Okay, folks! That is it from the first semi-final of Champions Trophy 2025 between India and Australia. We hope you liked our coverage for the game. Do join us for the second semi-final that takes place between South Africa and New Zealand in Lahore on Wednesday. Keep following NDTV Sports for more, goodbye.

KL RAHUL FINISHES OFF IN STYLE!!!!!
What a moment, what a win as #TeamIndia qualify for the #ChampionsTrophy final for the 5th time!#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar FINAL SUN, 9th March, 1:30 PM on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1!
Start... pic.twitter.com/ymcT8TwJdA

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 4, 2025

"Till the last ball is bowled, nothing is certain. At the halfway stage, we felt like it's a reasonable score. The nature of the pitch doesn't allow you play your shots. We were clinical with the bat. We were calm and composed in our chase. Looked better (pitch). Slightly played better than the one against NZ. It's about playing good cricket. There are a lot of experienced guys. That's something I wanted to have - six bowling options and at the same get that batting depth as well. Credit goes to everyone who were involved in making the team. He's done it for so many years. When we wee batting, we were calm. Those shots in the end by Hardik were crucial," said Rohit Sharma.

"I thought the bowlers did a really good job, they worked hard throughout, the spinners squeezed and took the game deep. It was a tricky wicket to start on batting, tough to rotate the strike, everyone did a really good job tonight. It played pretty similar throughout. Little bit of hold for the spinners, little bit of spin and a bit of skid. For the pacers, it was two-paced. We probably could have got a few more on. We lost a couple of wickets at crucial times. If we got 280+, things would have been different. Felt like we were one wicket too many down at each stage of the game. The way we've come together. The bowling unit did a wonderful job, some of the batters stood up. We played exceptionally well against England. Some really good cricketers, they are going to get bigger and better," said Australia captain Steve Smith.

India now share a 3-0 win record against Australia in the knockouts of Champions Trophy. They defeated Australia in the quarterfinals in 1998 and 2000, and now they register a victory over the old-rivals in the semi-final as well.

Rohit Sharma has become the first captain in the world to reach the finals of all ICC tournaments. Under his leadership, India played the World Test Championship and Cricket World Cup finals in the year 2023. In 2024, he led India to the T20 World Cup title. And now, in 2025, India have qualified for the Champions Trophy final. This is some form to savour.

"It was pretty similar to the other day against Pakistan. It is about understanding the conditions and rotating the strike because partnerships on its pitch are important. it all depends on the conditions and then I play my innings. My timing, my composure at the crease, I wasn't rushed. The singles that I took was the most pleasing part for me. This game is all about pressure. If you go deep into the game, the opposition usually give in. It is important to control your impulses. Even if the RR is six an over, I am not bothered. [Best he has ever played?] I don't know. That is up to you guys to break down. I have never focused on those things. When you don't think of those milestones, they happen. If I get to the three-figure mark, great, but the win is important. For me, those things don't matter anymore," said Kohli after the game.

India become the first team to make it to the Champions Trophy final thrice in a row. They won the title in 2013 before losing to Pakistan in 2017. Another edition, and India enter another final of the ICC event!

The target of 265 at one point seemed easily chasable for India but hats off to Australia's fielding and bowling that they still managed to make a game out of it. Not to forget, Kohli's masterclass. He scored a gritty 84 to keep India ahead in the game.

Kl Rahul finishes off the game with a six and that takes India over the line. They win the game by 4 wickets and enter the final of Champions Trophy for a record third time.

Hardik Pandya is out! He wanted to finish off the match with a biggie but has handed a catch to the fielder at long-off. India need 6 runs in 13 balls.

IND 259/6 (47.5)

47.3 - A four from Hardik pandya. India need only six to win.

Another powerful shot from Hardik Pandya for a six and this match is right in India's grip now. India need 12 runs in 18 balls. 

After trying a lot, Hardik Pandya has finally managed to hit a boundary. It was a fuller ball from Adam Zampa and Hardik slammed it over the long-off for a biggie. India need 18 runs in 19 balls.

KL Rahul raced to the 3000 ODI runs mark in the 46th over of the India innings. It was a brilliant over from Nathan Ellis as only one run came off it. That sees India needing 27 runs in 24 balls.

There is the pressure relieving shot from Hardik Pandya. He played four dot balls before hitting one right down the ground for a biggie. A couple comes off the next ball and India now need 28 off 30 balls to win this game.

IND 237/5 (45)

Only three runs came off Nathan Ellis' eighth over. India need 36 runs in 36 balls. A couple of good hits and India will be right on top of this game.

Virat Kohli is out!!! That is a huge blow for India and Australia have got some motivation to continue their fight. It was a fuller ball from Adam Zampa and Kohli played a slog-sweep on it. The ball fell right into the hands of the fielder at long-on. India need 40 runs in 44 balls.

