IND vs AUS, Champions Trophy semifinal: India and Australia are battling in the first semifinal of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with the Aussies opting to bat first after winning the toss. While India has been disciplined with the ball, a stroke of luck favored Steve Smith, allowing him to survive despite the ball hitting the stumps.
Steve Smith gets lucky! Ball hits stumps but bails stay intact
During the 14th over, bowled by Axar Patel, Smith got an inside edge that deflected off his pad and slowly rolled onto the off-stump.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, the bails remained intact, keeping Smith at the crease. As per cricketing rules, a batsman is not considered out unless the bails are dislodged, giving Smith an unexpected lifeline.
Australia wins toss and elects to bat first
Australia captain Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bat first. The Kangaroos made two notable changes to their playing XI - Cooper Connolly replaced Matt Short, while Tanveer Sangha came in for Spencer Johnson.
India struck early, with Mohammed Shami dismissing Connolly for a duck. Varun Chakravarthy then removed the dangerous Travis Head for 39.
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Ravindra Jadeja struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne in the 23rd over and Josh Inglis in the 27th, putting Australia under pressure. Meanwhile, Steve Smith remains steady after reaching his half-century, holding the innings together as the Aussies look to rebuild.
At the end of 30 overs, Australia reached 158/4. Steve Smith and Alex Carey are building a partnership, keeping the scoreboard moving.
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