The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy final on March 9, following India’s four-wicket victory over Australia in the semi-final. This result means the tournament’s title clash will no longer take place in Pakistan, as India’s qualification has shifted the final to a neutral venue. This development marks a significant moment in the event, as it was Pakistan’s first time hosting an ICC tournament in nearly 30 years.
India, the 2013 champions, became the first team to secure a spot in the final after defeating Australia by five wickets at the same venue on Tuesday.
The decision to move the final to Dubai comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send its men’s team to Pakistan, citing security concerns. This refusal, made just months before the tournament began, sparked a strong reaction from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), leading to a prolonged standoff between the two cricketing bodies.
The dispute was eventually resolved with the PCB proposing a ‘Fusion Formula,’ which stipulates that both teams will play their matches at neutral venues when India or Pakistan hosts an event for the next three years.
In the semi-final, Australia batted first and posted a total of 260 before being bowled out in 49.3 overs. Despite half-centuries from captain Steve Smith (73 off 96 balls) and wicketkeeper Alex Carey (61 off 57 balls), Australia struggled to build a more substantial score.
India’s bowling attack was led by right-arm pacer Mohammed Shami, who claimed three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets each.
In response, India chased down the target with six wickets to spare, thanks to a steady 91-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Kohli top-scored with a composed 84 off 98 balls, including five boundaries, while Iyer contributed a cautious 45.
The victory not only secured India’s place in the final but also underscored their dominance in the tournament. The final, now set to take place in Dubai, promises to be an exciting conclusion to the ICC Champions Trophy.