KL Rahul dances down the track and he gets it right from the middle of his bat. It was a superbly timed shot and that goes over the fence for a biggie. India need 41 runs in 46 balls.

IND 224/4 (42.2)

That is a brave shot from KL Rahul. It was a fuller ball from Ben Dwarshuis and Rahul slammed it over the mid-on for a four. This is good strategy from India as Rahul has switched gears while Virat Kohli continues to hold the other end tight with singles and doubles. India need 48 runs in 49 balls.

IND 217/4 (41.5)

That is the relieving shot from KL Rahul. He put his front foot out and slammed it down the ground for a four. The ball went past the right of running long-off. This is the first boundary of Rahul's innings. India need 59 runs in 56 balls.

IND 206/4 (40.4)

A single from KL Rahul through the covers and India race to 200 with that. They need 65 runs in 63 balls. The chasing team is looking well in control. They almost need a run-a-ball. Australia need to wicket to make a comeback in this game.

Virat Kohli broke the record of Sachin Tendulkar to hit most 50-plus scores in ICC ODI tournament history. Have a look at the list -

24 - Virat Kohli (53 innings)

23 - Sachin Tendulkar (58 innings)

18 - Rohit Sharma (42 innings)

17 - Kumar Sangakkara (56 innings)

16 - Ricky Ponting (60 innings)

IND 198/4 (39)

Axar Patel is out for 27 off 30 balls. Nathan Ellis was brought into the attack and he provides Australia a crucial breakthrough. It was a short of length ball coming into Axar. He missed the pull shot as the ball skid off the surface. India need 87 runs in 90 balls.

That runs away for a four! Axar Patel hit it through extra cover for the boundary. Eighr runs came off the over and India now need 90 runs off the remaining 96 balls. This is good batting from the chasing team. They are going really well. Australia badly need a wicket.

There was an LBW appeal against Virat Kohli and umpire was unconvinced. Australia went upstairs only to find out that Kohli had got a faint edge on it. It's a huge-huge relief for the India star as it seemed that Kohli was plumb in front of the stumps. After the UltraEdge showed that Kohli had nicked the ball, the India batter was seen wearing a cheeky smile.

A slog-sweep from Axar Patel for a six over deep square leg. It was bowled fuller from Tanveer Sangha and Axar took the chance. It paid off as the ball went over the fence for the maximum.  

A single from Axar Patel down the ground and there is the 150 for India! The side needs 115 runs off the remaining 120 balls. This match is hanging in the balance at the moment. Virat Kohli is the key for India, while the same wicket could put Australia in command.

Short and put away by Virat Kohli. Adam Zampa bowled the half-tracker and Kohli quickly transferred his weight on the backfoot to pull that through the cow corner for a four. This is a good relieving shot from Kohli.

Once again India have sent Axar Patel higher in the batting order. If he could play a brisk cameo, it could be a blessing for India.

There is the crucial breakthrough for Australia! They have broken the 91-run stand for the third wicket. Shreyas Iyer has been bowled out by Adam Zampa and that sees India go three down. It was bowled around good length and Iyer wanted to cut it away. He missed the ball and that hit his off-stump. Iyer departs five short of his fifty.

Virat Kohli nearly fell to Australia's trap. They positioned Glenn Maxwell at short cover and Cooper Connolly bowled it outside off stump. Kohli got a leading edge but Glenn Maxwell  failed to take the tough chance.

Virat Kohli slammed his half-century in 53 balls. He got there with a strong shot on the leg side. A dot ball followed and that was the end of the 25th over for India. While India are in complete control at the moment, Australia are still in the game. 

IND 131/2 (25)

Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer have added 74 runs for the third wicket off 91 balls so far. Both of them are close to their respective fifties. India are in control at the moment in the chase of 265.

IND 117/2 (23)

A poor ball down the leg side from Tanveer Sangha and Virat Kohli takes full advantage of that. He sweeps it away for a four through the fine leg fence. That also sees India cross the mark of 100 runs at the loss of two wickets.

Virat Kohli is the only player in the world with a 60-plus average among the batter who have scored at least 1000 runs in ODI chases. He has also become the second batter in the world after Sachin Tendulkar to score 8000 runs in ODI chases. 

IND 93/2 (19)

The duo of Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer has stitched 45 runs for the third wicket off 61 balls so far. This is turning out to be a really good partnership for India. Their scoring rate is 4.89 while the asking rate is 5.53.

Tad poor from Australia and Virat Kohli has put it away for a four. Nathan Ellis bowled a short ball to Kohli and the Indian batter pulled it away for the boundary through the backward square leg.

IND 82/2 (16)

Virat Kohli missed an Adam Zampa delivery and that hit him on the front foot. The Australian players appealed for an LBW but umpire was unconvinced. It was a right move from Australia not to go upstairs as ball tracking reveals it would have missed the stumps.

