India vs Australia: The last time India vs Australia clashed in an ODI knockout match, it ended in heartbreak for Indian fans. The 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad saw Australia not only clinch the trophy but also silence a packed Narendra Modi Stadium. Now, two years later, the cricketing giants meet again in another ICC semi-final, and India will be eager to settle scores.
A Changed Australian Side
Australia’s squad looks vastly different from their 2023 World Cup-winning team. The key architect of their last triumph is absent, and their new-ball duo of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc—once among the most lethal in world cricket—is missing. This leaves the Australian bowling attack significantly depleted, with Spencer Johnson and Ben Dwarshuis expected to shoulder the responsibility.
India’s Strength and Bowling Depth
India, too, will be without Jasprit Bumrah, but the team has only grown stronger since their loss in Ahmedabad. With a formidable spin attack comprising Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and the rising star Varun Chakaravarthy, India holds a significant advantage on the spin-friendly Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) track.
Captain Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of staying focused, saying,
“We have to approach this game like the last three matches we won. The key is to focus on our strengths as a team.”
The main selection dilemma for India is whether to include an extra spinner or pacer. Given Varun Chakaravarthy’s match-winning display against New Zealand, he remains a strong candidate to retain his spot.
Form in Batting and Important Match-Ups
India’s batting line-up is still in superb shape. Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel have given vital runs even if the top order in recent games has made just modest contributions. Still, questions linger over Virat Kohli’s challenges against Adam Zampa given the Australian leg-spinner dismissals five times in ODIs. Rohit Sharma has also had difficulties facing left-arm pacers, which would be relevant since Johnson and Dwarshuis are members of the opposition.
Travis Head will be a significant challenge for Australia. With a remarkable century, he was the hero of the 2023 World Cup final, thereby undermining India’s onslaught. Australia would struggle against India’s strong batting line-up, though, without an experienced spin alternative other than Zampa.
India vs Australia Match Details:
When: March 4, 13:00 Local, 14:30 IST
Where: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
India will try to reverse their 13-match losing run at the toss, but Rohit Sharma is unconcerned. Choosing whether to bat or bowl first on a foreign surface will present a difficulty for Australia’s skipper Steve Smith.
Probable Playing XIs
India:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy
Australia:
Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
Head-to-Head and Stats to Watch
Overall ODIs: Australia lead 84-57
ICC ODI Knockouts: Australia lead 10-7
Since 2020: Both teams are even at 7-7
India’s only loss in the 2023 World Cup came in a match where their spinners failed to take a wicket
Rohit Sharma has been the highest scorer in powerplays (Overs 1-10) since 2023, with only Travis Head having a better strike rate
Final Thoughts
With both teams bringing their own strengths and weaknesses into this semi-final, it promises to be a thrilling contest. While India has the advantage in spin-friendly conditions, Australia’s fighting spirit can never be underestimated. source cricbuzz
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