
India is set to face New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final on March 9 in Dubai. This will be India’s third consecutive Champions Trophy final. Both teams have shown strong performances, with India remaining unbeaten and New Zealand securing a dominant victory over South Africa in the semi-finals.
- The final match will be played on a used pitch.
- The surface was previously used for the India vs Pakistan match on February 23.
- The Dubai International Stadium has 10 pitches.
- The pitch is expected to assist spinners as the game progresses.
Which Pitch Will Be Used for the Champions Trophy Final?
The final between India and New Zealand will not be played on a new pitch. Instead, the match will take place on the same surface that hosted the India vs Pakistan clash earlier in the tournament. This pitch is expected to be slow, offering turn for spinners and making stroke play challenging.
Pitch Behavior for the Final
- The surface may slow down as the match progresses.
- Variable bounce could trouble batters.
- Spinners will have an advantage due to the worn-out nature of the pitch.
- Batting first might be beneficial as the surface could deteriorate.
How Many Pitches Are There at the Dubai International Stadium?
The Dubai International Stadium has a total of 10 pitches. These are maintained by Australian curator Matthew Sandery. The Emirates Cricket Board follows a two-week rest policy for each pitch used in the tournament.
Pitch Usage in Champions Trophy 2025
- Four different pitches have been used so far in the tournament.
- The semi-final pitch was a fresh track.
- For the final, teams will need to adjust strategies as the surface will be used and slower.
How Will the Pitch Impact the Match?
The condition of the pitch can heavily influence match strategies. Here’s how:
For Batters:
- Difficult stroke play due to reduced pace.
- Need to be patient and rotate the strike.
- Spinners will dominate, making it tricky to score freely.
For Bowlers:
- Spinners will get turn and grip on the surface.
- Fast bowlers may struggle with pace but could use variations like cutters.
- Reverse swing might come into play in the latter stages.
India and New Zealand will have to adapt their game plans according to the conditions of the used pitch. Spinners are expected to play a key role, and teams must plan their batting strategies carefully. With variable bounce and slow conditions, fans can expect a thrilling contest.
Check out the Champions Trophy Schedule, Champions Trophy Live Score, Champions Trophy Stats, Champions Trophy Venues & Champions Trophy Latest News here!
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
IND vs AUS, 1st Semi-Final | NZ vs SA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final