Shreyas Iyer makes room for himself and cuts it away for a four. That goes through the backward point for the boundary. Before facing the ball, Iyer moved on the leg side too much before coming back around the stumps and playing the shot.

IND 69/2 (13.3)

Only six runs have come off the last two overs. When Rohit Sharma was hitting it hard around the ground, it seemed that Australia were lagging behind. But the wicket of the India captain has helped the Steve Smith-led side to make a good comeback. 

That is the end of first powerplay and India have got a good total in it. However, they lost both their openers on that couse. The silver lining for he chasing team is in-form batters Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer are currently in the middle. 

A short ball from Cooper Connolly and Shreyas Iyer cut it away for a four. That came off an outside edge and missed the first slip. India won't mind it as long as the ball is not going into the hands of any Australian fielder.

IND 51/2 (9.3)

Fuller delivery and Virat Kohli hits it down the ground for a four. That was a brave shot from the star right-handed batter. This will give a lot of confidence to the India star, who has otherwise looked scratchy today.

Rohit Sharma is OUT!!! That is a big blow for India as captain Rohit departs for 28. He was hitting the ball really well but departs for 28 off 29 balls. Umpire raised his finger but Rohit still used a review and burnt it in the process.

IND 43/2 (7.5)

That was a brutal hit from Rohit Sharma and umpire Chris Gaffaney just somehow saves himself. Rohit hit it so hard down the ground that Gaffaney fell on the ground for cover. Needless to mention that the ball ran away for a four. Right after that, Rohit was seen wearing a cheeky smile on his face while the umpire was clueless.

Here is the first breakthrough for Australia! Shubman Gill is gone for 8 runs off 11 balls. That came slower than expected off the pitch but it is also poor batting from Gill as well. He got an inside edge on it to the stumps.

Rohit Sharma is riding his luck. He tried to play a paddle-scoop on the bowling of Ben Dwarshuis.

How good is that shot from Shuman Gill! He danced down the track and there was no bounce on the surface for Ben Dwarshuis. Gill pulled it away for a four through the deep mid-wicket region. This is good attack from India at the start.

One has to admit that it was a tough chance but just for the stat, Rohit Sharma has been dropped again. He mistimed a shot towards the extra cover and Marnus Labuschagne nearly pulled off the blinder while running to his left from mid-off.

There comes the trademark pull shot from the bat of Rohit Sharma. Nathan Ellis bowled it short outside off-stump and Rohit picked it away for a biggie. Oh, Rohit gets a life on the very next ball. The fielder there at backward square leg has put the catch down.

Fuller ball onto the pads of Rohit Sharma has flicked it away for a four. The fine leg was sqaure and that saw the ball comfortably running away for a four through the region. This is a good start for Rohit Sharma and India.

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill walk into the ground and so do the Australia players. Rohit takes the strike, Gill is at the other end. Ben Dwarshuis has the new ball in hand. Here we go...

Indian bowlers were persistent but well-paced fifties from Steve Smith and Alex Carey carried a largely profligate Australia to a slightly sub-par 264 all out in the Champions Trophy semifinal. The pitch has definitely played bit better than the last game at the venue that saw India comfortably defending 249 vs New Zealand. This means Rohit Sharma and co. have a challenging total on the board.

Alex Carey and Steve Smith were the best batters for Australia, while Labuschagne and Head also added some significant scores. Credit to Carey, in particular, for the way he performed under pressure. 

Mohammed Shami - 3/48. Varun Chakravarthy - 2/49. Ravindra Jadeja - 2/40. India's three standout bowlers today, without doubt.

India have been the team to beat so far in Champions Trophy 2025. Over to Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and co. to do the business.

265 will be the highest total that India have to chase down in the 2025 Champions Trophy, but they will fancy their chances. With a deep batting order, right up to Jadeja at No. 8, India have enough firepower to pull through.

Australia will certainly feel that they could've made 300, given the foundation they had. However, 264 is a respectable total, and the Australian bowlers will have something to defend here. 

Pandya strikes! Australia all out for 264. Hardik Pandya knocks off Adam Zampa with a brilliant cutter. Given that they were 198/4 at one stage, Australia may be slightly unhappy with the final total. But they can fight with this.

OUT - Adam Zampa - b Pandya - 7 (12)

AUS 264/10

Target for India: 265

Hardik Pandya will bowl the final over of the innings. Can Australia get 270? It is Adam Zampa and Tanveer Sangha at the crease.

AUS 263/9 (49.1)

Mohammed Shami has bowled brilliantly today. Kept the pressure on, given crucial wickets. Steve Smith's wicket in the 37th over was a huge moment, otherwise Australia could've piled on 300+ today. Ends with figures of 3/48 in 10 overs.

AUS 262/9 (49)

Nathan Ellis goes big! Middles it, sends it high and handsome. Very, very good hit by the tailender. That hit takes Australia past 260. Next ball, Mohammed Shami gets him! Ellis goes for the same big hit, but this time picks out Virat Kohli at long-on.

OUT - Nathan Ellis - c Kohli b Shami - 10 (7)

AUS 262/9 (49)

Only 4 runs off the 48th over, bowled by Hardik Pandya. Any over without a boundary is great news for Team India at this stage. Mohammed Shami will now finish his quota from the other end. He has been great today.

AUS 253/8 (48.1)

Shreyas Iyer run in and arrowed in the throw from the fine leg region. Excellent work. He had already taken a catch earlier. Now, a brilliant piece of fielding. With Carey gone, that could set Australia back by at least 20 runs here.

AUS 250/8 (47.3)

Shreyas Iyer, stunning work! Phenomenal throw, straight at the keeper's end. Alex Carey was scrambling to make it home, but the direct hit comes in at the perfect time. Carey falls well short in the end, and the men in blue celebrate.

End of a brilliant knock by Alex Carey, but Australia aren't even at 250 yet.

OUT - Alex Carey - run out (Iyer) - 61 (57)

AUS 249/8 (47.1)

Oh! Great DRS decision taken by Adam Zampa. Very clear edge before hitting the pad. No third wicket for Shami just yet. Australia near 250. 6 runs off the over by Shami.

AUS 247/7 (47)

Shami gets his third! Adam Zampa has to walk back to the dugout. Full and straight, Zampa misses and the umpire raises his finger instantly. Zampa has taken DRS as well.

Full toss, Carey comes across his stumps and scoops it over fine-leg for 4. Excellent thinking once again, Carey continues his brilliant knock. Shami responds with a brilliant wide yorker, and Carey takes a tumble.

AUS 247/7 (46.4)

10 overs done for Varun Chakravarthy. Ends with figures of 2/49. The big, big wicket of Travis Head in the powerplay as well. Safe to say, he has justified his selection in the playing XI.

IND 242/7 (46)

Varun Chakravarthy strikes! Ben Dwarshuis departs. Second wicket of the game for Varun, comes in his final over. Dwarshuis tries to go big, doesn't get the timing, picks out Shreyas Iyer at deep mid-wicket.

OUT - Ben Dwarshuis - c Iyer b Varun - 19 (29)

AUS 239/7 (45.2)

5 runs come off the 45th over. Australia now have five more overs to get to a healthy score. A total of 280-290 seems well within reach, after Dwarshuis' recent blows. Carey staying till the end will be crucial for the Aussies.

AUS 239/6 (45)

Mohammed Shami is back. 3 overs left for him in his spell. 45th, 47th and 49th overs to be bowled by him, if things go to plan. Can Shami knock off Carey or Dwarshuis?

AUS 235/6 (44.2)

Alex Carey has played a superb knock today. 50 off 48 balls. Now, he holds the key to Australia putting up a big total. Up to 52 off 50 balls now, with six overs to go. 7 come off Varun Chakravarthy's 9th over.

AUS 234/6 (44)

Ben Dwarshuis gets the slightest connection, and the ball races away through third man for four. Fielder is too square to get to that. A couple of important hits by Dwarshuis, who needed to get a move on.

AUSA 231/6 (43.1)

Kuldeep Yadav has done the same error again. Does not collect a throw from the deep, and once again gets an unpleasant look from Indian captain Rohit Sharma. Next ball, Ben Dwarshuis clears the ropes! 6! Tossed up, asking to be hit, and Dwarshuis connects very well.

AUS 226/6 (42.3)

Alex Carey's runs are drying up a little here. Tight over by Varun. Another 3 runs off it only. India are on the front foot, and Australia will do well here to get to a total above 270.

AUS 217/6 (42)

Australia cannot afford to waste deliveries here. Ben Dwarshuis is clearly struggling to score freely. It is imperative for the men in yellow that Alex Carey faces most of the balls. Carey on 45 off 42, as it stands.

Varun Chakravarthy to bowl his 8th over now.

AUS 214/6 (41)

Kuldeep gets the 41st over. Carey takes a single off the second ball, giving the strike back to Dwarshuis. The latter isn't able to get the runs going at all. Only 1 off the over, Dwarshuis stuck on 3 off 13.

AUS 214/6 (41)

Here are the overs left for each India bowler:

Shami - 3

Pandya - 6

Kuldeep - 4

Varun - 3

Axar - 2

Jadeja - 2

40 overs done and dusted. What can Australia put up from here? Alex Carey must do the bulk of the run-scoring and really play a vital innings here to take them towards or above 300. India still on the front foot.

