The semi-final match of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 between India and Australia is unfolding as an exhilarating contest, with both teams fiercely competing. An incident involving Ravindra Jadeja and Marnus Labuschagne has left Australian captain Steve Smith visibly frustrated at the Dubai International Stadium. He expressed his discontent to the on-field umpires, Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth.

During the second delivery of the 21st over, Smith was displeased with Jadeja's hold on Labuschagne. In an attempt to advance the play, Smith struck the ball towards Labuschagne, while India's leading spinner extended his right foot.

Subsequent replays suggested that the ball may have made contact with Labuschagne's bat before being deflected towards mid-wicket, where Rohit Sharma was positioned.

Further analysis revealed that Jadeja was indeed restraining Labuschagne, preventing him from taking a single. Smith's dissatisfaction with the Indian spinner's actions was evident as he halted Australia's No. 4 batsman.

Commenting on the situation, former England captain Nasser Hussain remarked, “There was a hug right there at the end, Smith not happy with Jadeja stopping Labuschagne.”

In the subsequent over, Jadeja successfully dismissed Marnus Labuschagne for 29, marking India's third wicket. The left-arm spinner delivered a ball that drifted towards the leg stump and skidded upon pitching.

The Australian batsman attempted to play the ball off his back foot, but he misjudged its trajectory. Consequently, he was struck on the pads, prompting the umpire, Illingworth, to raise his finger without hesitation.

Labuschagne briefly conversed with Smith but ultimately decided against reviewing the decision. This dismissal marked the fourth occasion on which Jadeja has dismissed Labuschagne in One Day Internationals. Throughout his encounters with Jadeja, Labuschagne has faced 180 balls, accumulating 120 runs while being dismissed four times.

Shortly thereafter, Jadeja claimed the wicket of Josh Inglis, leaving Australia at four wickets down in the 27th over.

Australia opt to bat first

Australia's captain, Steve Smith, won the toss and chose to bat first. This match marks the team's debut in Dubai during the ongoing Champions Trophy, and they made two adjustments to their playing XI, bringing in Tanveer Sangha and Cooper Connolly.

Conversely, India retained the same playing XI that faced New Zealand in their previous match.

Mohammed Shami was the first to strike for India, dismissing Cooper Connolly without scoring. Travis Head then aggressively attacked the seamers; however, his innings came to an end at 39 following the introduction of Varun Chakravarthy.

Read Also: Axar’s Near-Miracle: Smith Survives After Stump Hit Without Bail Drop

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