The pitch prepared for the Champions Trophy final is expected to be the same surface used in the earlier Group A match between India and Pakistan on February 23rd. Like most pitches at this venue, it is anticipated to be slow-paced, offering significant assistance to spin bowlers, a condition that should suit the Indian team well.
In their previous encounter on this pitch, Pakistan chose to bat first and faced immediate pressure from the Indian bowling attack. Indian spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja collectively claimed five wickets. While Varun Chakravarthy was not yet a part of the squad at that time, his potential impact on this type of wicket is much discussed, and it is likely he would find it favorable for his bowling style.
Generally, the pitches in Dubai have been more advantageous for bowlers than batsmen. The average first innings score in the four Dubai matches played so far is 246 runs. Australia’s 264 against India in the semifinal is the highest first innings total recorded. India successfully chased this score in the 49th over, losing six wickets. For comparison, the average score in the ten matches held in Pakistan during the tournament is significantly higher at 295.
With Chakaravarthy in excellent form, and Jadeja, Kuldeep, and Axar completing a formidable spin bowling unit, the Indian team is expected to feel confident as they approach the final against New Zealand on Sunday. Notably, India is the only team in the tournament to have bowled out all of their opponents in every match – a total of four.
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) has a total of ten pitches, all prepared under the supervision of Australian curator Matthew Sandery. These pitches share similar characteristics, primarily being slow and offering distinct advantages to spin bowlers.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has utilized four different pitches throughout the Champions Trophy. For the final, they are reusing one located centrally. Given that the last match played on this particular pitch was over two weeks prior, it has had ample time to recover and rest.
Speaking about the pitches at DICS, Sitanshu Kotak commented that the Indian batting lineup has adapted effectively, neutralizing the wicket conditions as a significant factor. “In each game, the pitch characteristics slightly vary. As a batting coach, how do you evaluate our batsmen’s adaptability? While minor changes occur in the pitch, its fundamental nature remains consistent. However, our batting performance has been outstanding. Furthermore, we have been fortunate to secure strong opening partnerships, and when those starts were not as robust, the middle order has consistently risen to the occasion,” stated the batting coach before India’s practice session at the ICC Academy on Friday evening (March 7th).
