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Matt Henry’s absence hurt New Zealand massively in the Champions Trophy Final

Charbel Coorey
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Matt Henry’s absence hurt New Zealand massively in the Champions Trophy Final

Matt Henry, New Zealand’s attack leader, was visibly distraught after failing a final fitness test ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy Final against India. His shoulder injury, suffered while taking the catch of Heinrich Klaasen in the semi-final, was a body blow to the Black Caps’ hopes of a first ICC white-ball trophy since 2000 given his powerplay exploits.

Henry’s absence meant New Zealand had a target batting first. They realistically needed 280 to challenge India’s long batting lineup without his powerplay threat. Following Kuldeep Yadav’s quick double strike at the start of the middle overs’ period, the Black Caps struggled, with Michael Bracewell’s cameo eventually taking them over the psychological 250-run barrier.

However, a strong Indian powerplay would give them a huge headstart in the chase. Rohit Sharma took advantage. The captain led the way as India hit 59 off the first eight overs against Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith, who all couldn’t replicate what Henry often produces.

We missed Matt Henry in the final – Mitchell Santner

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner admitted his side missed Matt Henry. The seamer finished with the most wickets (10), including five against India last week.

“He was the leading wicket-taker going into this game, and he’s an outstanding bowler, as we’ve seen,” Santner said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “He seems to be able to nip it on wickets that don’t look like they should nip, so I guess we missed that today. I feel for Matty. He’s a massive team man, and he looked pretty distraught.”

Santner’s point about Henry nipping the ball is spot on. Since the start of 2023, Henry has taken 16 wickets in the powerplay at an economy of just 4.31. He has dismissed Rohit Sharma twice for 59 runs (SR 100) and Shubman Gill twice for 62 runs (SR 76.5), so his absence left a big hole as the Black Caps aimed to defend a total which looked at least 30 runs short.

“Absolutely gutted for Matt Henry,” said former New Zealand pace bowler Tim Southee on ESPNcricinfo’s MatchDay program before the final commenced. “He’s been the key man in one-day cricket for New Zealand for some time. Coming off a five-for against India and at that ground as well, so massive loss for New Zealand.”

The Black Caps fought admirably in the middle overs, picking up Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in a ten-over period that saw them come right back into the game. However, India’s excellent depth came to the fore, with Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel and KL Rahul all play vital knocks.

“After the start [we had with the bat], we were probably thinking of a score around 275 or 280,” said Santner. “Credit has to go to Kuldeep for the way he bowled straight after the powerplay, and Varun inside the powerplay.”

CT 2025 Final Twitter Reactions – India seal 3rd Champions Trophy title

Charbel Coorey
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CT 2025 Final Twitter Reactions – India seal 3rd Champions Trophy title

India have won their second ICC trophy in nine months, prevailing by four wickets in the 2025 Champions Trophy (CT) against New Zealand in Dubai, sparking widespread reactions.

Having lost an incredible 15th consecutive coin toss in ODIs, India were asked to bowl first. Rachin Ravindra made an excellent start, forcing Rohit Sharma to introduce spin early. For New Zealand, however, their backs were against the wall from the 11th over onwards as Ravindra (37) and Kane Williamson (11) fell in quick succession to the excellent Kuldeep Yadav to leave the Black Caps tottering at 75/3 in the 13th over.

From there, it was a struggle for New Zealand as the four-pronged spin attack took hold of the game. Daryl Mitchell struggled, batting 101 balls for 63, as he and Glenn Phillips (34 off 52 balls) enabled them to go deeper into the innings. However, they needed more strike rotation as an above-par score was a necessity with Matt Henry unavailable to injury. In the end, Michael Bracewell’s excellent half century (53* off 40 balls) took them past 250.

Such a total was realistically only going to be enough if New Zealand could strike early. Henry’s absence left a big hole. Rohit Sharma took advantage, taking the seamers to all parts of the Dubai International Stadium as India finished the powerplay with a big headstart at 64/0.

The next 8.4 overs yielded just 29 as the spinners came to the fore. Shubman Gill struggled, and was out to another Phillps blinder. New Zealand then had to squeeze, and they did. Virat Kohli was out second ball, and Rohit fell to the pressure, skipping down and swinging wildly in the 27th over. The Black Caps had hope with two of India’s big guns gone. But India, with such excellent middle order depth, kept their noses in front.

Shreyas Iyer (48) and Axar Patel (29) settled proceedings. From there, the excellent KL Rahul, usually so reliable in ODIs, was there at the end as he was against Australia, finishing with 34 off 33 balls.

Twitter Reactions to India winning the 2025 CT Final against New Zealand

Ravindra Jadeja’s winning runs sparked celebrations both at the stadium and online. India have now won 23 of their past 24 matches in ICC events, with the only defeat that day in Ahmedabad.

“Let’s be honest India are the best team in the world in white ball cricket by a decent margin .. Throughly deserved to Win .. T20 holders/Champions trophy holders .. Now down to rest to try and catch up,” wrote Michael Vaughan on X.

Here are some of the reactions to the 2025 CT Final.

For New Zealand, it is another case of so close, yet so far. They have reached multiple white-ball finals in the past decade (2015 ODI WC, 2019 ODI WC, 2021 T20 WC and 2025 ODI CT) but have fallen short each time. Their next attempt will be the T20 World Cup in India next year.

IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – CT 2025 Final

Robin Kumar Sharma
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It’s time for the big final of the ICC Champions Trophy (CT) 2025. The two best teams – India and New Zealand – will lock horns in the decider at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. It’s going to be an exciting contest as India is yet to lose a game in the tournament, while New Zealand has lost only one game, which was against India.

The Indian team has been in excellent form. The batters have scored runs consistently and the bowlers have done an excellent job till now. All this is despite Rohit Sharma failing to score big and Shubman Gill getting out cheaply in the last couple of games.

