian captain Steve Smith won the toss and decided to bat first in Tuesday's (March 4, 2025) Champions Trophy semifinal match between India and Australia in Dubai. Australia made two changes to their team, whereas India played the same XI that had been performing well in the tournament until now.

Even though India-Pakistan is generally considered one of the greatest rivalries in cricket, the India-Australia series has been some of the most compelling and tautly fought cricket in recent times. This win by India broke a 3-3 stalemate with Australia in ICC white-ball tournament knockouts since the 1998 Champions Trophy quarter-final. India has already beaten Australia in the quarter-final of the 2011 ODI World Cup but has lost in the 2015 World Cup semi-final, 2023 World Cup final, and 2023 ICC World Test Championship final.

Australia's Innings: A Stuttering Start and Resilient Recovery

ALSO SEE: South Africa vs New Zealand: Predicted Playing XI for Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final

Being asked to bat first in their first ODI at the stadium since 2019, Australia received a frightening start when Travis Head was dropped by Mohammed Shami off the very first ball. Despite this reprieve, Australia struggled to build a solid foundation. However, Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61) played crucial knocks to help their team post a respectable total of 264 in 49.3 overs. Mohammed Shami led India’s bowling attack with three wickets, keeping the Australian total in check.

India’s Chase: Kohli’s Brilliance Seals the Win

India make it to their third successive #ChampionsTrophy Final 🙌😍 pic.twitter.com/FrYlgIKXJu

— ICC (@ICC) March 4, 2025

India's response was not good as both of their openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, were sent back early. But Virat Kohli took the initiative, proving his dominance with a commanding innings. Throughout his knock, Kohli broke several milestones, becoming just the second batsman after Sachin Tendulkar to score 8000 runs in ODI chases and moving ahead of Shikhar Dhawan as India's leading run-scorer in Champions Trophy history. While Kohli got out in the 43rd over, KL Rahul (42 not out) sealed the victory for India, ending the match with a six off Glenn Maxwell in the second last over.

Road to the Final

With this victory, India earned a record fifth final appearance in a Champions Trophy. The Men in Blue were earlier co-champions with Sri Lanka in 2002 and had won the 2013 final against England by five runs at Edgbaston. But they lost to Pakistan by 180 runs in 2017 and also lost the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy final to New Zealand by four wickets.

India now hopes for the victor of Wednesday's second semifinal between New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore, preparing for an intriguing final encounter.

Captain of Team India Rohit Sharma is well known by the name Hitman. He possesses a treasure of explosive batting. If Rohit gets into his flow, he plays aggressively. On 4th March, Rohit was his old self against Australia, but he failed to play a big innings. Rohit scored 28 runs off 29 balls, with 3 fours and 1 six. Rohit played such a shot in this brief innings on which umpire Chris Gaffney narrowly escaped. Now its video is trending on social media.

SMASHED IT!

Rohit Sharma’s boundary has everyone thinking, should umpires start wearing helmets?#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar 👉 🇮🇳🆚🇦🇺 LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1!

📺📱 Start Watching FREE on JioHotstar: https://t.co/B3oHCeWFge pic.twitter.com/cAbrKgMezk

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 4, 2025

Rohit Sharma nearly hits the umpire with a powerful straight shot that races to the boundary! 🇮🇳💥

Chris Gaffaney smartly dodges it just in time and cheekily signals a four with a smile! 😆👏#RohitSharma #AUSvIND #ChampionsTrophy #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/jboh0dYSpl

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) March 4, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

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ALSO SEE: Virat Kohli Creates History with Most 50+ Scores in ICC ODI Events

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— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) March 4, 2025

Australia, while batting in the semi-final match being hosted by Dubai, was able to make 264 runs in 49.3 overs and lose 10 wickets. The highest 73 runs for the team were scored by captain Steve Smith. While Team India came on to chase this target, Rohit Sharma displayed his shots. On the final ball of the sixth over, Rohit proceeded to play a solid shot on Nathan Ellis' delivery, which compelled the umpire in front of him to jump on the ground. Upon seeing Rohit's tempestuous shot, the umpire protected himself and fell to the ground. Thus, his life was saved narrowly.

