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The much-anticipated first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place on Tuesday, March 4, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where Rohit Sharma’s India will face Steve Smith’s Australia. This will be the first ODI encounter between the two teams since the 2023 World Cup final, where Australia defeated India to lift their sixth title. The match promises to be an electrifying contest, with India entering as the in-form side and Australia banking on their resilience and big-match experience.
India’s dominant run vs Australia’s resilient path to the semis
India have had a relatively smooth ride in the tournament, securing comprehensive victories against Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand to top Group A. Their campaign has been built on a balanced squad, with bowlers like Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav stepping up, while batters like Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli have delivered under pressure. Having topped the group, India will be eager to break their ICC knockout curse against Australia, a team that has often denied them silverware on the biggest stage.
On the other hand, Australia’s journey to the semi-finals has been less straightforward. Their tournament opener against England saw them secure a thrilling win, but back-to-back rain-hit matches against South Africa and Afghanistan left their fate hanging in the balance. Thanks to a strong Net Run Rate and favourable results, they sealed their semi-final spot from Group B. While their campaign has lacked the dominance India displayed, the Australians have repeatedly shown their ability to rise in knockout matches, making them a dangerous opponent.
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How Virat Kohli, Travis Head and Rohit Sharma will perform in IND vs AUS CT 2025 semifinal
Cricket astrologer Sumit Bajaj has made bold predictions ahead of this high-stakes clash. Bajaj, who previously accurately foresaw Kohli’s 50th ODI century in the 2023 World Cup, has now predicted that Travis Head will struggle to make a big score in the semi-final. According to him, Head is unlikely to surpass 49 runs, with the possibility of him getting dismissed for 5 or 23. This would be a relief for Indian fans, as Head has tormented India in ICC finals before, smashing a 163-run knock in the 2023 World Test Championship final and a match-winning 137 in the ODI World Cup final.
“Travis Head is unlikely to cross score of 49 tomorrow in Semi Final against India. Score of 5, 23 also great possibility,” Bajaj wrote.
Travis Head is unlikely to cross score of 49 tomorrow in Semi Final against India.
Score of 5, 23 also great possibility. #TravisHead #INDvsAUS
— Sumit Bajaj (Astrologer) (@astrosumitbajaj) March 3, 2025
Meanwhile, Bajaj expects Kohli to be among the standout performers, predicting a minimum score of 50, with a potential range between 74 and 77. He also mentioned that if India bats first, Rohit Sharma could play an aggressive, match-defining innings. With Shubman Gill also tipped to perform well, India’s top order will be key to setting up or chasing down a formidable total.
“Virat Kohli is likely to be the 2nd best player of the match tomorrow if not the top run getter. Hoping for min 50+ score stretchable to 74-77+ Also high hopes on Shubman Gill ! However, if India Bats first Rohit Fires hard,”Bajaj concluded.
Virat Kohli is likely to be the 2nd best player of the match tomorrow if not the top run getter.
Hoping for min 50+ score stretchable to 74-77+
Also high hopes on Shubman Gill !
However, if India Bats first Rohit Fires hard.#INDvsAUS #ViratKohli #RohitSharma #ShubmanGill
— Sumit Bajaj (Astrologer) (@astrosumitbajaj) March 3, 2025