India will need a good start from their openers as the middle order is in good form. In the bowling department, Mohammed Shami will have to step up and pick early wickets with the new ball. Kuldeep Yadav, too, needs to take responsibility in this big game. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer’s form will be a big boost for the Indian side going into the final of the tournament.

New Zealand, on the other hand, defeated South Africa in the semi-final by 50 runs. Their batting depth came to their rescue in that game when Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips helped them to a big total after a middle-order collapse.

The Kiwis lost their group stage game against India by 44 runs. They looked helpless against Varun Chakaravarthy and they’ll have to be on their toes against him in this game.

The likes of Tom Latham, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell must step up with the bat in this match. The bowlers have done a good job till now, with Matt Henry being the leading wicket-taker of the tournament. Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke will be the important bowlers for the Kiwis.

Mitchell Santner will be the trump card for New Zealand as he can put pressure on the Indian batters in the middle overs. Overall, the Kiwis will have to be at their best with the bat if they are to win this game and the title.

CT 2025 Final: IND vs NZ Possible Playing XIs

India may bring in Harshit Rana for Kuldeep Yadav.

South Africa: 1. Rohit Sharma (c), 2. Shubman Gill, 3. Virat Kohli, 4. Shreyas Iyer, 5. Axar Patel, 6. KL Rahul, 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Ravindra Jadeja, 9. Kuldeep Yadav/Harshit Rana, 10. Mohammed Shami, 11. Varun Chakaravarthy

New Zealand is expected to be unchanged for this game. However, Matt Henry is in doubt due to a shoulder injury.

New Zealand: 1. Will Young, 2. Rachin Ravindra, 3. Kane Williamson, 4. Daryl Mitchell, 5. Tom Latham (wk), 6. Glenn Phillips, 7. Michael Bracewell, 8. Mitchell Santner (c), 9. Matt Henry/Jacob Duffy/Nathan Smith, 10. Kyle Jamieson, 11. Will O’Rourke

Dubai International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report and Weather

As per reports, it will be a used wicket for this game. The pitches in Dubai have been on the slower side with good assistance for the spinners. Batters, once set, can play their shots. There has been some swing upfront for the new ball bowlers, but that stops pretty quickly.

It’s expected to be similar for this game as well. Out of four games, three have been won by the chasing side. Despite that, batting first and setting up a good total will be the way to go for this game.

It might be a little cloudy with a high of 21 degrees Celsius on the match day. There’s no chance of rain.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for IND vs NZ: Players to Watch/Key Stats

Note: Try to pick more batters and all-rounders if you are playing on Dream11. The new point system rewards the batters heavily.

Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:

  • KL Rahul will be the best pick from the wicket-keeping section in fantasy cricket. He has been in good touch and can score big if he gets to face enough deliveries. Rahul averages 58.80 against New Zealand at a strike rate of 106.50 with a century and a fifty in seven innings.

Key batter picks:

  • Kane Williamson scored 81 runs in the group stage game against India and a century in the semi-final. He will be a must in your fantasy teams as he can score big on his day. Williamson against India: 1228 runs in 29 innings at an average of 45.40 with 11 fifties and a century.
  • Virat Kohli played a match-winning knock in the semi-final against Australia. He has 217 runs in this tournament at an average of 72.33 including a fifty and a hundred. Kohli is a big match player and has a track record of performing under pressure. 
  • Rachin Ravindra scored a brilliant hundred in the semi-final. He will be a key player at the top for his side. Rachin scores big when he gets going, and he will bowl a few overs as well. He is the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament with 226 runs in three innings including two centuries.
  • Shreyas Iyer has been in sublime touch in ODIs for some time now. He is a good player of spin bowling and likes to bat positively. Iyer scored 79 in the group stage game against the Kiwis. He averages 70.40 against them in eight innings for his 563 runs including two centuries and four fifties.
  • Shubman Gill has scored 592 runs in 11 ODIs against New Zealand at an average of 74 including two hundreds and two fifties. He scored his ODI double century against New Zealand back in 2023. Gill will be a key player at the top and will be a must in your fantasy teams.

Top all-rounder picks:

  • Axar Patel will fetch points from both bat and ball. He will be a must-pick in your fantasy teams considering his dual value. Axar scored 42 and picked up a wicket in the group stage match against New Zealand. He will be a top C/VC option.
  • Mitchell Santner has 15 wickets in 21 ODIs against India at an economy of just 4.75. Santner will enjoy the conditions in this game and can trouble the Indian middle order. He is capable with the bat as well.

Key bowler picks:

  • Matt Henry has 21 wickets in 11 games against India in ODIs. If picked, he will be a must in your fantasy teams as he’s in top form in this tournament. Henry picked up five wickets in the last game against India. Try him as C/VC in the big leagues.
  • Varun Chakaravarthy picked up a 5-fer in the last game against New Zealand and saw India over the line from a tricky situation. His bowling style will suit the conditions at Dubai and the Kiwis will be extra cautious against him in this match. 

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Team

  • Daryl Mitchell has two centuries against India in seven ODIs. He is a good player of spin bowling and can be the game-changer in fantasy cricket.
  • Hardik Pandya will fetch points from both batting and bowling. He can win games single-handedly on his day.
  • Mohammed Shami has 37 wickets against New Zealand in 15 matches. He went wicketless in the last game against the Kiwis but Shami is the lead pacer for India and can pick up wickets in clusters on his day.

Other Matchups and Facts

  • Head to Head (ODIs): India (61), New Zealand (50).
  • Virat Kohli vs Matt Henry (ODIs): 67 deliveries, 57 runs, 2 dismissals.
  • Kane Williamson vs Mohammed Shami (ODIs): 110 deliveries, 83 runs, 3 dismissals.

