India-Pakistan pitch for Champions Trophy final
The surface for the Champions Trophy final will be the same one used for the Group A league fixture between India and Pakistan on February 23. It is expected to be slow and sluggish, offering assistance to spinners.
In that match, Pakistan batted first and were under pressure from Indian bowlers, with spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja taking five wickets. Varun Chakravarthy was not yet in the team. While his effectiveness on the wicket remains to be seen, he is likely to enjoy bowling on the surface.
Dubai pitches have generally assisted bowlers more than batters. The average score in the four games played in Dubai so far is 246, with Australia's 264 in the semifinal against India being the highest first-innings total. India chased that target in 49 overs, losing six wickets. The average score in the 10 games played in Pakistan is 295.
With Chakravarthy in form and Jadeja, Kuldeep and Axar completing the spin attack, India should feel confident heading into Sunday's title clash against New Zealand. India are the only side in the competition to dismiss all four opponents.
All 10 pitches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium are largely similar – slow in nature with aid for spinners. The ICC has used four different pitches so far in the Champions Trophy, and for the final, one of them – located in the centre – is being reused. The pitch has had ample time to rest after the last game, played over two weeks ago.
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