In the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy, Australia posted a total of 264 runs, relying on half-centuries from Steven Smith and Alex Carey. To secure a spot in the final, India now needs 265 runs.
On Tuesday (March 4), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Australian captain Steven Smith won the toss and opted to bat first. However, Australia suffered an early setback as Cooper Connolly was dismissed for a duck before opening his account.
Smith then steadied the innings alongside Travis Head, forming a 50-run partnership. But before Head could become a bigger threat, Varun Chakravarthy sent him back to the pavilion. Head scored 39 runs off 33 balls.
Smith continued the momentum with Marnus Labuschagne, but Australia quickly lost two wickets, putting them under pressure. Labuschagne scored 29, while Josh Inglis managed only 11 runs before getting out. Smith, however, brought up his half-century in style.
Australia was at 198 when Smith was dismissed for 73 off 96 balls. Following his departure, wickets kept falling at regular intervals. However, Carey held one end and reached his fifty.
Eventually, Australia was bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs. Carey scored 61 runs off 57 balls. For India, Mohammad Shami was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets.
