DUBAI: The ICC Champions Trophy is at its decisive stage, with cricketing giants set to battle for a spot in the final. Reigning champions Australia take on India in a high-stakes semi-final, while an in-form New Zealand side faces South Africa in Lahore, promising thrilling encounters.
India and Australia Set for High-Stakes Showdown
Australia captain Steve Smith is confident his team can handle India’s spin attack as they prepare for their semi-final clash on Tuesday at the Dubai International Stadium—a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final, where Australia emerged victorious in Ahmedabad.
Australia kicked off their campaign with a win over England, but their next two matches were abandoned due to rain in Pakistan. Meanwhile, India dominated Group A with three consecutive wins, including a commanding victory over New Zealand, thanks to their formidable spin attack. Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul in Dubai has strengthened his case for selection.
Smith acknowledged the challenge posed by India’s spinners, stating that the middle overs could decide the match. “The game is probably won and lost in how we play their spin,” he said. With key pacers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc sidelined, Australia may rely on part-time spinners like Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne to support Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell.
Both Australia and Group B winners South Africa arrived in Dubai without knowing their semi-final opponents, a lineup finalized after India’s match against New Zealand. India’s decision to play all their matches in Dubai, while other teams traveled between Pakistan and the UAE, has drawn criticism. However, Smith dismissed any disadvantage, emphasizing his team’s preparation.
New Zealand Eye Another Lahore Triumph Against South Africa
LAHORE: In the second semi-final on Wednesday, New Zealand will face South Africa, buoyed by their recent victory over the Proteas at the same venue during a tri-series last month.
The Black Caps lost to India in their final Group A match on Sunday in Dubai, but wicketkeeper Tom Latham downplayed its impact, emphasizing their confidence from previous encounters. Notably, New Zealand successfully chased down 305 against South Africa in Lahore, with Kane Williamson scoring a crucial 133, and also secured a win against hosts Pakistan in the tri-series.
“We’re fortunate that we had a tri-series in Pakistan and against South Africa,” Latham said. “We’ve got a chance to look back on those experiences and give our best in a semi-final, which is pretty cool.”
New Zealand had already secured their semi-final spot before the loss to India and knew they would return to Pakistan for their next match. Addressing concerns over India’s preferential scheduling—playing all their matches in Dubai while others traveled—Latham remained focused on adapting. “We don’t decide the schedule. For us, it’s about turning up at each game regardless of where it is and playing our best cricket,” he added.
South Africa, who topped Group B ahead of Australia with two wins and one washed-out game, are seen as formidable contenders. “We know how strong South Africa are,” Latham said. “They’ve got all bases covered in terms of batting, bowling, and fielding. It’s going to be a fantastic game.”
New Zealand’s sharp fielding has been a standout feature, with Glenn Phillips’ stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Virat Kohli in Dubai being a tournament highlight. “We’ve seen some incredible catches throughout the tournament,” Latham said. “For us, it’s an attitude thing.”
With the Champions Trophy reaching its climax, both semi-finals promise high-intensity battles as cricket’s best teams fight for glory.