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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.

'Pressure Will Be On Both Teams': Rohit Sharma On Semi-Final Against Australia

Skipper Rohit Sharma dismissed the thought that India are under added pressure against Australia in the Champions Trophy semifinal, and felt that "pressure to win" will be equal on both the teams. India have not beaten Australia in the ICC knockouts matches since winning the 2011 World Cup quarterfinal. "Look, they are a great opposition to play against. All we had to do is what we have been thinking about the last three games and we have to approach that game in a similar fashion. We understand the opposition and how they play and stuff like that," Rohit said in the pre-match press conference.

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.

India Look To Spin A New Tale Against Australia In Champions Trophy Semi-Final

History weighs heavily against them but India would rely on a potent spin battery and familiarity with the conditions to break the knockout jinx against an undermanned Australia when the two formidable cricket forces clash in the Champions Trophy semifinal in Dubai on Tuesday. It will not be a straightforward task, though, as the Aussies are a resilient beast in global tournaments even without their lead cast of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Their stunning chase of 352 against England at Lahore a few days back validates the thought.

Australia Batters Focus On Spinners Ahead Of Champions Trophy Semifinals

Australia had an intense three-hour practice session at the ICC Academy on Sunday afternoon with the focus firmly on their play against spin. While senior pros like Steve Smith and Travis Head had a light hit, the youngsters went full throttle. The Australian team opted for seven ICC academy based net bowlers -- all spinners including slow left-arm orthodox Harshit Seth, a 20 year old UAE player, besides two left arm Chinaman bowlers, as many off-spinners and a leg-spinner. Australia finished second in Group B behind South Africa and both teams are camping in the UAE, waiting to know who their opponents will be in the semifinals. Australia will face table toppers from Group A, either India or New Zealand, in their last four clash.

Watch: Australia's Josh Inglis Controversially Runs Out Afghanistan Star. What Steve Smith Does Next Stuns All

Australia captain Steve Smith's sportsman spirit during the side's Champions Trophy 2025 match against Afghanistan on Friday has become a topic of discussion. On the final ball of the 47th over of the Afghanistan innings, Azmatullah Omarzai played a delivery to mid-wicket fielder and took a single. After completing the run, Noor Ahmad, who then reached the striker's end, walked out of his crease without even wicketkeeper Josh Inglis collecting the ball from the fielder. As Noor left his crease before the throw arrived at striker's end and the ball could be deemed dead, Inglis clipped off the bails after receiving the throw and appealed for a run-out.

Major Blow For Australia Ahead Of Likely Champions Trophy Semi-Final vs India, Top Star Most Likely To Miss Out

Australian opener Matthew Short will likely miss the Champions Trophy semifinal against either India or New Zealand after the in-form batter suffered a quad injury in the washed out match against Afghanistan. Short had scored a 15-ball 20 on Friday but had looked in visible pain before he was dismissed by Azmatullah Omarzai as Australia advanced to the semifinals with four points. The 29-year-old white-ball player had scored 63 as Steve Smith's Australia had chased down England's mammoth 351 in their opening match of the Champions Trophy.

Short doubtful for Australia's Champions Trophy semi

Australia's Matt Short looks set to miss the Champions Trophy semi-finals after suffering a thigh injury during Friday's abandoned Group B match against Afghanistan in Lahore.

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Steve Smith Sport News

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

'Pressure Will Be On Both Teams': Rohit Sharma On Semi-Final Against Australia

India out to milk venue advantage for revenge against Australia

India Look To Spin A New Tale Against Australia In Champions Trophy Semi-Final

Australia Batters Focus On Spinners Ahead Of Champions Trophy Semifinals

Watch: Australia's Josh Inglis Controversially Runs Out Afghanistan Star. What Steve Smith Does Next Stuns All

Major Blow For Australia Ahead Of Likely Champions Trophy Semi-Final vs India, Top Star Most Likely To Miss Out

Short doubtful for Australia's Champions Trophy semi