AUS 213/6 (40)

Carey is still keeping the run rate flowing. Gets another boundary off Axar. Brilliant presence of mind, plays the reverse sweep, picks up 4. Into the 40s now.

AUS 212/6 (39.3)

Mohammed Shami puts the pressure on Ben Dwarshuis. Four dots, before he can get off strike with a single. Finishes the over off brilliantly as well, gives Carey no chance to keep strike.

AUS 207/6 (39)

36.4: Smith departs

37.3: Maxwell departs

From 198/4 to 205/6 in the matter of minutes. The tide has turned in this contest.

Ben Dwarshuis can hit a long ball, but he certainly isn't a recognized batter by any means. Pressure on Alex Carey now, and he'll have to take a big burden to ensure Australia reach a respectable total. For now, India on the front foot.

AUS 206/6 (38)

Axar Patel roars back! Glenn Maxwell is CLEAN BOWLED. Completely misses it, the ball sticks low, and Axar celebrates. Maxwell has to depart for just 7 runs. India in the driver's seat now.

OUT - Glenn Maxwell - b Axar - 7 (5)

AUS 205/6 (37.3)

200 up for Australia! Huge hit by Glenn Maxwell off Axar Patel. The 'Big Show' is up and running.

AUS 205/5 (37.2)

Australia don't have any more recognized batters after this. In a second, India have pulled the match back towards them again. The partnership between Maxwell and Carey holds huge value for Australia.

AUS 199/5 (37)

Mohammed Shami has been brilliant today. A superb spell at the start, with the wicket of Connolly. Now he has come back and piled the pressure on again. Experience and class at the highest level. 

Glenn Maxwell joins Alex Carey in the middle.

AUS 198/5 (36.5)

SHAMI GETS SMITH! Huge wicket, crucial moment. Steve Smith tries to come down the track, misses it completely. Shami hits! Massive blow, Smith misses out on his century. Australia lose their fifth wicket.

OUT - Steve Smith - b Shami - 73 (96)

AUS 198/5 (36.4)

Carey treats himself to another boundary off Hardik. Steps down the track, times it beautifully once again. Straight down the ground for 4. Six boundaries and a 6 for Carey already. He is nearing a crucial half-century.

AUS 195/4 (36)

Rohit Sharma now opting for pace from both ends. Alex Carey welcomes him in style, pulls him over mid-wicket for 4. Great timing once again, Carey is playing a gem of an innings here for Australia.

AUS 190/4 (35.1)

Australia are motoring along nicely. Smith 71, Carey 29. Partnership up to 42 between the two batters. India are desperate for a wicket here. Australia still have some batting might to come, in the form of Glenn Maxwell.

Australia look good for a score of around 300.

AUS 186/4 (35)

Mohammed Shami handed the ball and tests Smith with a short delivery. Smith does not get the timing right on the pull shot, but the ball flies just above mid-wicket, where an outstretched Rohit Sharma gave it his all.

AUS 184/4 (34.2)

Alex Carey is playing a really handy knock here! Two more boundaries off Kuldeep Yadav. Carey is up to 28 in just 25 balls. Giving the perfect support to Steve Smith. The tactic to save Kuldeep for Carey hasn't worked out so far.

AUS 182/4 (34)

Alex Carey going after Varun Chakravarthy here! In the slot, and Carey gives it the treatment. Clears the ropes over the mid-wicket region with ease. Big hit for 6. Australia just keep the scoreboard ticking at all points.

8 off Varun's 7th over. 

AUS 173/4 (33)

Kuldeep Yadav shirks away from a through from the deep, and Rohit collects it on the other end. Could've gone for a costly overthrow had Rohit not been there. Both Rohit and Kohli appear livid with Kuldeep, who receives a scolding. Thankfully for India, not a big error.

AUS 165/4 (32)

Virat Kohli is arguably the most popular cricketer on the field, and draws a loud cheer every time he gets near the ball. Now fielding at the deep mid-wicket region, and welcomes a big roar as Carey plays the ball down to him.

AUS 162/4 (31.2)

Alex Carey doesn't judge the bounce of the delivery by Varun Chakravarthy. Gets a leading edge, but it drops short of the fielders at point and gully. They also pick up a run. Relief for Australia.

AUS 159/4 (30.1)

Alex Carey isn't afraid to play his shots. Once again, sees the opportunity. Plays it late on this occasion, gets the sweep in, goes fine for 4. Australia doing a good job here to just keep the run rate flowing.

AUS 158/4 (30)

A lot of responsibility on Steve Smith's shoulders here. 62 off 79 balls, so far. Rotated strike well, picked his opportunity. Australia will hope that their captain and go and make a big hundred today.

AUS 153/4 (29.2)

Alex Carey picks his moment. Gives himself room, clears the in-field off Ravindra Jadeja. First boundary for the left-hander. 6 comes off the over, in total.

