The Champions Trophy has reached the semi-finals stage with two blockbuster clashes in Dubai and Pakistan.
After some frustrating rain delays in the group stages, the last-four battles should be free from those issues and an intriguing set of contests await.
In the first semi, tournament favourites India take on Australia, who have only managed to complete one match thanks to the weather.
The second tie is a more competitively priced clash between tournament specialists New Zealand and eye-catchers South Africa.
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Champions Trophy Semi Final Tips
- Shreyas Iyer to be top Indian batter @ 19/5
- Adam Zampa to be top Australian bowler @ 23/10
- South Africa to beat New Zealand @ 3/4
Iyer to take starring role once more
India won all three Champions Trophy group games – the only team to boast a 100 percent in the tournament – with the unique conditions in Dubai suiting them well.
No team has made a total of more than 250 at the Dubai International Stadium so expect another low-scoring affair in which every run counts.
Shreyas Iyer has been key to India’s efforts, particularly his 78 last time out in their win over New Zealand.
The 30-year-old has made at least 40 in five of his last six one-day internationals and coming in at four allows him time to make hay in the middle overs.
In a talented Indian batting line-up, it is Iyer who is fancied to stand out once again and can be his team’s top scorer.
Zampa key for Aussies
Spin bowling has been key to teams playing in Dubai and the same is likely to be the case in this semi-final.
India have a bowling line-up stacked full of quality spinners but Australia are something of a one-man band in that department, with Adam Zampa being the standout.
He has taken four wickets at the tournament so far but they came in different conditions at the Gaddafi Stadium in Pakistan and he looks set to relish this move to Dubai.
Proteas look rock solid
South Africa were talked up among many as dark horses for this tournament and they have done nothing but impress so far.
They put up a whopping total of 315 for Afghanistan to chase in the first game and then skittled them for 208 before bowling England out for 179 and chasing that total with ease – those victories coming either side of a washout against Australia.
The Proteas face a New Zealand side that were outclassed by India in their final group game and may fall short once again in this second semi-final.
With Lahore a batter-friendly pitch, expect a high-scoring affair in which South Africa’s line-up can outscore the Black Caps.
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