Mohammed Shami and Axar Patel Strike as India Dents Australia’s Batting – CT 2025
Australia at 206/6 After 38 Overs
India has scored twice in a row in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final. Mohammed Shami and Axar Patel took out two of Australia’s top players. Steven Smith scored 73 but missed a full toss. Glenn Maxwell hit a six but got out trying for another big shot.
Mohammed Shami Dismisses Steven Smith for 73
At 198/5, Australia looked set for a solid score. Then, Mohammed Shami struck, getting rid of Steven Smith. In a surprising twist, Smith missed a full toss at off-stump. He was trying to hit a big shot over extra cover. The ball crashed into the stumps, leaving Smith gutted with himself.
Smith’s dismissal stopped Australia’s momentum. They were ready to speed up. Rohit Sharma immediately embraced Shami, acknowledging the significance of the breakthrough. Smith scored a solid 73 runs, setting a good base. But when he got out, it was up to Glenn Maxwell to boost the total past 250.
Glenn Maxwell Smashes a Six, Falls on the Next Ball
With Maxwell at the crease, Australia’s hopes of a late onslaught were still alive. He quickly hit a flat six off a full-length ball on leg stump. The ball cleared the mid-wicket fence easily. This maximum brought up Australia’s 200 in style.
However, Axar Patel struck immediately, removing Maxwell on the very next ball. The all-rounder tried another big shot but misread a short ball. It stayed a bit on the surface. He missed the ball, and it crashed into the stumps, sending Maxwell back to the pavilion.
India Gains Control with Two Quick Wickets
With two wickets in quick succession, India has regained control of the match. Shami’s breakthrough stopped Smith’s steady innings. Also, Axar’s out Maxwell kept Australia from gaining late-innings momentum.
In the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final, Australia must rely on its lower order. They need this help to set a good total against India’s powerful batting lineup.