AUS 152/4 (29)

Kuldeep Yadav has dismissed Alex Carey 5 times in ODI cricket. A smart move by Rohit Sharma to get him back into the attack. Horses for courses. Can the chinaman work his magic against the left-hander?

Not for now. 2 runs off this over.

AUS 146/4 (28)

One wicket-keeper batter replaces another. Alex Carey walks in at No. 6. Stitched a great partnership with Josh Inglis to help Australia win against England, but must ensure a good one here to help Steve Smith along.

Kuldeep Yadav comes back into the attack too. Only 2 overs bowled by him so far.

AUS 145/4 (27.2)

Ravindra Jadeja does it again! Second wicket of the game for him! Josh Inglis tries to play it safe, but hands a simple catch at short cover to Virat Kohli. Josh Inglis has to depart for 11, and Ravindra Jadeja keeps the wickets column ticking. Australia 4-down!

AUS 144/4 (27)

Beautiful. Sweet, sweet timing by Steve Smith. Over long-off, just helped over. Goes all the way! Sends Ravindra Jadeja on the back foot in the third ball of the over. Australia's run rate going towards 6 here.

AUS 141/3 (26.3)

A big day, a big knock. 50 for Steve Smith, comes in 67 balls. Well played innings, under pressure, kept things rolling amidst the India spin attack. The Australia captain has given his team the perfect base to go big in the final overs.

AUS 133/3 (26)

FOUR more! Excellent timing yet again. Steve Smith moves up to 48. Varun Chakravarthy offers a dolly and Smith cashes in. Slams it through the mid-wicket region. Smith motoring along nicely, setting himself up for a big score here.

AUS 130/3 (26.3)

Ravindra Jadeja has bowled a great spell today. Picked up an important wicket, kept things tight. Done his job with the ball to perfection, so far. Now, can Varun deliver from the other end and give India another big wicket?

25 overs done. Australia 125. 5 runs per over.

AUS 125/3 (25)

Steve Smith drives it through extra cover. Glorious timing, glorious batswing. The Australian captain is holding down one end, and picks his opportunity against Varun. 7 off this over as well. Smith into the 40s.

AUS 120/3 (24)

New batter, and Rohit will apply the pressure on him by bringing back Varun Chakravarthy. Certainly India's most impactful weapon, at the moment. Can he weave his magic yet again?

Inglis will be hoping to repeat his heroics from the England game. 120* off 86 balls on that day.

AUS 114/3 (22.3)

Hawkeye shows that it would've been 'umpire's call' had Labuschagne taken the review. Tight decision, but India get their big breakthrough. Josh Inglis comes out into the middle. 7 off Jadeja's over, but the wicket too.

AUS 113/3 (23)

Ravindra Jadeja strikes! Labuschagne LBW. He does not take a review after consulting with Smith. That was plumb. Ball drifts back in, Labuschagne is caught on the pads right in front of the stumps. Big breakthrough. End of a 56-run partnership.

OUT - Marnus Labuschagne - lbw Jadeja - 29 (36)

AUS 110/2 (22.3)

Labuschagne getting the odd boundaries here. Sweeps hard, and sweeps well, into the gap. Couple of bounces, 4, off Ravindra Jadeja's bowling.

AUS 110/2 (22.1)

Oh, it is all happening here. Steve Smith goes across his stumps, tries to scoop but can't. KL Rahul catches. Big appeal by India, but the umpire says no. Doesn't seem to have taken an edge. India don't go for the DRS, and smartly so. Ultraedge confirms no edge.

AUS 106/2 (22)

Dropped? Steve Smith hits it sharply back at Mohammed Shami, towards his left. A really difficult one. Shami sticks his hand out, but the ball ricochets off. Smith survives. 

AUS 106/2 (21.4)

Ravindra Jadeja continues his tight bowling. A maiden over. Second one of the day for India. Axar had bowled one earlier.

Oh, and this is interesting. Change by Rohit Sharma. Mohammed Shami comes back in!

AUS 105/2 (21)

100 up for Australia. With a SIX! Labuschagne gets good connection on this one. Full toss, Labuschagne slogs it over mid-wicket for a maximum. Slightly expensive over, 9 coming off it. Australia going on at a good run-rate, and have kept wickets in hand.

AUS 105/2 (20)

Big let-off for Marnus Labuschagne! The right-hander tries to slog, does not get the sweet timing. But falls just between two fielders near the mid-wicket region. 

AUS 99/2 (19.3)

Ravindra Jadeja has been forced to take off the tape on his hand, after seemingly an objection from the umpire. The left-arm spinner takes it all off. Right after he takes it off, Jadeja starts bleeding on the hand after a collision with the ground. Shows the cut to the umpire. 

Interesting period of play here. 5 runs off the over, meanwhile.

