Champions Trophy semis: IND vs AUS pitch report, Dubai Stadium key stats
"The pitch looks very bare, very dry, and very cracked," noted Atherton, painting a picture of a surface that has seen its fair share of battles
 "Champions Trophy semis: IND vs AUS pitch report, Dubai Stadium key stats")
In the first semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Australia captain Steve Smith won the toss and elected to bat first against India at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday. With a place in Sunday’s final on the line, both teams would be eager to assert their dominance in yet another chapter of their storied rivalry.
A battle of history, form, and redemption
Knockout games in ICC tournaments always bring an extra layer of drama, and this clash promises nothing less. India, still carrying memories of the heartbreak in 2023, will be eager to settle scores. Adding to the narrative is their recent Border-Gavaskar series experience in Australia, which could provide extra motivation.
Australia’s big-match temperament
If history has proven anything, it is Australia’s remarkable ability to step up on the grandest stage. Even in the absence of key players, they have consistently found ways to deliver in crunch moments, making them formidable opponents.
With both teams ready to leave it all on the field, Dubai is set to witness another epic chapter in one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries. Lets take how the ground conditions in Dubai could affect the result of IND vs AUS match today.
Dubai pitch report: India vs Australia semifinal today
Atherton and Ramiz predict a testing challenge for batters
As the sun casts its golden glow over the Dubai International Stadium, a gentle breeze offers momentary relief from the tension building ahead of the high-stakes semi-final. But beneath the calm exterior, the pitch tells a different story—a story of attrition, unpredictability, and the looming dominance of spin.
Cricket experts Michael Atherton and Ramiz Raja, surveying the surface, delivered a stark assessment. "The pitch looks very bare, very dry, and very cracked," noted Atherton, painting a picture of a surface that has seen its fair share of battles. The numbers add to the intrigue—boundaries measure 77 metres down the ground, with the square dimensions offering a 69-metre and 62-metre challenge for power hitters.
But the real battle, as the experts predict, will be against the conditions rather than the field placements. "The ball will grip," warned Ramiz, signalling an ominous test for batters as spinners prepare to make their mark. With the surface expected to deteriorate further, the message is clear—win the toss, take first strike, and make the most of the conditions before the pitch turns into a minefield.
In a game where fine margins often determine history, the Dubai pitch could very well dictate the fate of the semi-final.
Spin-friendly conditions in second innings
A striking trend has emerged from the three matches played on this track—spinners have found it harder to make an impact in the first innings, averaging 42.22 runs per wicket while conceding at 4.81 runs per over. However, in the second innings, the equation has flipped, with spinners averaging a significantly lower 24.76 and maintaining an economy rate of just 4.18.
With the pitch showing signs of slowing down over 100 overs and dew unlikely to play a major role at this time of year, the captain winning the toss may be inclined to bat first, looking to take advantage of relatively easier batting conditions upfront before spin becomes a bigger factor later.
Weather forecast: Warm and sunny in Dubai
Players can expect clear skies and warm conditions, with temperatures peaking at 29 degrees Celsius. With the weather posing no disruptions, all eyes will be on how teams adapt their strategies to the conditions on offer.
India vs Australia semifinal: What to do after winning the toss?
Out of 61 games played at Dubai International Stadium, teams winning the toss have emerged victorious just 29 times.
Dubai International Stadium Stats
- Matches played: 61
- Matches won batting 1st: 23
- Matches won bowling 1st: 36
- Average 1st innings score: 219
- Average 2nd innings score: 193
| Highest team totals in Dubai cricket stadium (ODIs) | |||
| Team | Score | Opposition | Date |
| England | 355/5 | Pakistan | 20-Nov-15 |
| Australia | 327/7 | Pakistan | 31-Mar-19 |
| South Africa | 317/5 | Pakistan | 08-Nov-10 |
| Pakistan | 307/7 | Australia | 31-Mar-19 |
| Pakistan | 292/6 | Sri Lanka | 13-Oct-17 |
| Sri Lanka | 287/8 | Pakistan | 20-Dec-13 |
| Scotland | 287/5 | P.N.G. | 13-Apr-22 |
| India | 285/7 | Hong Kong | 18-Sep-18 |
| Pakistan | 284/4 | Sri Lanka | 20-Dec-13 |
| Scotland | 284/3 | P.N.G. | 09-Apr-22 |
| Pakistan | 279/8 | New Zealand | 11-Nov-18 |
| Australia | 277/7 | Pakistan | 29-Mar-19 |
| Oman | 277/8 | P.N.G. | 16-Apr-22 |