CT 2025 Final: IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Possible XIs, Dubai Pitch Report for the CT 2025 Final between India and New Zealand
CT 2025 Final: IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Possible XIs, Dubai Pitch Report for the CT 2025 Final between India and New Zealand
CT 2025 Final: IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction

CT 2025 Final: IND vs NZ Match Prediction: Who will win?

India are looking like the firm favourites to win the title but it’s going to be a very tough ask for them. The Kiwis will be determined to give their all in this game, and they can dominate the game if they can hold their nerves while batting. But I’ll back India to win this game and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

IND vs NZ CT 2025 Final Tactical Preview – Time for bold team changes?

Sparsh Telang
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IND vs NZ CT 2025 Final Tactical Preview – Time for bold team changes?

As the 2025 Champions Trophy (CT) final looms on the horizon in Dubai, the India-New Zealand showdown promises a fascinating tactical battle. Both teams have relied on settled lineups, but given the conditions and matchups, there certainly is a case for slight tactical adjustments.

New Zealand faces a call: inject Devon Conway’s spin-playing finesse or preserve their bowling depth. For India, the question is whether a tweak in their spin arsenal could help counter a left-hand-heavy Kiwi lineup.

What follows is an exploration of the tactical tweaks that could shape this high-stakes duel.

India vs New Zealand CT 2025 Final Tactical Analysis: Go with the same team or make a bold call?

New Zealand’s Batting Puzzle: Conway for Young or Jamieson?

New Zealand must weigh the risk-reward equation in their batting order. Will Young’s form has dipped since his brilliant hundred against Pakistan, making Devon Conway a compelling alternative. His proficiency against spin, coupled with his left-handed presence, could add another layer of complexity to the plans of India’s left-arm duo, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.

CT 2025 Final Tactical Preview: Should New Zealand find a spot for Devon Conway?

One path is a straightforward swap: Conway for Young. This preserves the bowling attack, with Kyle Jamieson’s pace alongside Will O’Rourke and spearhead Matt Henry, while Conway slots into the top order.

A bolder move beckons, though: could Conway replace Jamieson? With Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips offering credible bowling options — capable of delivering tight overs of spin — New Zealand could deepen their batting by swapping Conway for Jamieson, a shift the conditions might well favour. From India’s perspective, Rachin and Phillips could pose a sterner challenge than Jamieson, whose overs beyond the Powerplay might present an opportunity to seize control.

Conway’s inclusion bolsters the middle order against spin, his left-handedness adding a layer to combat India’s attack, while Mitchell Santner at No. 9 lends substantial depth. This setup frees the top order to attack early against the softer ball — particularly in a chase — with a safety net of wickets in hand.

India’s Spin Conundrum: Sundar over Kuldeep?

India, however, could pre-empt New Zealand’s move. Anticipating Conway’s inclusion, they might turn to an off-spinner like Washington Sundar — a tactic that doubles as a shield against New Zealand’s broader left-heavy lineup, with as many as four (or five, if Conway plays) left-handers in their top eight.

One could argue that both Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar spin the ball left-to-right, their stock deliveries turning away from left-handers. The choice between them, however, hinges on form and fit.

Kuldeep, despite his undeniable brilliance, has struggled to recapture his peak since his return. A noticeable dip in pace has blunted his effectiveness, allowing batters to sit deep and play him comfortably off the back foot.

Sundar’s quick off-spin, by contrast, offers a compelling alternative. His bowling style could prove particularly effective on a slow Dubai track, posing greater challenges to batters than Kuldeep’s wrist-spin in its current form. He could exploit the surface more effectively, especially against a lineup leaning on left-handers to dominate spin.

Beyond his bowling, Sundar’s inclusion further deepens India’s batting – much like Conway’s would for New Zealand, as discussed earlier. It grants the top order license to be more aggressive against the newer, harder ball. Moreover, it gives India another left-handed option, one that could be floated up the order if Santner’s craft triggers a middle-overs collapse.

The Toss: A Case for Batting First

The toss could prove a defining moment in Dubai, with both teams likely itching to bat first. Dew is unlikely to tilt the scales, leaving the prospect of chasing against either side’s elite spin a daunting task. India’s semi-final pursuit was aided by a weakened Australian attack (and a Kohli masterclass). Here, whether it’s India chasing a New Zealand total or the other way around, batting second on a slowing pitch will be a tough challenge.

CT 2025 Final Tactical Preview: Virat Kohli has been superb when chasing, but India may want to bat fist.

Gill’s Battle: Powerplay and Beyond

For India, the game’s pulse may hinge on Shubman Gill’s early tussle with Henry and Jamieson/O’Rourke. If Gill can weather the early swing and seam movement, he not only lays a foundation but also positions himself to be India’s key figure against New Zealand’s spinners in the middle overs.

With Axar Patel, he’ll be key to manoeuvring Santner and the rest of New Zealand’s spin brigade through the middle overs. India’s aim will be to prevent a mid-innings stumble by keeping wickets intact and the scoring rate steady — a balance Gill and Axar will be key to striking — knowing the Black Caps’ death-bowling struggles offer a chance to capitalize late.

Will New Zealand bolster their batting with Conway or stick with Jamieson’s pace? Can India unleash Sundar’s off-spin to counter the Kiwis’ left-heavy lineup, or will Kuldeep rediscover his spark at the eleventh hour? With the toss likely crucial and Gill’s role key in shaping the middle overs, every decision could tip the balance. In a game of fine margins, the team that masters these tactical battles may well take home the trophy.