AUS 96/2 (19)

Much-needed boundary for Australia. Comes after quite a while. First one for Marnus Labuschagne. Plays it ever so late, and times it through third man. 7 off the over. Australia keep the scoreboard ticking.

AUS 91/2 (18)

Ravindra Jadeja bowls out another over, very neat. Keeps the pressure on the Australian middle order, does not allow any loose delivery.

AUS 86/2 (17.3)

Axar bowls out. Six singles from the over. Australia keep the scoreboard ticking, which will be crucial for them.

AUS 82/2 (16)

Axar Patel seems to be suffering a bit of an injury. He has fallen on his neck, and is receiving treatment. Let's hope he will be okay to carry on. Drinks is taken, meanwhile. A great effort by the Indian spinners to curb the flow of runs after Head's dismissal.

AUS 80/2 (15.4)

Varun Chakravarthy taken off the attack after 3 overs. Jadeja comes in. Rohit Sharma switching between his spinners here like Thanos would with the infinity stones. Very neat over, just 4 off it. Pressure builds on the Aussie middle order.

AUS 76/2 (15)

Two massive chances go begging! First, Varun Chakravarthy spills it at short fine-leg and a run-out chance goes. Then, Axar Patel's delivery hits the stumps but the bails don't go off! Drama here, in the 14th over.

Maiden over by Axar.

AUS 72/2 (14)

Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy bowling in tandem here. Kuldeep has been taken off the attack. India are piling on the pressure with the spinners here, through the middle overs. Australia's run rate has gone below 6.

AUS 72/2 (13.4)

There seems to be an issue faced by the Australia batters with the sightscreen. Slight pause, but play resumes. Varun Chakravarthy is back to bowl his third over. Smith and Labuschagne playing it quite safe.

3 runs from the over.

AUS 72/2 (13)

Shubman Gill has been warned by the on-field umpires for throwing the ball too early after taking the catch to dismiss Travis Head. Gill had taken the catch at long-off to send back Head. This time, the dismissal counts.

MCC Law: The act of making a catch shall start from the time when the ball first comes into contact with a fielder's person and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and his/her own movement.

Varun Chakraarthy continues the good bowling. Keeps it tight. Just 4 singles comes off the second over. A lot of momentum with the mystery spinner, and he is the biggest threat for Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, for now.

AUS 66/2 (11)

Australia have reached 63/2 at the end of the powerplay. A very good start by India, then a mini-rampage by Travis Head, and then he's dismissed by Varun Chakravarthy.

AUS 63/2 (10)

Steve Smith comes down the track, attacks Axar Patel, gets 4. Over mid-on. Final of the powerplay, and Australia are trying to take advantage.

AUS 62/2 (9.2)

Marnus Labuschagne joins Steve Smith in the middle. Varun closes out his over tidily.

AUS 58/2 (9)

Varun Chakravarthy has weaved his magic once again. What an enormous moment. The man with the golden arm, at the moment. Travis Head has to depart for 39. 6th wicket of the tournament for the mystery spinner.

Big setback for Australia.

VARUN STRIKES! Travis Head is gone. Head tries to go big, miscues it, and a simple catch at long-off by Shubman Gill! That's the big, big, big wicket for Team India.

OUT - Travis Head - c Gill b Varun - 39 (33)

AUS 54/2 (8.2)

Right, this could get exciting! Varun Chakravarthy is in. The danger man, the mystery man. Can he give India a big breakthrough?

Close! Travis Head moves away from his stumps, Kuldeep follows him. Ball passes between the bat and the pad, and in fact, kisses the pad before going to KL Rahul's glove.

Just the one 6 off the over, and five dots.

AUS 53/1 (8)

Another 6 from the bat of Travis Head. Comes down the track against Kuldeep, clears the ropes with ease. Straight, high and handsome. Super stuff.

AUS 53/1 (7.2)

From a score of 4/1 after 3 overs to 47/1 after 7. 44 runs in 4 overs. Electric batting, led by the destructor-in-chief, Travis Head.

Hardik switches up the pace of his delivery. First a slow cutter, angling outside off-stump. Then, the slowsest bouncer you'll ever see! It is called a wide.

AUS 47/1 (7)

Travis Head picks up his fifth 4. Slammed through mid-wicket. Exquisite timing.

AUS 45/1 (6.4)

Hardik Pandya changes ends, as Shami is taken off the attack. Second ball, Steve Smith goes after him. Lofts it over square leg, first 4 for the captain.

AUS 40/1 (6.2)

An early change by Rohit Sharma. Kuldeep Yadav comes to bowl the 6th over. What a shift of gears by Australia, and it has forced Rohit into a change.

Five singles in the over.

AUS 36/1 (6)

Travis Head vs India, today:

After 10 balls faced: 1 run

After 20 balls faced: 26 runs

Three boundaries in a row! Travis Head is on an absolute rampage here. Hit hard, through the point region. Head is on FIRE.

