ISLAMABAD: India’s spot in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final is nearly secured after dominant victories over Bangladesh and arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai. If results favour them, their final group match against New Zealand on Sunday may only serve as a warm-up before the knockout stages.
India, playing all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium under a hybrid model after declining to play in Pakistan, has been in excellent form.
However, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins believes that India has an advantage by playing all their games in Dubai.
Cummins, who opted to miss the Champions Trophy to be with his family for the birth of his daughter and to recover from an ankle injury, stated, “It’s good the tournament is continuing, but it clearly gives India an edge playing on the same ground. They look very strong and benefit from that consistency.”
Cummins’ return
Cummins, who will return to action next month leading SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL, reflected on his decision to skip the tournament: “It’s been great being home, and my ankle rehab is going well. I’ll start running and bowling this week. With the IPL coming up and then the Test World Championship and a tour to the West Indies, there’s plenty to look forward to.”
ALSO READ: Kohli Achieves Rare ODI Feat with Centuries in Every Country He Played In
In his absence, Steve Smith is leading the Australian side, who secured a win in their opener against England in Lahore, chasing down 352 thanks to Josh Inglis’ unbeaten 120 (86).
Cummins praised Inglis, saying, “This feels like his breakthrough performance. He’s excellent against spin and uses reverse ramps against pace. He’s a class player and now has hundreds in all formats. He stepped up in this big tournament. He’s been patient, but now he’s ready. When the next Test match comes around, it will be tough to narrow the squad from 15 to 11.”