Match Details:

South Africa Probable Playing XI:

ALSO SEE: Virat Kohli on Top: India's Best Catchers in International Cricket

New Zealand Probable Playing XI:

Key Players:

Match Preview & Key Battles:

Bavuma vs Henry: The South African captain will seek to counter Henry's new-ball threat.

Rabada vs Williamson: A battle of importance between South Africa's pace master and New Zealand's batting pillar.

Santner vs Klaasen & Miller: The Kiwi bowler will seek to manage South Africa's middle-order big-hitters.

Jansen & Ngidi vs Young & Ravindra: Early wickets might decide the game's direction.

Both sides have well-rounded teams, creating a thrilling encounter in the Champions Trophy 2025. South Africa's pace attack will be put to the test against New Zealand's determination, creating an exciting showdown for cricket enthusiasts around the globe. Watch out for what is sure to be an electrifying match!

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 on how it may affect both teams.

Dubai Pitch Report for India vs Australia Semifinal

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.

Also See: IND vs AUS Predicted Playing 11, Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final: India's Mystery Spinner Varun Will Be in Action Against Australia

How This Pitch Favours India's Spin Attack

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 Challenge Against Spin

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.

Batting Strategies for Both Teams

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 favour 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.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Live Streaming Between ind vs Aus and Match Details

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continues with an exciting match between india vs Australia on March 4, 2025. The match will be played at the Dubai.live streaming details of ind vs aus

Match Details

• Teams: INDIA vs. AUSTRALIA
• Date: March 4, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM IST
• Venue: Dubai

LIVE STREAMING DETAILS OF THE IND VS AUS

ALSO READ:IND vs AUS Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win? | Match 13, Semi-Finals, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Preview & Analysis

IND vs AUS Predicted Playing XI

AUS Playing XI

Jake Fraser Mcgurk, Travis Head, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Jos Inglis, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

IND Playing XI

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakravarthy

Cricket has its share of unpredictable moments but what is transpiring in the Champions Trophy 2025 defies belief There is a shock all around as the tournament is following almost the exact script of the 2023 ODI World Cup The similarities are so astonishing that people have started referring to it as cricket's biggest repeat moment.
A Tournament on Repeat
As the matches went on, fans began noticing unusual similarities It was not merely one or two coincidences but a whole pattern repeating itself.

• KL Rahul concluded the first match with a six just like in 2023
• India secured their second match while chasing and Virat Kohli remained unbeaten again
• Afghanistan beat England in a huge upset just like two years ago
• The same four teams made it to the semifinals India Australia New Zealand and South Africa

It is as if the script of the 2023 World Cup has been copied and pasted into the Champions Trophy

ALSO SEE: WATCH: Karun Nair Smashes His 9th Century to End a Fantastic Season in Ranji Trophy Final

pic.twitter.com/1VrpHWSRMc

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) March 1, 2025

Coincidence or Something Bigger
This strange chain of events has left experts and fans baffled Is this a huge coincidence or do cricket matches have an unusual habit of repeating themselves Some think it is a mere statistical rarity while others think that it is fate playing its role.
What Happens Next
As the tournament progresses to the final stage the largest question now is whether the similarities are going to repeat If India and Australia are set to play in the final again like in 2023 then it will be impossible to turn a blind eye to this trend.
For the time being, fans are simply relishing the bizarre feeling of repetition But one thing is for sure the Champions Trophy 2025 has been one of the most discussed tournaments in the history of cricket.

