As India prepares to face Australia in the first Champions Trophy semifinal, a rematch of the 2023 Cricket World Cup final, the match is expected to be filled with theatrics, pyrotechnics, and drama.
There is little doubt that the Indians will be haunted by their heartbreaking loss in the ODI World Cup final, but fans are certain that India will defeat Australia to revenge the 2023 setback.
“Today’s match is the toughest one, it’s almost like a final. From batting, bowling, and experience, our Indian team is on top. Our young players will take another step towards the trophy today. I feel like today, instead of Virat, it’s going to be Rohit who will shine and do something special,” said Chanchal Bhattacharya, one of ex-skipper MS Dhoni’s coaches in his formative years.
“India’s performance in the group stage has been very good, and the team looks very confident. Hopefully, India will beat Australia. Australia’s bowling line seems a bit weak in the absence of their premier bowlers. India needs to bat first, set a big score, and put pressure on the Australian bowlers,” a cricket enthusiast from Mumbai said.
Another fan said that it is the best opportunity to avenge the 2023 ODI World loss. “India have won all three matches in the tournament by a one-sided margin, and there’s hope for India to win. This is the best opportunity for revenge after the Champions Trophy semifinal.”
“I’m so excited too! There’s so much to say about this match, it’s hard to even put it all into words. India’s win really matters, and the energy around it is unreal. Australia will play well, but I don’t think they’ll be able to beat India,” a budding cricketer from Mumbai said.
While Australia has only one win from three group matches, two of which were abandoned due to rain, India enters on the strength of three consecutive wins in the group stage.
India and Australia are the most successful teams in Champions Trophy history, each having won two titles. If Australia wins, the final will be played in Lahore, whereas if India wins, the title match would be held in Dubai.
Source: IANS