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'Expecting Some Nervy Times": Rohit Sharma Ahead Of Champions Trophy Semifinals vs Australia

After securing a comprehensive 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final Group A match in Dubai, India is set to face Australia in the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy on Tuesday. Skipper Rohit Sharma, addressing the media in the pre-match press conference, acknowledged Australia's strong history in ICC knockouts but emphasized that his team's focus remains on executing their plans effectively. When asked whether facing Australia in the semifinal adds 'extra motivation, given the Men in Blue's heartbreaking defeat to the same opponents in the 2023 World Cup final, Rohit dismissed any external factors influencing India's approach.

"Difficult To Read His Hand": Axar Patel Hails Varun Chakaravarthy's Mental Skills

Spin bowling all-rounder Axar Patel lavished praises on mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy for his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs in India's 44-run over New Zealand in the last Champions Trophy Group A game in Dubai, saying it is really difficult to read the spinner's mind, and if a batter misses his googly, there is a high chance of losing a wicket. New Zealand's bowlers did well to restrict India's batting line-up, with Shreyas Iyer (79) and Hardik Pandya (45) leading the way as the Asian side posted a competitive total of 249/9 after they were sent in to bat first.

Rohit Sharma Gives Big Reply To Pakistan Legends' 'Unfair Advantage' Allegations

Skipper Rohit Sharma struck down the notion of India having an unfair advantage in the Champions Trophy due to playing all their matches in Dubai, saying it is not their "home venue" and the pitches have thrown up "different challenges" to his side. Several former players from Pakistan, Australia and England have taken an exception to India staying in Dubai for the entire duration of the ICC showpiece, saying the move allowed them better chance to acclimatise to the conditions than other teams in Group A. "Every time, the pitch is giving you different challenges. The three matches that we played here, the pitch has behaved differently. This is not our home, this is Dubai. We don't play so many matches here, and this is new for us too," Rohit said during the pre-match press meet ahead of the semifinal against Australia.

India out to milk venue advantage for revenge against Australia

DUBAI : Blessed with a venue advantage and with a depleted Australia at their disposal, India will be gunning for revenge when the familiar foes clash in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy on Tuesday.

Consistency the consolation after 'gutting' FIH Women's Nations Cup final shootout defeat for Ireland - Sarah Hawkshaw

Ireland's shootout defeat to New Zealand in the FIH Women's Nations Cup final on Sunday was "gutting" but the consistency the team found throughout the tournament in Chile was one of the positive takeaways, according to captain Sarah Hawkshaw.

"In Pakistan, India Would've...": Sourav Ganguly's Big Remark On 'Champions Trophy 2025 Venue' Row

The Indian cricket team booked their Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal berth without a single loss after they defeated New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday. India are the only side in the competition till now who have won all three of their encounters. However, there has been claims of 'unfair advantage' from both past and current players due to the fact that India are playing all of their games in Dubai. The Indian government did not allow the national side to travel to Pakistan and the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided to host the competition in a 'hybrid manner'. Ex-England cricketers like Naseer Hussain and Mike Atherton were not pleased with the scheduling while Jos Buttler and South Africa batter Rassie van der Dussen also echoed similar sentiments when asked about the topic.

Watch: Virat Kohli Stunned As 'Missing' Best Fielder Medal Causes Huge Drama In Dressing Room

India star Virat Kohli bagged the 'Fielder of the Match' medal for his contributions in the fielding in India's Champions Trophy last group stage win against New Zealand on Sunday. Varun Chakaravarthy's five-wicket haul led India to a 44-run win over New Zealand, finishing at the top of Group A in the tournament. They now face Australia in the first semi-final, in Dubai on Tuesday, while New Zealand will face South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday.

After Win vs New Zealand, India All-Rounder Axar Patel Reveals "The Match" Which Gave Him "Self-Belief"

Axar Patel is quickly positioning himself as an useful all-rounder in white ball formats, and for him "self-belief" is the key ingredient in that transformation. In the latest instance, Axar made a handy 42 and then claimed the prized wicket of Kane Williamson with his left-arm spin to play an important role in India's 44-run win over New Zealand in a Champions Trophy match in Dubai on Sunday. "I was not able to click earlier and it was in the back of the mind that I was not able to show my talent. Maybe, I was putting more pressure on myself back then, despite knowing that I have the talent," Axar said in a mixed zone interaction with reporters here.

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'Expecting Some Nervy Times": Rohit Sharma Ahead Of Champions Trophy Semifinals vs Australia

"Difficult To Read His Hand": Axar Patel Hails Varun Chakaravarthy's Mental Skills

Rohit Sharma Gives Big Reply To Pakistan Legends' 'Unfair Advantage' Allegations

India out to milk venue advantage for revenge against Australia

Consistency the consolation after 'gutting' FIH Women's Nations Cup final shootout defeat for Ireland - Sarah Hawkshaw

"In Pakistan, India Would've...": Sourav Ganguly's Big Remark On 'Champions Trophy 2025 Venue' Row

Watch: Virat Kohli Stunned As 'Missing' Best Fielder Medal Causes Huge Drama In Dressing Room

After Win vs New Zealand, India All-Rounder Axar Patel Reveals "The Match" Which Gave Him "Self-Belief"