India VS Australia Semi Final of Champions Trophy 2025 Toss Update, Playing 11, & Match Prediction

Check out the playing XI, toss result, pitch report, and match prediction for today’s India vs Australia 1st Semi-final Champions Trophy 2025 clash. Stay updated with ScoreWaves for key match insights and expert analysis.

The cricketing world is abuzz as arch-rivals India and Australi face off today in a pivotal ICC Champions Trophy 2025 1st semi-final match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This encounter is not just about points; it's a matter of pride, legacy, and momentum in the tournament.

India vs Australia Toss and Playing XI

Australian captain, Steve Smith, won the toss and elected to bat first, aiming to set a formidable target for India. The pitch in Dubai is expected to be batting-friendly initially but may slow down as the game progresses, making spin a crucial factor in the latter stages. With temperatures soaring to 33°C, players will need to manage the heat and adapt to the changing conditions on the field. 

India's Playing XI:

• Rohit Sharma (c)
• Shubman Gill
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer
• KL Rahul (wk)
• Hardik Pandya
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Axar Patel
• Mohammed Shami
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Varun Chakaravarty

Australia: Playing XI:

• Cooper Connolly
• Travis Head
• Steven Smith (C)
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Josh Inglis (Wk)
• Alex Carey
• Glenn Maxwell
• Ben Dwarshuis
• Nathan Ellis
• Adam Zampa
• Tanveer Sangha

Players to Watch

Shubman Gill (India): India’s batting lineup is stacked with world-class talent, but if there’s one player who can truly tilt the game in their favor, it’s Shubman Gill. The 25-year-old is currently the No.1 ranked ODI batter and kicked off the Champions Trophy in style, smashing a century in India’s opening game against Bangladesh. However, since then, his form has dipped – managing just 48 runs across his next two games (46 vs Pakistan, 2 vs New Zealand). If Gill finds his rhythm in the semifinal against Australia, it could solidify his reputation as the best ODI batter in the world. 

Axar Patel (India): With so many match-winners in the Indian squad, Axar Patel might not be the first name that comes to mind. But make no mistake—the Gujarat-born all-rounder brings something invaluable to the team. His quick and accurate left-arm spin makes him a nightmare for batters looking to accelerate, especially when paired with fellow left-arm spinner, Ravindra Jadeja, in the middle overs. While Axar isn’t a big turner of the ball, his control and ability to dry up runs make him an essential part of Rohit Sharma’s bowling attack. And let’s not forget his batting – Rohit has even pushed him up the order at times, ahead of specialist KL Rahul, proving just how much faith the skipper has in him. 

Adam Zampa (Australia): With the Dubai pitch expected to be dry and offering little to the pacers, this could be a dream surface for spinners – and a nightmare for batters. Fortunately for Australia, they have one of the best in the business, Adam Zampa. The 32-year-old wrist-spinner has been quietly effective in the tournament, picking up four wickets while maintaining a tidy economy of just 6.22. And with the Dubai heat soaring to 33°C, expect Zampa to come into play, especially if the pitch starts to grip and turn. If he gets into his groove, he could be Australia’s trump card in the semifinal. 

Match Prediction

Considering current form and team composition, India appears to have a slight edge. Their batting lineup is deep and versatile, complemented by a balanced bowling attack. However, Australia's unpredictability and the high stakes of the match mean they cannot be underestimated. The outcome may hinge on key moments, such as early wickets or pivotal partnerships.