AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE Australia's players celebrate after the dismissal of Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi during the ICC Champions Trophy one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Australia and Afghanistan at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 28, 2025. Picture: Aamir Qureshi/AFP
Image: Aamir Qureshi/AFP
It’s a big assumption, but if South Africa reach the Champions Trophy final they would have a better chance against their old foes Australia.
The Aussies face off with India in the first Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday, with South Africa taking on New Zealand in Lahore on Wednesday.
The final is set for Sunday, and if India win their semi the trophy match will take place in Dubai. India have refused to play any of their matches in Pakistan due to security concerns, while the other seven teams have travelled back and forth throughout the tournament.
While their security concerns are legitimate, the double standards at play with the International Cricket Council (ICC) when it comes to India are farcical.
Still, India are heavy favourites for the semi-final against Australia.
Having played all their matches in Dubai, in the UAE, is a massive advantage for India in conditions that have suited them. Add in the comfort of not having to travel for matches, and getting to know the pitch conditions intimately mean the odds are stacked heavily in India’s favour.
It means that after The Proteas qualified for the semi-finals over the weekend, they faced a bit of a travel nightmare.
As Australia and South Africa both qualified for the semis from Group B, both sides flew from Pakistan to Dubai. They would then have to wait and see who finished top of Group A, with India taking on New Zealand on Sunday.
India thumped New Zealand by 44 runs in Dubai, which meant they finished top of their group.
Australia therefore remained in Dubai, while the Proteas had to return to Pakistan less than 24 hours after leaving the country.
Facing India in the UAE in the final would be a massive challenge for the Proteas, and though it would still be a tall task playing Australia in a pressure match, you would have to believe SA would be better suited to taking on the Aussies. Then of course there’s the small matter of not allowing India to win a tournament in which they have dictated the terms.
It’s not often I say this, but come on Australia.
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