The same pitch used for the Group A match between India and Pakistan will be used again for the Champions Trophy final. This pitch is expected to be slow and favor spin bowlers, which should be advantageous for the Indian team.
In the previous match on this surface, Pakistan chose to bat first and faced pressure from the Indian bowlers. Spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja collectively took five wickets. While Varun Chakravarthy did not play in that match, this type of pitch is likely to suit his bowling style.
Generally, the pitches in Dubai have been more helpful to bowlers than batsmen. The average score in the four Dubai matches played so far is 246. Australia’s 264 against India in the semifinal is the highest first innings score. India successfully chased that target. Interestingly, the average score in the 10 matches played in Pakistan is higher at 295.
With a strong spin attack including Chakaravarthy, Jadeja, Kuldeep, and Axar, the Indian team should feel confident as they approach the final against New Zealand on Sunday. India is also the only team in the tournament to have dismissed all of their opponents in every match.
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has a total of 10 pitches, prepared by Australian curator Matthew Sandery. All of these pitches are generally similar, characterized by their slow nature and assistance for spin bowlers.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has utilized four different pitches throughout the Champions Trophy. For the final match, they are reusing one of these pitches, located centrally, which has had over two weeks to rest since its last game.
Sitanshu Kotak, the Indian batting coach, commented on the pitches at the DICS, stating that the Indian batsmen have adapted well to the wicket conditions. He noted that while there are slight changes in each match, the overall slow nature of the wickets has remained consistent. He praised the Indian batting performance, highlighting both solid starts and the middle order’s ability to step up when needed.
