The highly anticipated 2025 Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand is set to take place on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. According to a report, the match will be played on the same pitch that hosted India’s group stage clash against Pakistan last weekend. Like the other surfaces used in the tournament, this pitch is expected to be on the slower side, providing significant assistance to the spinners from both teams.
India’s encounter with Pakistan on this very pitch proved to be a dominant performance for the Men in Blue. Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and elected to bat first. However, they struggled to put up a substantial total, managing only 241 runs before being bowled out in 49.4 overs. India’s spin trio played a crucial role, collectively picking up five wickets, while Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana contributed with two and one wicket, respectively.
In response, India started strong with an aggressive 31-run opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Though both openers fell short of half-centuries, the chase was comfortably steered by Virat Kohli, who remained unbeaten with a masterful 100 off 111 balls. Shreyas Iyer’s well-compiled half-century further ensured India’s victory with six wickets in hand and more than seven overs to spare. Pakistan’s bowling effort saw Shaheen Afridi claim two wickets, while spinners Abrar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah managed one each.
As India prepares to face New Zealand in the final, the nature of the pitch could once again play a crucial role in determining the outcome. With both teams possessing skilled spin attacks, the stage is set for an enthralling contest to decide the champions of the tournament.