“Disheartening” – South Africa fans react to CT 2025 Semi Final defeat to New Zealand

Charbel Coorey
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“Disheartening” – South Africa fans react to CT 2025 Semi Final defeat to New Zealand

It’s more heartache for South Africa in a semi final of an ICC ODI tournament, this time losing by 50 runs to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy. The Proteas, who looked very impressive in the group stage, put on a disappointing all-round show, lacking intensity and belief in the field before a batting display that never really had them in the hunt chasing 363.

The superb Black Caps took advantage of lacklustre South African bowling and fielding in the final ten overs, pummelling 110 after centuries by Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson set up the innings perfectly. That sluggishness then transferred over to the batting, with the Proteas not taking advantage of the powerplay to try get ahead of the run rate.

The blame game is being pointed every which way on social media. Truth be told, just about every player could look back on that match and say they had it in them to produce better. Lungi Ngidi was the best out of South Africa’s seam attack who had a tough outing overall. In the chase, South Africa’s run rate was 5.60 after 10 overs and 5.35 after 20, with debates rife around Temba Bavuma’s approach in particular. They needed a Heinrich Klaasen special, but he was out in such disappointing fashion for a player of his class with 196 needed off 129 balls at that point.

The Proteas had to be perfect in the final 30 overs, and they were far from it.

South Africa fans dissect disappointing Semi Final loss to New Zealand in Lahore

Even David Miller’s 67-ball 100 caused debate, with critics questioning why he didn’t go harder earllier. However, so much damage had been done, with the Proteas only reducing the margin of defeat.

Ultimately, it is another case of what could have been for South Africa in a Semi Final. Here are some of the reactions to the 50-run loss, including some fascinating insights from passionate Proteas fans.

South Africa will have another shot at an ICC trophy this year when they take on Australia in the World Test Championship Final in June.

IND vs AUS CT 2025 Semi Final Twitter Reactions – Virat Kohli 84, KL Rahul 42*, Hardik 28 lead India to final

Charbel Coorey
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IND vs AUS CT 2025 Semi Final Twitter Reactions – Virat Kohli 84, KL Rahul 42*, Hardik 28 lead India to final

IND vs AUS CT 2025 Semi Final Twitter reactions: “While Virat Kohli is there, everyone in that dressing room, and everyone in India, feels secure.” Nasser Hussain described the situation perfectly as the final ten overs of India’s run chase of 265 began, as Virat sought to seal a chase in typical Virat fashion.

In the end, Kohli’s 84, set up by magnificent strike rotation once again, laid the groundwork for the excellent KL Rahul (42* off 34 balls) to take over, as India beat archrivals Australia by four wickets and 11 balls to spare in Dubai to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy Final.

IND vs AUS CT 2025 Semi Final Twitter Reactions – Virat Kohli won man of the match for his 84 (98)

With India 43/2 in the eighth over, Australia sensed an opening. Kohli and Shreyas Iyer (45) combined for a very solid 89-run stand that kept India ahead of the game. The former hit just five fours in his 98-ball stay, still maintaining a strike rate of 85-90 right throughout the innings thanks to expert placement.

8,000 runs represents a wonderful ODI career. During the innings, Kohli brought up 8,000 runs while chasing in ODIs alone. The impressive Rahul also brought up a landmark, notching 3,000 ODI runs at an average close to 50. A string of dot balls from Hardik Pandya would have made some fans feel uneasy after Kohli surprisingly gave his wicket away, but his fabulous hitting against Adam Zampa ensured India were safe. Rahul then ended things with a six in the penultimate over.

Australia tried hard, but lacked the strike power needed to take wickets at crucial times with so much experience missing. The attack, marshalled so well by Steve Smith, has done a good holding job all tournament, but defending a total against a quality batting lineup like India’s always looked a tall order on a fresh Dubai track. They held on and took the game as deep as they could, but India were always ahead, especially with Australia dropping chances, most notably Kohli on 51.

This factor is perhaps why Australia looked to go harder with the bat earlier than some expected. Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell were dismissed in consecutive overs, leaving Australia six down by the 38th in a period that swung the game in India’s favour. From 198/4 after 36.3 overs to 264 all-out, Australia’s total looked at least 30 short. Smith’s ultra-aggressive shot, Maxwell’s short stay, and Alex Carey’s lack of strike in the final ten proved mighty costly for Australia.

IND vs AUS CT 2025 Semi Final Twitter Reactions: India qualify for third-straight Champions Trophy Final

Earlier, Steve Smith hit another half-century in an ICC knockout game. Alex Carey also played magnificently for his 57-ball 61 to have Australia hoping for a 280+ score. However, it wasn’t meant to be for the team despite a big effort in the field.

“It’s India’s trophy for me,” tweeted Michael Vaughan. Here are some of the reactions to India’s victory.

India will play either South Africa or New Zealand in the final on Sunday. No matter who they come up against, Rohit Sharma’s team will be the red-hot favourites given their depth and increased familiarity in these conditions.

SA vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – CT 2025 2nd Semi Final

Robin Kumar Sharma
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SA vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – CT 2025 2nd Semi Final

It’ll be the Proteas and Kiwis in what promises to be a brilliant 2nd Semi Final of the ICC Champions Trophy (CT) 2025. Both teams have been in good form in the tournament, and there is sure to be fireworks at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

For South Africa, the big question is whether they can overcome the hurdle of the semi-final of an ICC ODI tournament. They are coming to this game on the back of a dominating 7-wicket win against England. They’ve been in great form as a team with their batters and bowlers performing exceptionally well in the group stages. Heinrich Klaasen scored 64* in his first game of the tournament, which is a great sign for the Proteas.

Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram have been in good touch as well and skipper Temba Bavuma and Rickelton have also looked good at the top. The pacers were in exceptional form in the last game. The spin department is something that can trouble the Proteas, but apart from that, they look strong.

