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The highly-anticipated ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has reached its penultimate stage with the four semi-finalists. While India and New Zealand secured their semi-finals spot from Group A, South Africa and Australia advanced to the playoffs after the results ending in their favour. As the tournament moved towards the semi-finals, India is scheduled to take on Australia on Tuesday, March 4, followed by a clash between South Africa and New Zealand on Wednesday, March 5.
However, the first semi-final is a repeat of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final, which was played in Ahmedabad, this time the two teams will lock horns in Dubai, a neutral venue for both the teams. But as per the latest reports, the two teams will play on a fresh pitch. This development comes after Team India was criticised of having an undue home advantage.
India vs Australia semi-final to be played on fresh pitch: Reports
According to a report in Cricbuzz, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is preparing these wickets under the guidance of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Matthew Sandery, an Australian, is curating the pitches at DICS and the ICC Academy for the tournament. Ahead of the match, skipper Rohit Sharma revealed that they have played all their matches on a new surface.
"No, look, the three matches we played, the nature of the surface was the same. But in all three games, the pitch has behaved differently," Rohit said at the pre-match press conference. "In the semi-final, we don't know which pitch is going to be played. Yes, we don't know which pitch is going to be played in the semi-final. But whatever happens, we have to adapt and see what is happening. We will play on that. This is not our home, this is Dubai. So, we don't play so many matches here. This is new for us too," he added.
