India’s fast bowling ace, Mohammed Shami, has acknowledged that playing all their Champions Trophy matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium has given his team a crucial advantage. Shami, who was instrumental in India’s four-wicket semifinal victory over Australia with figures of 3-48, cited the team’s familiarity with the pitch and conditions as a significant factor in their success.
“It definitely helped us because we know the conditions and the behavior of the pitch,” Shami said after the win. The 34-year-old pacer has been a standout performer in the tournament, having previously claimed a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in India’s opening match.
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Shami also raised concerns about the ICC’s ongoing ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball, a measure made permanent following the COVID-19 pandemic. He believes reinstating the use of saliva could help fast bowlers generate reverse swing, which is crucial in limited-overs cricket. “We are constantly appealing to allow the use of saliva, and it will be interesting with the reverse swing,” Shami remarked.
Despite brief fitness concerns during India’s match against Pakistan, Shami assured that he is back in form after delivering a full 10-over spell against Australia. “I am trying to get my rhythm back and contribute more for the team,” he said.
India’s coach, Gautam Gambhir, defended the decision to play all of India’s matches in Dubai, responding to critics questioning the fairness of the arrangement. India has won all four of their games at the venue, having chosen not to travel to Pakistan due to political tensions.
The hybrid tournament format has required other teams to travel between Pakistan and the UAE, creating logistical challenges. Meanwhile, India remains unbeaten in Dubai, winning nine out of their last 10 matches played there. They now await the winner of the South Africa vs. New Zealand semifinal, with the final also set to take place in Dubai.