On the other hand, New Zealand will be confident in this game. They lost their last game against India by 44 runs but before that, they were in excellent touch. They defeated Pakistan and Bangladesh quite comfortably. They are also looking pretty balanced as a side ahead of the semi-final.

The Kiwis need a little more consistency from their batters in this do-or-die game. The likes of Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Philips must do well with the bat. Matt Henry has been in top form with the ball and Will O’Rourke has also bowled well. New Zealand will fancy their chances if they can maintain their composure with the bat in this game.

CT 2025 2nd Semi Final: SA vs NZ Possible Playing XIs

Temba Bavuma should replace Tristan Stubbs for South Africa.

South Africa: 1. Ryan Rickelton (wk), 2. Temba Bavuma (c), 3. Rassie van der Dussen, 4. Aiden Markram, 5. Heinrich Klaasen, 6. David Miller, 7. Wiaan Mulder, 8. Marco Jansen, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Keshav Maharaj, 11. Lungi Ngidi

New Zealand is expected to be unchanged for this game.

New Zealand: 1. Will Young, 2. Rachin Ravindra, 3. Kane Williamson, 4. Daryl Mitchell, 5. Tom Latham (wk), 6. Glenn Phillips (c), 7. Michael Bracewell, 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Matt Henry, 10. Kyle Jamieson, 11. Will O’Rourke

Gaddafi Cricket Stadium Lahore Pitch Report and Weather

The Gaddafi Stadium has been the best venue for batting in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Australia chased down 351 runs against England here, and England almost chased 325 against Afghanistan. The ball will come onto the bat nicely, allowing the batters to play their shots.

There was ample help for the pacers with the new ball in the last game played here, where the Australians found swing against Afghanistan. However, a bright sunny day awaits the fans with a high of 21 degrees Celsius on the match day. There is no chance of rain.

Spinners will get little to no assistance. Scores in the range of 320-350 are expected. Teams are expected to chase if they win the toss.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for SA vs NZ: Players to Watch/Key Stats

Note: Try to pick more batters and all-rounders if you are playing on Dream11. The new point system rewards the batters heavily.

Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:

  • Ryan Rickelton will be a key batter for his side at the top. He will enjoy batting in this game and will be in for a big score if he gets past the new ball burst from the Kiwis. Rickelton will be a top fantasy pick.
  • Heinrich Klaasen will be a must in your fantasy teams. He will be a great C/VC choice as well. He’s been in excellent touch with the bat. Klaasen’s last two scores in ODIs are 64 and 84. He will be the key batter for his side in the middle overs of this match.

Key batter picks:

  • Kane Williamson has an excellent record against South Africa in ODIs: 803 runs in 18 innings at an average of 57.40 with three fifties and three centuries. He scored 133 in their last meeting in the tri-series ahead of the Champions Trophy. Kane will be a top C/VC pick as well.
  • Rassie van der Dussen scored 72* in the last game. He’s been in terrific form lately and will be a top pick in fantasy cricket. Rassie has played two ODIs against New Zealand, and his scores are 133 and 67*. Try him as C/VC in the big leagues.
  • Rachin Ravindra will bat in the top order and is expected to bowl a few overs as well. He can score big on his day, which we saw in the game against Bangladesh. Ravindra will enjoy batting at Lahore and will fancy his chances of a good outing if he can see off the new ball burst from the Proteas.

Top all-rounder picks:

  • Aiden Markam scored 52* in the first game and didn’t bat in the last one. He has been in good form with the bat and he’s expected to bowl more overs in this match. Markram will be a good fantasy pick.
  • Marco Jansen picked up three wickets in the last match against England. He has played only one ODI against the Kiwis and picked up three wickets in that game. Jansen is capable with the bat and will fetch points from both batting and bowling.
  • Glenn Phillips is a key batter for the Kiwis in the lower middle order. He can tonk the ball and is a good player of spin bowling. He is electric in the field and will fetch points from fielding as well. Phillips against South Africa in ODIs: 88 runs in two innings, including a fifty.

Key bowler picks:

  • Kagiso Rabda has 13 wickets in eight games against New Zealand in ODIs. He will be a must in your fantasy teams as he’s in top form in the tournament and can fetch good points on his day.
  • Matt Henry is the lead bowler for the Kiwis. He is the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, with eight wickets in three games. Henry picked up five wickets in the last game against India.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Team

  • Daryl Mitchell can be your game-changer in fantasy cricket. He will bat at 4 and can score big, especially on a good batting track. Mitchell has 34 runs in two innings against South Africa in ODIs.
  • David Miller is another player who can help you win big in fantasy cricket if he gets going. He averages 24.80 against the Kiwis in 14 innings, but do try him in the big leagues, especially while chasing.
  • Wiaan Mulder bowled well in the last game and is capable with the bat as well. He can be a good fantasy pick as well considering his dual value with batting and bowling.
  • Mitchell Santner will fancy his chances in this game as South Africa’s batting unit is filled with right-hand batters. He can pick up 2-3 wickets easily on his day and not to forget that he can contribute with the bat as well.
  • Keshav Maharaj took four wickets in the only ODI he has played against the Kiwis. Try him in the grand leagues.

Other Matchups and Facts

  • Head to Head (ODIs): South Africa (42), New Zealand (26).
  • Mitchell Santner vs David Miller (ODIs): 34 deliveries, 18 runs, 2 dismissals.
  • Mitchell Santner vs Heinrich Klaasen (ODIs): 6 deliveries, 1 run, 1 dismissal.

CT 2025 2nd Semi Final: SA vs NZ Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Possible XIs, Lahore Pitch Report for the 2nd Semi Final of CT 2025: South Africa & New Zealand
CT 2025 2nd Semi Final: SA vs NZ Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Possible XIs, Lahore Pitch Report for the 2nd Semi Final of CT 2025: South Africa & New Zealand
CT 2025 2nd Semi Final: SA vs NZ Dream11 Prediction

CT 2025 2nd Semi Final: SA vs NZ Match Prediction: Who will win?

