The game plan for the eagerly awaited ICC Champions Trophy final contest between India and New Zealand has been completed. With only two days left for the title encounter in Dubai, officials have chosen a previously employed surface, which also staged the high-tension India vs Pakistan group-stage match earlier during the tournament.
As per a report in Times of India, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has been sticking to its “two-week rest” rule for Dubai pitches. But since there are few alternatives, the final will be staged on a pitch that last hosted a game on February 23 for India-Pakistan’s match. And now this wicket will again be used on March 9 for the final battle.
One official close to the pitch preparations explained, “If you compare the pitches made during the Champions Trophy, the curators and groundspeople made sure that they have a minimum of two weeks of rest. Even when there was ILT20 on, the pitch on which the India vs Bangladesh match was played was not worked on for two weeks prior to match day. Similarly, other games which were set after that had the same procedure done for them.”
Even though there was a running ILT20 tournament ahead of the Champions Trophy, ground staff did not take their eyes off the playing conditions. “The ILT20 was going on, but the ground staff were keeping an eye on the Champions Trophy. Not only the square, but the outfield too was given utmost importance. That is why you have such a green outfield even after so much cricket,” said the official.
Spin to Play a Major Role in Dubai Final
With the mercury level rising in Dubai, spinners are likely to play a vital role in shaping the outcome of the final. The chosen wicket has remained under covers over the last couple of days and is set to make its first public outing on Saturday. Considering its earlier use and scorching conditions, teams will try to devise accordingly to cash in on the wear and tear of the pitch.
The final of the Champions Trophy is set to be a keen contest, with India looking to end their ICC title drought and New Zealand their first white-ball ICC trophy since 2000.
