India vs Australia semifinal: Predicted playing XI, Dubai weather report, pitch and more

The last time when India beat Australia in the knockout stage of an ICC event was in the 2011 edition of the ODI World Cup. Needless to say, Rohit Sharma's men got multiple scores to settle when they meet the Kangaroos in the first semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Tuesday. 

Blessed with a venue advantage against a second-tier Australia, India look the stronger side on paper. While most Group A teams shuttled between two of the three venues in Pakistan and flew to Dubai for their match against India, Rohit Sharma and his men have been spared any travel hassle. By staying put in one venue, they have gained valuable insights into the vastly different conditions in Dubai, where spinners have dominated typically low-scoring matches. However, when it comes to the men from Down Under, it is never done until it is done and Rohit Sharma's team knows it better than most. 

ALSO READ | India worried about facing Travis Head's Australia in Champions Trophy semis? Here's what captain Rohit Sharma feels

India sense an opportunity to settle a score against an opponent who beat them in the finals of the World Test Championship and the 50-overs World Cup - both in 2023. In the absence of Australia's frontline quicks, including regular skipper Pat Cummins, stop-gap captain Steve Smith will be banking on his second-string pace attack to make early dents in India's batting lineup.

PITCH REPORT | Is Dubai a bowling paradise?

Will it rain in Dubai on Tuesday?

A bright and sunny day with no rain delay is expected in Dubai on Tuesday. Temperatures are likely to hover in the 20s, which will be ideal playing conditions for both teams, Indian Express said in a report.

How and when to watch India vs Australia CT semifinal?

The semifinal will begin on Tuesday at 2:30 pm (IST) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium -- half an hour after the toss. The match will be available on JioHotstar as well as on TV on Star Sports and Network 18. 

ALSO READ | ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Are India getting ‘undeniable advantage’ at Dubai because of same venue?

India's likely semifinal lineup: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Australia's likely semifinal lineup: Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa.