With consistency, conditions, and confidence on their side, India’s unbeaten run in Dubai has fueled their march into the Champions Trophy final—a factor that pace spearhead Mohammed Shami believes played a crucial role. Calling it a “plus point,” he credited India’s familiarity with the Dubai pitch after their four-wicket win over Australia in the semi-final, where he starred with 3-48.
Shami’s remarks come amid criticism of India’s decision to avoid traveling to Pakistan, leading to all their matches being played in Dubai under a hybrid model. “Knowing the conditions and pitch behaviour has definitely helped us,” he said. India remains unbeaten in their last ten ODIs at the venue and will now face South Africa or New Zealand in the final—once again in Dubai.
Meanwhile, other teams have endured exhausting travel, frequently moving between Pakistan and the UAE. South Africa even made a pointless trip to Dubai without playing a match, only to return to Pakistan within 24 hours.