Both teams are looking good, with great batting depth and a quality bowling attack. However, the South African batters have been in better form compared to the New Zealand batters and that gives them a little edge ahead of the clash. I think South Africa will win this match.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

IND vs AUS Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – CT 2025 1st Semi Final

Charbel Coorey
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0
IND vs AUS Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – CT 2025 1st Semi Final

Buckle your seatbelts, the 1st Semi Final of the 2025 Champions Trophy (CT) is here. India and Australia go head-to-head in another chapter of what is an incredible rivalry, and a CT Final is up for grabs.

The bookmakers have India as hot favourites. Rightly so. Their batting has the depth, with Ravindra Jadeja batting at eight. Even as the top three failed against New Zealand, Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya led the way to get India to a defendable total.

From there, it was India’s spinners who took over, and that is set to be the template once again. Varun Chakravarthy made an immediate impact, spinning the ball both ways with immaculate control. Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav make up a formidable four-pronged attack. If Australia are to win this, they will have to bat out of their skin.

The spotlight is on Travis Head. It makes sense as he has caused nightmare after nightmare for India over the past 18 months. However, Steve Smith, along with Josh Inglis and Alex Carey, are also crucial to Australia’s chances given their ability to play spin. And, of course, whether Australia have the depth and quality in their attack to restrict India is a big question.

This game matters so much for India in particular given what happened in the 2023 World Cup Final on home soil. In this article, we will look at the possible playing XIs, Dubai pitch report, fantasy cricket tips and Dream11 Prediction for the 1st Semi Final of CT 2025.

CT 2025 1st Semi Final: IND vs AUS Possible Playing XIs

India played four spinners against New Zealand and are likely to do so again.

India: 1. Rohit Sharma (c), 2. Shubman Gill, 3. Virat Kohli, 4. Shreyas Iyer, 5. Axar Patel, 6. KL Rahul (wk), 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Ravindra Jadeja, 9. Mohammed Shami, 10. Kuldeep Yadav/Harshit Rana, 11. Varun Chakravarthy

Australia have more questions to answer. With Matt Short out injured, who opens? There is speculation Jake Fraser-McGurk will come in to ensure Australia keep their important middle order intact. Also, Tanveer Sangha is a chance of playing given conditions in Dubai.

Australia: 1. Travis Head, 2. Jake Fraser-McGurk, 3. Steve Smith (c), 4. Marnus Labuschagne, 5. Josh Inglis (wk), 6. Alex Carey, 7. Glenn Maxwell, 8. Ben Dwarshuis, 9. Nathan Ellis, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Spencer Johnson/Tanveer Sangha

Dubai International Stadium Pitch Report and Weather

Spin to win. Scores have been on the lower end compared to modern ODI standards. India’s 249/9 was enough against New Zealand with their spinners taking nine of the ten wickets to fall.

There is a case to either bat or bowl first. Expect the surface to take more turn as the day goes on, but scoring could be difficult under the Dubai sun. A warm and mostly clear day is forecast with a top of 29 degrees.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for IND vs AUS: Top Picks/Key Stats

Top wicket-keeper picks:

  • Josh Inglis is a good player of spin and should get a decent opportunity to bat. His last innings was a superb 120* (86) against England at Lahore. The India-in-Dubai challenge will be tougher, but Inglis has the game to score.

Key batter picks:

  • Virat Kohli loves batting against Australia. He has struck 2,367 runs at 53.79, including 264 runs against Adam Zampa at an average of 52.8 and strike rate of 107.8.
  • Shubman Gill missed out against New Zealand but he still remains in fine touch. Before his score of 2 against NZ, Gill had scored 87, 60, 112, 101* and 46 in his previous five ODIs.
  • Shreyas Iyer has been magnificent at number four. Including his crucial 79 against New Zealand, Iyer has scored 1,215 ODI runs at an average of 48.6 and strike rate of 108.5 since the start of 2023.
  • Travis Head is always a strong Dream11 pick. While there is a chance the slow Dubai track could limit Head’s impact, there is the possibility he will bowl some overs as well given the make up of the Australian attack. Since the start of 2022, Head has scored 1,455 ODI runs at an average of 58.2 and strike rate of 122.2.

Top all-rounder picks:

  • Axar Patel showed his worth when it comes to Dream11 in the New Zealand game, scoring 117 points. He bats at five and is a key bowler on a Dubai surface offering assistance. Must pick.
  • Glenn Maxwell is expected to play a very important role with the ball in this game. A pitch offering spin and Maxwell’s batting ability makes him a must-pick as well. The Big Show strikes at 134.13 in ODIs against India (943 runs, avg. 34.92), including 154 off 131 against Jadeja (two dismissals) and 99 off 69 against Kuldeep (three dismissals).

Key bowler picks:

  • Varun Chakravarthy simply cannot be left out of your Dream11 teams. He put on a masterclass against New Zealand (5/42) and has been in magnificent form in white-ball cricket this year. On a pitch offering spin, he has so much wicket-taking potential.
  • Kuldeep Yadav has taken five wickets in the past two matches in this Champions Trophy. He will also be a challenge to handle on this surface.
  • Adam Zampa is vital to Australia’s hopes. He strikes every 35 deliveries on average against India and has taken 88 wickets in 46 innings in ODIs since the start of 2022 (avg. 24.6).

Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Teams

  • Steve Smith is a key player for Australia given his ability to play spin. In ODIs, Smith has struck 1,310 runs against India at an average of 52.40 and strike rate of 100.46. This includes six fifties and five hundreds.
  • Rohit Sharma has looked good at the top, but hasn’t quite gone on to make a big score in this tournament. Can he go on to make a substantial score? He averages 58.02 in 45 ODIs against Australia (2,379 runs).
  • Hardik Pandya can be a handy pick if India bats first. Spin is more important which may limit Hardik’s bowling.
  • Marnus Labuschagne could be called on to bowl. Also, he has four half-centuries in 12 innings against India in ODIs.

Other Stats and Key Matchups

  • Steve Smith vs Ravindra Jadeja in ODIs: 188 balls, 222 runs, two dismissals, SR 118.1.
  • Steve Smith vs Kuldeep Yadav in ODIs: 145 balls, 126 runs, two dismissals, SR 86.9.
  • Adam Zampa has dismissed Rohit Sharma four times in ODIs at an average of 31.8. Rohit strikes at 99.2 against him (127 runs off 128 balls).
  • Adam Zampa has also dismissed Shreyas Iyer twice in 64 balls (56 runs) and Shubman Gill twice in 47 balls (37 runs).
  • Ravindra Jadeja averages 53.64 with the ball in 41 innings against Australia in ODIs.
  • Varun Chakravarthy has dismissed Glenn Maxwell three times in 30 balls in the IPL (46 runs). Can he transfer this to the ODI format?

CT 2025 1st Semi Final: IND vs AUS Dream11 Prediction

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Possible XIs, Dubai Pitch Report for the 1st Semi Final of CT 2025 between India & Australia
CT 2025 1st Semi Final: IND vs AUS Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Possible XIs, Dubai Pitch Report for the 1st Semi Final of CT 2025 between India & Australia
CT 2025 1st Semi Final: IND vs AUS Dream11 Prediction

CT 2025 1st Semi Final: IND vs AUS Match Prediction – Who will win?

Can Australia challenge India? Possibly. But, India have too much depth and experience, especially with their spinners in these Dubai conditions. India to win.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

Australia possible 11 for CT 2025 Semi-Final against India

Charbel Coorey
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0
Australia possible 11 for CT 2025 Semi-Final against India

After India’s win over New Zealand on Sunday, Australia are confirmed to play against Rohit Sharma’s team in the 2025 Champions Trophy (CT) semi-final in Dubai.

Conditions in the UAE have been vastly different to those in Pakistan. Australia played both their games in Lahore in mostly batting-friendly conditions. Now, they will embark on the Dubai challenge, where the surfaces have taken more turn as the tournament has progressed.

This may shape Australia’s thinking in terms of the bowling attack. Also, Matt Short is ruled out with a quad injury, so who replaces him at the top is another key question for the Australians to answer.

Australia predicted XI for the semi-final against India in Dubai

1. Travis Head, 2. Jake Fraser-McGurk, 3. Steve Smith (c), 4. Marnus Labuschagne, 5. Josh Inglis (wk), 6. Alex Carey, 7. Glenn Maxwell, 8. Ben Dwarshuis, 9. Nathan Ellis, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Spencer Johnson

Matt Short’s injury leaves a hole in both the opening position and bowling attack. Australia have the option of reshuffling their batting order or taking a gamble on the out-of-form Jake Fraser-McGurk in the hope he produces a scintillating performance.

According to cricket.com.au, Australia are strongly considering Fraser-McGurk to open alongside Head as opposed to having Josh Inglis open. The thinking here is Fraser-McGurk is likely to produce more against the new balls compared to Aaron Hardie or Cooper Connolly in the middle order. Also, Inglis’ efficiency against spin will be crucial against India’s four-pronged spin attack featuring Varun Chakravarthy, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.

ALSO READ: Do India really have “home advantage” in Dubai?

Another decision for Australia is the make up of the bowling attack. Short’s absence leaves them short a bowler, so there is the option of playing specialist legspinner Tanveer Sangha on a turning Dubai track.

However, Spencer Johnson’s ability to swing the new ball could provide Australia with wicket-taking opportunities in the powerplay. Ben Dwarshuis and Nathan Ellis have both held their own with their variations so far in this Champions Trophy. Also, Glenn Maxwell, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head can be called on to offer spin in support of Adam Zampa.

Australia can create more chances on Dubai pitch – Adam Zampa

No matter which option Australia choose, they face a tall order in knocking off in-form India in Dubai. Batting first could be the way to go on a sluggish pitch, but whether Australia have the bowling depth to defend a total remains to be seen. Conversely, whether Australia have it in them to chase against India’s spinners is a big challenge.

However, if there is one thing we know about Australia, it is they’ll tackle any challenge head on. Steve Smith, Josh Inglis and Alex Carey in particular are all fine players of spin when they get going, and Smith as captain has shown how well he can navigate around an inexperienced bowling attack so far in this tournament.

“The wickets that we’ve had in Lahore, creating wickets through the middle up front can be quite tough,” said Adam Zampa to cricket.com.au in Dubai.

“(Playing in Dubai) changes it a little bit. Potentially a slower, lower wicket, so there might be an opportunity to create a few more chances.”

The winner of this semi-final will play either South Africa and New Zealand, who play their match on Wednesday in Lahore.

IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – CT 2025 12th Match

Charbel Coorey
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0
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – CT 2025 12th Match

The 12th and final league match of the 2025 Champions Trophy (CT) sees two of the tournament favourites – India and New Zealand – battle it out for top spot in Group A and a semi-final against Australia. There is every chance that this could be a sneaky preview of next week’s final given how well they have played.

Both teams have looked impressive so far, producing efficient performances. However, the big tests are still to come given Pakistan and Bangladesh left a lot to be desired, and more momentum is up for grabs here.

India have chased well, but this is a good opportunity to set a score if they get the chance. The Black Caps may be back in Dubai next week, so this could prove to be priceless gametime depending on how they perform in the midweek semi-final.

