Follow UsTwo days ahead of the mega final between India and New Zealand, news has emerged that the grand finale will be played on a used pitch at the Dubai International Stadium.
According to both Cricbuzz and Times of India, the pitch that will be used for the final will be the same one that was used for the India vs Pakistan clash on February 23. That surface has not been used in two weeks, though. Thus, it is expected to be a ‘semi-fresh’ wicket.
The India vs Pakistan clash saw Pakistan win the toss and bat and put up 241 on the board despite a pretty ordinary batting showing. In response, India got to the target without breaking a sweat, scoring 244/4 in just 42.3 overs. Virat Kohli stole the show in that clash with an unbeaten ton.
There, batting did get easier in the evening. The surface was slow and there was plenty of hold for the spinners, but the pitch did not turn sharply by any means.
In contrast, the group-stage clash between India and New Zealand saw plenty of turn. Remarkably, in the second innings, the Indian spinners took 9/10 wickets to fall, with Varun Chakaravarthy taking a five-wicket haul.
The New Zealand group game is the only match in this Champions Trophy in which India have batted first. It will certainly be interesting to see what the toss-winning captain will opt to do in the final on March 9 (Sunday).