Mohammed Shami Credits Dubai Venue for India’s Champions Trophy Success
In a thrilling semi-final match, India triumphed over Australia by four wickets, thanks in large part to the exceptional performance of pace spearhead Mohammed Shami, who took 3 wickets for 48 runs. Shami emphasized the significant advantage of playing all Champions Trophy matches at the same venue in Dubai, stating, “It definitely helped us because we know the conditions and the behaviour of the pitch.” This consistency has allowed India to dominate the tournament, winning all four of their matches in Dubai.
Gautam Gambhir Defends Venue Criticism
India’s coach, Gautam Gambhir, defended the team’s advantages amidst criticism regarding the single-venue format. He pointed out that while other teams faced the challenges of traveling between Pakistan and the UAE, India has been able to focus solely on their performance at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. As India prepares to face either South Africa or New Zealand in the finals, their familiarity with the pitch could be a game-changer.
Shami Advocates for Saliva Use
In addition to discussing the benefits of a single venue, Shami called for the reintroduction of saliva for ball polishing to enhance the ability to achieve reverse swing. Since the ICC banned saliva during the Covid-19 pandemic, bowlers have had to rely solely on sweat for maintaining the ball. Shami stated, “We are constantly appealing to allow the use of saliva, and it will be interesting with the reverse swing.” This addition could enhance the effectiveness of fast bowlers in crucial match situations.
Looking Ahead
As India heads into the final, the team’s consistency in Dubai and Shami’s outstanding form raise expectations. Fans can follow the latest updates and live scores on Looffers.com to stay ahead of every ball. With Shami committed to delivering long spells and contributing more to the team’s success, the excitement surrounding India’s Champions Trophy campaign continues to build.
