India vs Pakistan Pitch Likely to Host Champions Trophy 2025 Final

The stage is set for an electrifying conclusion to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as India and New Zealand gear up for the final showdown on Sunday, 9th March at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With both teams in top form, anticipation is sky-high for what promises to be a thrilling contest. However, one major talking point heading into the clash is the pitch.

Dubai's slow and tricky pitch made headlines during the India-Pakistan clash earlier in the tournament. Pakistan was bowled out for 241, and while India chased it down in 42.3 overs, the sluggish nature of the surface was evident. Now, the same strip is set to host the grand finale, and conditions aren't expected to be much different. 

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has ensured a two-week break for the pitch since the India-Pakistan game, giving the surface some much-needed rest. However, the square has been heavily used throughout the tournament and even during ILT20 fixtures earlier this year. To maintain balance, the ground staff has watered the entire playing area and rotated all four strips at regular intervals. 

The same pitch that used for the India vs Pakistan clash is likely to host the Champions Trophy final on Sunday. #INDvsNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/29HcAy12wV

— ScoreWaves (@ScoreWaves) March 7, 2025

India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, acknowledged the evolving nature of the pitches but remains confident in his team’s adaptability. "In every match, the wicket changes slightly. As a batting coach, how do you assess our batsmen's ability to adapt? While the wicket does change a bit, its overall nature hasn't shifted much. However, the batting has been excellent. And secondly, we've been fortunate to get solid starts, and on occasions when those starts were lacking, the middle order stepped up," Kotak said. 

With Dubai experiencing intense heatwaves recently, the playing surface is expected to dry up under the scorching sun, making it even more spin-friendly. The ground staff has been proactive, covering the pitch in the afternoons to preserve some moisture. The first official look at the final’s playing surface will be revealed on Saturday evening. Given the conditions, India might hold a slight edge over New Zealand. The Men in Blue boast a formidable spin attack that could thrive on a slow, turning track. If the surface plays as expected, the team winning the toss might opt to bat first, looking to post a challenging total and put scoreboard pressure on the opposition. 

India has been the standout team of the tournament, storming into the final without a single loss. They kicked off their campaign with a 6-wicket win over Bangladesh before defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by the same margin. Their final group-stage game saw them beat New Zealand by 44 runs, securing the top spot in the points table. In the semifinals, they outclassed reigning world champions Australia, solidifying their status as the team to beat. 

Meanwhile, New Zealand has had an impressive run, despite a minor hiccup against India in the group stage. The Black Caps started with a dominant 60-run victory over Pakistan before easing past Bangladesh. While they stumbled against India, they bounced back in style, defeating South Africa in the semifinals to book their place in the final.