AUS 31/1 (5)

Big inside edge, and goes for 4! Lady luck is now on Travis Head's side. Two boundaries in a row.

AUS 27/1 (4.4)

Travis Head is getting into his groove here. Shami offers him room, Head cuts it with enormous force. Through the covers for 4.

AUS 23/1 (4.3)

Travis Head and Steve Smith try to sneak in a quick single, but the ball went to Ravindra Jadeja. He fires at the non-striker's end, but misses the stumps. Direct hit, and Head would've been gone.

It is all happening out here in Dubai.

AUS 17/1 (4)

That will help ease Travis Head. Opens his arms for the first time, hammers it hard through the covers.

Next ball, SIX! Flick of the wrist, over square leg, all the way! Has Head broken lose at last?

AUS 16/1 (3.4)

A remarkable stat here. As per Ravi Shastri, this is the slowest start by Travis Head in ODI cricket. 1 run off 11 balls here, for Travis Head.

AUS 6/1 (3.2)

Steve Smith - captain Steve Smith - is out to bat. Meanwhile, massive pressure continues on Travis Head. Hardik treats him with a bouncer to start off the 4th over, but it's called a wide.

AUS 5/1 (3.1)

India were really piling on the pressure there. Only 4 runs for Australia so far, three of them have been wides. Barely any delivery where Australia have managed to put bat on ball.

India thriving here! 

Mohammed Shami STRIKES! Ultraedge shows the knick, and Cooper Connolly will be going back for a duck! What a start for Team India.

OUT - Cooper Connolly - c Rahul b Shami - 0 (9)

AUS 4/1 (3)

Massive appeal by Team India. Definite sound involved, did Connolly edge it? KL Rahul took a clean catch. The umpire says no. India take DRS Review!

Some good deliveries by Hardik there. Testing Head, forces 6 dots out of the marauding left-hander. Just the wide ball in that over, only 1 run comes off it.

AUS 3/0 (2)

Team India make a tidy start here. Just 2 runs off the first over, and Connolly is yet to get off the mark. 

Hardik Pandya takes the new ball from the other end, over the wicket. Like Shami, starts off with a wide.

AUS 3/0 (1)

Oh, Travis Head almost edged that one. Head's edge comes back towards Shami, the pacer throws a hand at it, but cannot hold on. Early opening for Team India. 

Next ball, sharply back in, Head has to defend.

AUS 1/0 (0.2)

Shami starts off with an outswinger, drifting away from Travis Head. It's a wide. 

AUS 1/0 (0.1)

Travis Head is opening, as expected. Cooper Connolly has been thrown into the deep end, and is opening the batting with Head.

A breath of fire for the young opener.

Travis Head. A demon, almost each and every time, against India. WTC Final, CWC Final, BGT. Travis Head has been there, done that. 

Utmost priority for Shami and Hardik with the new ball, will be to dismiss Head quickly.

Jake Fraser-McGurk still does not get into Australia's XI. Cooper Connolly has been brought into the 15-man squad and thrown into the mix straight away. 

Eyes on Tanveer Sangha as well, who will partner Adam Zampa. Glenn Maxwell and Travis Head can also roll their arm.

Varun Chakravarthy. Kuldeep Yadav. Ravindra Jadeja. Axar Patel. We could have 40 overs of high quality spin from Team India today. India are backing their biggest strength to the tilt!

India will back themselves here. They have won 6 ODIs in a row, and have convincingly won both times in a run chase during Champions Trophy 2025. 

All of India's top order have had big scores recently, and are definitely favourites for the game.

Team India have now lost 14 tosses in a row! An unbelievable stat.

"When in two minds, it is better to lose the toss," said Rohit Sharma, stating that he wasn't sure whether to bat or bowl. As it stands, India will bowl first today.

India's XI vs Australia:

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

Australia's XI vs India:

Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha.

Team India have stuck with the exact XI from the New Zealand game. Varun Chakravarthy will be part of the XI after his 5-wicket haul, and Harshit Rana misses out.

Cooper Connolly has been drafted into the Australia XI, while Tanveer Sangha comes in as a spin option in place of Spencer Johnson. Focus on spin is obvious!

Australia have won the toss, and decided to bat first! India to chase!

'Win the toss, bat first' is the advice from Michael Atherton and Ramiz Raja on the pitch report. The track has a fair few cracks and should be good for the spinners, they say. 

Varun Chakravarthy a guarantee now?

We are just 5 minutes away from toss time in Dubai! India vs Australia, it does not get bigger than this.

Australia have a huge selection headache of their own. Opener Matt Short has been ruled out due to injury, with Cooper Connolly brought into the 15-man squad.

Will we see Jake Fraser-McGurk get a game today?