India heavy favourites to win Champions Trophy as they stay in Dubai and rivals face travel disruption; Rohit Sharmas side playing all games in UAE with political tensions meaning they have not ventured to Pakistan;

A buoyant India are braced for the stern test against a depleted-but-dangerous Australia as the two giants face off in the Champions Trophy semi-final in

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The full implications of the India's refusal to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan were laid bare on Sunday as Australia and South Africa waited to find out whether they will play their semi-finals in Lahore or Dubai this week.

A storied cricket rivalry will add a new chapter when India and Australia square off in the first semifinal of the Champions Trophy in Dubai.

With hosting duties shared between the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan, had New Zealand won, then they would have played Australia in Lahore

Australia's hopes of making it into the Champions Trophy final hinge on how well their batters can perform against India's potent spin attack in their semi-final meeting in Dubai, captain Steve Smith said on Monday.

Australia has reached the Champions Trophy semifinals after its last group game against Afghanistan was abandoned because of rain and a wet outfield in Lahore.