Australia has again demonstrated why they are the powerhouse of world cricket. Though they had crucial players missing the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, and Marcus Stoinis, they managed to qualify for the semifinals of the Champions Trophy. Just to make matters worse, two of their group-stage matches got rained off. But characteristic of their style, the Aussies managed to come out on top despite all adversity.
Struggling Against the Odds
The loss of their lead pacers meant that Australia had to depend on backups, and they came through. Nathan Ellis and others filled the gaps, while Adam Zampa maintained the middle overs with his spin. At the batting end, veteran players rose to the occasion, keeping the team in the hunt even without their marquee all-rounders.
With two washed-out games, there was not much room for mistakes for Australia. Each game was important, and they reacted with grit. Their capacity to produce match-winners in various situations speaks volumes about the depth of their team beyond a few marquee names.

ALSO SEE: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semi Finalists Confirmed Teams Journey and Knockout Matches

- No Pat Cummins.
- No Starc.
- No Hazelwood.
- No Mitchell Marsh.
- No Green.
- No Stoinis.
- 2 Game washed Out.

STILL AUSTRALIA QUALIFIED FOR SEMIFINAL OF THIS CHAMPIONS TROPHY. 🏆🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/PG0lYA6ZEg

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 28, 2025

The Aussie Winning Mentality
Australia's success isn't talent, it's a mentality. They're used to producing under pressure this competition has been no exception. They're unmatched for their hunger and adaptability to win.
Aiming for Glory
With a semifinal berth in the bag, now Australia sets its sights on the trophy. Historically, this is when they are most lethal. Irrespective of losing big guns, they are still a team no one wishes to encounter during a knockout game.

Kerala bowled out Gujarat for 455, creating a match-defining margin of two runs to take a huge stride towards reaching the Ranji Trophy final.
Before this, Gujarat's teen batting star Jaymeet Patel held firm against intense pressure in his debut First-Class season to bring his team nearer to Kerala's first-innings score with a rearguard action on Day 4 in the Ranji Trophy semifinal at Narendra Modi Stadium.

🚨 A FINAL'S ENTRY BY BAREST OF MARGIN IN RANJI TROPHY. 🚨

- Kerala for the first time in 74 years history have qualified for the Ranji Final by just 2 runs lead. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ClCjik4cBn

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 21, 2025

ALSO SEE: Rohit Sharma Sets New Record with 100 Wins as Captain

This year, Jaymeet, Gujarat's top run-getter, entered with the hosts struggling under a middle-order collapse led by Kerala's experienced off-spinner Jalaj Saxena. Rather than crumbling under pressure, however, he played the game out, stitching together vital partnerships with Vishal Jayswal and Siddharth Desai. His cautious approach helped Gujarat continue to chip away at the deficit, leaving it poised for a nerve-wracking finish where each run would be precious.
Gujarat's prospects of first innings lead were rocked in the morning session earlier in the day when Manan Hingrajia was given out by a debatable third-umpire decision, five overs into the morning session. The replays indicated the ball hitting his bat and pad nearly in unison, but the referral went against him to Kerala's benefit, having him return to the pavilion for 33.

Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube came up with an amazing bowling display in the Ranji Trophy semi-final, taking a vital five-wicket haul. His brilliant spell enabled Mumbai to strengthen their hold on the match, leaving them in a position of authority against Vidarbha.

FIVE-WICKET HAUL FOR SHIVAM DUBE IN RANJI TROPHY SEMI-FINAL. 💛

- What a fantastic bowling performance by Dube in the big stage. pic.twitter.com/0fNYnzBIAC

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 18, 2025

ALSO SEE:  Another Injury Concern Circulating Around Team India

Dube, who was best known for his aggressive batting, proved that he is all-rounder with the ball on the grand stage as well. His composed bowling frustrated the batting order of Vidarbha, snapping major partnerships and keeping Mumbai in charge.

Mumbai, who are chasing another Ranji Trophy title, would need Dube's all-rounder qualities to be instrumental in their bid for the championship.

Cricket experts as well as fans have appreciated the work of Dube, and his confidence level will be through the roof when he continues with the rest of the tournament. Will he keep on doing his heroics and take Mumbai to triumph? Only time will tell that!