The stage is set for the ICC Champions Trophy final at the Dubai International Stadium, where India will face New Zealand in a highly anticipated clash. Adding an interesting twist, the pitch for the final is being described as “semi-fresh” rather than brand new. This is because it was previously used for the group-stage encounter between India and Pakistan two weeks ago.
Pitch conditions and past performance
The pitch, last used on February 23, saw India comfortably chase down Pakistan’s target of 242 runs in 42.3 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was India’s standout bowler in that match, taking 3/40, while Hardik Pandya also made an impact with 2/31. With India’s strong showing on this surface, they will look to replicate their success in the final.
India’s batters adapted well to the conditions during their previous match at this venue. Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 off 111 balls guided India to victory, while Shreyas Iyer (56) and Shubman Gill (46) provided crucial support. Given their recent success on this track, India will be confident heading into the final.
Pitch management for the final
The Dubai International Stadium has 10 pitches, four of which have been used for India’s matches in the tournament. Prepared under the supervision of Australian curator Matthew Sandery, these pitches tend to be slow and dry, offering some assistance to spinners. Similar conditions are expected for the final, making spin a key factor in the contest.
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has dismissed claims that his team has any undue advantage, stating that Dubai is as neutral a venue for India as it is for other teams. He emphasised that India’s strategy to include two frontline spinners was a pre-planned decision, not influenced by the pitch conditions.
India’s road to the final has been dominant. They started with a six-wicket win over Bangladesh, with Mohammed Shami taking 5/53 and Gill scoring an unbeaten 101. Against Pakistan, Kohli’s 100* and Kuldeep’s 3/40 sealed another six-wicket victory. In their final group game, India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs, thanks to Varun Chakravarthy’s 5/42. The semi-final saw India edge out Australia by four wickets, led by Kohli’s 84 and strong performances from the spinners.