How is the Dubai International Stadium pitch going to play in the Champions Trophy Final, on Sunday between India and New Zealand? Well, at first look the wicket looked dry and sluggish for sure, and whatever apprehensions were there, were removed by vice-captain Shubman Gill. The opener confirmed on the eve of the final, that it would be futile to expect a lot of runs — as has been the norm in Dubai.
Dubai International Stadium Pitch to Play Same
“The pitch is not going to behave differently. Irrespective of hot weather, it will play like as it has in the tournament so far,” Shubman Gill said at the press conference. Interestingly, batting first the highest score at this venue in this Champions Trophy 2025 has been by Australia — 264. And there are signs that, that score won’t be breached in the summit clash.
This was also a giveaway by the vice-captain, that India is going to go with the same team combination, where four spinners, including Varun Chakravarthy will play. Moreover, if reports are to be believed, the same pitch will be used for the India vs New Zealand clash, that was used for India vs Pakistan match.
Shubman Gill Hints Four Spinners Could Play
Once again, it wasn’t a very high-scoring match, where PAK could only score 241 runs. India had chased down the target in 43rd over. As expected, the wicket aided the spinners, where for India the trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja bagged five wickets.
“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.
But no matter what pitch is used for the contest, it will be advantage for the side batting first, as chasing isn’t very easy under the lights. India did fairly well in the semis vs Australia, where they chased down 265, but after a mighty effort.