In this article, we will look at the possible playing XIs, Dubai pitch report, fantasy cricket tips and Dream11 Prediction for the 12th match of CT 2025.

CT 2025 12th Match: IND vs NZ Possible Playing XIs

India could make a change or two, including Arshdeep Singh.

India: 1. Rohit Sharma (c), 2. Shubman Gill, 3. Virat Kohli, 4. Shreyas Iyer, 5. Axar Patel, 6. KL Rahul/Rishabh Pant (wk), 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Ravindra Jadeja/Washington Sundar, 9. Mohammed Shami, 10. Harshit Rana/Arshdeep Singh, 11. Kuldeep Yadav

New Zealand also look settled but may wish to give game time to squad members.

New Zealand: 1. Will Young, 2. Devon Conway, 3. Kane Williamson, 4. Rachin Ravindra, 5. Tom Latham (wk), 6. Glenn Phillips, 7. Michael Bracewell, 8. Mitchell Santner (c), 9. Matt Henry, 10. Will O’Rourke, 11. Kyle Jamieson

Dubai International Stadium Pitch Report and Weather

This will be the first game in Dubai since India’s win over Pakistan a week ago. It was another slow pitch in that game, similar to the kind of surface seen in the India-Bangladesh game.

A score of 270 batting first could be a tricky one to chase as scoring in the middle overs can be a challenge. However, both sides have players to negotiate this period well. A clear and breezy day is forecast with a top of 25 degrees, according to AccuWeather. So, dew may not be a factor.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for IND vs NZ: Top Picks/Key Players to Watch

Note: Try to pick more batters and all-rounders if you are playing on Dream11. The new point system rewards the batters heavily.

Top wicket-keeper picks:

  • Tom Latham is in fine touch and is an excellent player of spin. His sweeping could prove very effective in slow, low conditions. Also, in 22 innings against India, Latham has scored 876 runs at an average of 48.66 and strike rate of 94.39.

Key batter picks:

  • Shubman Gill is in outstanding form and averages 62.13 after 52 ODIs. Against New Zealand in ODIs, Gill has scored 590 runs at an average of 84.28 and strike rate of 109.66.
  • Virat Kohli was at his best against Pakistan. In 31 matches against the Black Caps, Kohli has struck 1,645 runs at an average of 58.75 with nine fifties and six hundreds.
  • Rachin Ravindra made the perfect return against Bangladesh, scoring 112 off 105 balls. He enjoys playing on the up which can be difficult to do in Dubai, but he is a superb timer of the ball.

Top all-rounder picks:

  • Axar Patel looks to be the best all-rounder pick given he bats higher up the order and is a key bowler in these conditions. He’s picked up three wickets so far in this tournament.

Key bowler picks:

  • Mohammed Shami can test Devon Conway with the inswinging delivery, especially around the wicket. Shami has dismissed Conway once in eight balls in ODIs (1 run) and three times in 16 balls in the IPL (15 runs). He’s also dismissed Kane Williamson three times at an average of 25.
  • Matt Henry will be one to watch on the sluggish Dubai track with his accuracy. He has dismissed Rohit Sharma twice in 51 balls in ODIs at an average of 23.

Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Teams

  • Rohit Sharma can provide a fast start but can he go on to deliver big fantasy points? He is definitely worth a pick in Dream11 teams and it can pay off if he gets through the powerplay.
  • KL Rahul didn’t bat against Pakistan, but he could get a chance either batting first or second given New Zealand’s quality. Rahul has good numbers against the Black Caps in ODIs: 6 inns, 271 runs, avg. 67.75, SR 109.71.
  • Since the start of 2023, Shreyas Iyer has struck 1,136 ODI runs at an average of 47.3 and strike rate of 111.2. Against NZ, Iyer has hammered 484 runs at 69.14 (SR 104.98).
  • Kuldeep Yadav can be tricky to handle on a Dubai pitch offering assistance for the spinners. He took three wickets in his last match against Pakistan, and has dismissed Kane Williamson twice in 49 balls in ODIs (41 runs).
  • It’s a big game for Kane Williamson who has had a quiet tournament so far. Against India, Williamson has scored 1,147 runs at an average of 44.11 and strike rate of 76.21.
  • Michael Bracewell was superb with the ball against Pakistan and Bangladesh, but will India be as generous? Nonetheless, Bracewell can offer Dream11 points with both bat and ball in these conditions.

Other Stats and Matchups

  • Rohit Sharma in ODIs vs New Zealand: 27 inns, 982 runs, avg. 37.76, SR 85.39.
  • Mohammed Shami in ODIs vs New Zealand: 14 inns, 37 wickets, avg. 19.32, SR 19.13. Shami took 7/57 in the WC semi-final against the Black Caps.
  • Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Santner: 259 balls, 180 runs, three dismissals.
  • Shubman Gill vs Matt Henry: 78 balls, 61 runs, one dismissal.
  • Tom Latham vs Kuldeep Yadav: 92 balls, 101 runs, three wickets, SR 109.8.
  • Mitchell Santner averages 62.64 with the ball in 23 ODIs against India. Ravindra Jadeja’s record against New Zealand is worse, with an average of 81.75 in 14 ODIs.

CT 2025 12th Match: IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Possible XIs, Dubai Pitch Report for the 12th match of CT 2025 between India & New Zealand
CT 2025 12th Match: IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Possible XIs, Dubai Pitch Report for the 12th match of CT 2025 between India & New Zealand
CT 2025 12th Match: IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction

CT 2025 12th Match: IND vs NZ Match Prediction – Who will win?

India are outstanding in group games of ICC tournaments and I back them to win here as well. So, I think India will play Australia in one semi-final with New Zealand vs. South Africa in the other.

ALSO READ: Do India really have “home ground advantage” in this Champions Trophy?

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

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