Special Pooja To Hawan: Fans In Varanasi Pray For Team India's Victory Against Australia In Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final; Videos

Team India is all set to face Australia in couple of hours time in the high octane semi-final encounter of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. The match will be a grudge match for Men In Blue who lost the 2023 ODI World Cup to Australia in Ahmedabad.

Ahead of an all-important clash between two sides, the cricket fans performed the Maha Aarti of Sarangnath Mahadev, with the temple priests chanting the Mahadev mantra

Since India won its quarter-final game at the 2011 World Cup, the two sides have faced each other four times in the ICC ODI tournaments. India and Australia have won two games each.

India and Australia set for big showdown

Both India and Australia have reached the semi-final unbeaten in the group stages of the Champions Trophy. India outclassed Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in Dubai, while Australia's only outright win came against England, as their matches against South Africa and Afghanistan were washed out. Against Afghanistan, Australia were cruising towards victory before rain played spoilsport in Lahore.

While India has no fresh injury concerns, they face a selection dilemma over whether to retain their four-man spin attack for the semi-final. Meanwhile, Australia suffered another blow when in-form opener Matthew Short was ruled out with injury. Short provided solidity at the top of the order and contributed with the ball

Jake Fraser-McGurk is a potential replacement, but his inexperience in this format may force Australia to tweak their batting order. They could move the explosive Josh Inglis from the middle order to open alongside Travis Head, creating space for another spinner.

India enter the semi-final as favourites with a significant advantage because of the conditions and firepower. A thrilling contest awaits, but Australia must be cautious not to overextend themselves, which could allow India's spinners to run through their line-up