Tue Mar 04 09:00:00 UTC 2025: ## India Favourites Against Australia in Champions Trophy Semi-Final, Warns Ponting
**Dubai, UAE:** India will face Australia in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy today in Dubai. Ahead of the crucial match, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has issued a stark warning to Rohit Sharma’s team, highlighting Australia’s tendency to perform at their best in high-pressure situations.
Both teams reached the semi-finals undefeated in the group stage, although Australia had two matches washed out by rain. Despite Australia’s perceived weaker position on paper – missing regular captain Pat Cummins and key fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc – Ponting cautioned against underestimating them. He acknowledged India’s advantage, citing their consistent practice on familiar pitches and lack of extensive travel compared to Australia’s rushed arrival in Dubai. However, he emphasized Australia’s history of rising to the occasion in big matches.
Ponting highlighted India’s improved experience and new coaching staff since their loss to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, suggesting they could use that defeat as motivation. He also advised Australia to field Jack Fraser McGerk in place of the injured Matthew Short. While acknowledging India’s favouritism, Ponting stressed that Australia’s ability to perform under pressure makes them a dangerous opponent. The two teams also clashed in the 2024 T20 World Cup, a match India won.
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