The ICC Champions Trophy Final between the Men in Blue and New Zealand will take place on the same Dubai surface that was utilized for the India vs Pakistan group stage match. For all those who were wondering that the Champions Trophy summit clash will be played on a fresh strip, it won’t be the case now. However, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has planned the Champions Trophy in such a way that all the pitches have gained at least a two-week gap. Hence, the Champions Trophy final surface won’t be a tired one as it was last used on February 23, two weeks from March 9.
According to the Times of India, the India-New Zealand clash will be played on the same surface that hosted the high-octane India vs Pakistan affair. That deck was on a slower side. The pacers weren’t able to make the batters dance on their tunes but still it offered something with the brand new ball. However, the spinners had their say as it turned a bit and the sluggish nature of the pitch didn’t allow batters to hit the tweakers through the line. Batters had to grind it out.
“India vs Pakistan pitch is likely to be used for the Champions Trophy final. The pitch was last used on February 23 and has had enough rest before the title clash. ECB have allowed all pitches for CT to have at least two weeks rest before they are used,” said TOI reporter.
In the India-Pakistan game, the pacers took five wickets at a bowling average of 53.4. The spinners, on the other hand, claimed seven scalps at 30.00.
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Fresh or used pitches in Dubai?
“If you look at the pitches used in the Champions Trophy, the curators and ground staff ensured they get at least two weeks rest. Even when the ILT20 was on, the pitch used for the India vs Bangladesh game wasn’t used for two weeks before match day. Similar approach was followed for the fixtures that were scheduled after that,” said an official close to the TOI. “The ILT20 was underway but the ground staff had an eye on the Champions Trophy. Not just the square, the outfield was given a lot of importance and that is why you have such a lush outfield even after so much cricket.”
Pace vs Spin in Dubai till SF1
| Category | Balls | Wkts | SR | 5w |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacers | 962 | 30 | 32.06 | 2 |
| Spinners | 1,327 | 30 | 42.23 | 1 |
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