Champions Trophy semi-final, India vs Australia: Key player battles
What's the story
The first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will see a mouth-watering clash between cricketing giants India and Australia.
The match will be played on March 4 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
This match is particularly special for India as they look for redemption, having lost to Australia in the 2023 World Cup final.
Here are some key player battles that could determine the outcome of this much-awaited contest.
#1
Virat Kohli vs Adam Zampa
Virat Kohli, who recently scored a brilliant ton against Pakistan, will be up against Australia's Adam Zampa.
As per ESPNcricinfo, the leg-spinner has gotten him out five times in 14 ODI innings, giving away 264 runs.
However, Kohli has an impressive strike rate of 107.75 against Zampa.
The Australian spinner has been a key for his side as he owns 77 ODI wickets in Asia at 27.84.
#2
Rohit Sharma vs Ben Dwarshuis
Rohit Sharma has been instrumental to India's ODI success as the opener can inflict some serious damage in the powerplay overs.
Ben Dwarshuis, who has been Australia's new-ball bowler in this tourney, would not want to face his wrath.
Notably, Rohit owns a healthy powerplay average of 42.77 against left-arm pacers in ODIs.
Moreover, his ODI strike rate in the first 10 overs since 2023 reads 117.07.
#3
Mohammed Shami vs Travis Head
Travis Head has tormented Indian bowlers time and again. His century in the 2023 World Cup final meant India fell short of glory.
Mohammed Shami, who has been averaging 23.50 in powerplay since 2023, would aim to restrict Head.
Notably, Shami has gone wicket-less across five ODI innings against Head, conceding 36 runs off 49 balls.
Meanwhile, Head boasts a terrific strike rate of 133.17 in the powerplay (ODIs) since 2023.
#4
Glenn Maxwell vs Kuldeep Yadav
Glenn Maxwell is an important cog for Australia, particularly in the middle and death overs.
He will be up against India's Kuldeep Yadav, who has dismissed right-handed batters 107 times in ODIs.
The two have clashed 11 times in ODIs so far, with Kuldeep getting Maxwell thrice while giving away 99 runs.
Notably, Maxwell has a strike rate of 143.47 in this battle.