The first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played today, March 4, at the Dubai International Stadium. This high-stakes match will see Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, take on Australia, captained by Steve Smith. India has been in great form at this venue, having won three consecutive matches, defeating Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Rohit’s team will be eager to continue their winning streak and bring home another ICC trophy for the second consecutive year.
Dubai International Stadium Pitch Report
The leg-side boundary at the Dubai International Stadium is shorter for right-handed batters, which may influence shot selection. The weather conditions in Dubai are ideal for cricket, with an expected temperature of around 24 degrees Celsius.
The pitch is made of Pakistan’s black soil, which is quite dry and initially offers assistance to spinners. However, as the game progresses, it tends to become better for batting. Spinners have enjoyed success on this surface, with a lower economy rate. In the last three matches, spinners have dominated, including Varun Chakravarthy, who picked up five wickets in India’s last game. In the same match, Matt Henry also claimed five wickets in the first innings.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium Records
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has hosted 61 ODI matches, including three games in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
- Teams batting second have a significant advantage, winning 36 matches, while teams batting first have won only 23 matches.
- The average first-innings score at this venue is around 230.
- However, India defended a total successfully in their last match here.
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Dubai International Stadium – Interesting Facts
- England holds the record for the highest team total at this venue, scoring 355 for 5 against Pakistan in 2015.
- Namibia recorded the lowest total, getting all out for just 91 runs against UAE in 2023.
- Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim scored 144 runs against Sri Lanka in 2018, the highest individual score at this venue.
- Shahid Afridi registered the best bowling figures, taking 6 wickets for 38 runs against Australia in 2009.
- Shahid Afridi also holds the record for most wickets at this stadium, with 25 scalps in 14 matches.
With the pitch conditions favoring spinners initially but improving for batting later, today’s semi-final between India and Australia promises to be an exciting contest.