With India confirming their berth for the ICC Champions Trophy, the final’s venue has been decided. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) will be the venue to host the much awaited final of this mega ICC event on March 9, Sunday.
India decimate Australia to book place in Final
India secured a thrilling victory over Australia in the Champions Trophy semifinal, chasing down 267/6 in 48.1 overs to book their place in the final for the fifth time in tournament history.
Despite a shaky start, with Shubman Gill falling early and Rohit Sharma departing after a quick start, India found stability through Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, who stitched a crucial 91-run partnership. Iyer fell to Adam Zampa for 45, but Kohli carried on, forming another valuable stand of 44 runs with Axar Patel.
Kohli played a defining knock of 84 off 98 balls before departing while trying to accelerate. KL Rahul then guided the chase with a composed finish, adding 47 runs with Kohli and eventually sealing the game with Hardik Pandya’s support, finishing with a six. Australia’s bowling, despite missing key players, put up a commendable fight. However, their efforts fell short as India successfully chased the highest total in knockouts against Australia.
Dubai to host ICC Champions Trophy
The ICC decided on a special schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy final. With India denying to go to Pakistan, the official hosts, the ICC was forced to have some plans. India, who have entered the summit clash, will have to play all their matches in Dubai. Hence, the final will be in the UAE only. Had India failed to qualify, the venue would’ve been the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. India will wait for the result of the second semifinal between New Zealand and South Africa.
