The pitch designated for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand will not be a fresh surface. Instead, the match will take place on the same pitch that hosted the Group A league match between India and Pakistan on February 23. According to Cricbuzz, this pitch is anticipated to be slow and unresponsive, providing significant support for spin bowlers.

The final will utilize the center wicket, one of the ten pitches at the Dubai Cricket Stadium, overseen by Australian curator Matthew Sandery.

Additionally, a report from the Times of India indicated that the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has implemented a two-week rest policy for each pitch utilized during the Champions Trophy. All four pitches employed in the eight-team tournament were allowed a two-week recovery period prior to any matches being played on them.

Prior to the Champions Trophy, numerous ILT20 matches were conducted in Dubai, resulting in considerable wear and tear on the surfaces. Notably, no match in Dubai has yet seen a score exceeding 300 runs, with the highest total recorded during the semi-final between India and Australia, where India successfully chased down a target of 265.

It is important to note that the pitch used for the semi-final was entirely new.

An official quoted by the Times of India remarked, "The curators and ground staff ensured that the pitches used in the Champions Trophy received at least two weeks of rest. Even during the ILT20, the pitch for the India vs Bangladesh match was not utilized for two weeks before the game. A similar strategy was applied to subsequent fixtures."

The official further stated, "While the ILT20 was ongoing, the ground staff remained focused on the Champions Trophy. Attention was given not only to the pitch but also to the outfield, which is why it remains lush despite the extensive cricket played."

What happened in the India versus Pakistan match?

In the Group A match featuring India and Pakistan, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja collectively claimed five wickets, leading to Pakistan's dismissal for 241 runs in 49.4 overs.

Subsequently, Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten century, guiding India to successfully chase the target with six wickets remaining and 45 balls to spare.

The average score recorded in Dubai during the tournament thus far stands at 246, with the highest total achieved in the initial semi-final between India and Australia.

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