India will face New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy final on a pitch they have already played on. The Dubai ground staff have reportedly selected the same strip that hosted the high-profile India vs. Pakistan clash during the group stage. With the final just days away, preparations are in full swing to ensure the surface is ready for the big match. The pitch in question was last used on February 23 and is now set to host the title clash on March 9. The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) follows a ‘two-week rest’ rule for pitches, but due to scheduling constraints, a fresh surface could not be prepared. As a result, India and New Zealand will play the decider on a wicket that has already seen action in this tournament. Experts believe the conditions will favor teams with strong spinners. The pitch has been under covers for the past few days, with ground staff working to maintain its quality despite the wear and tear. A final inspection of the surface is expected on Saturday, a day before the match. Read also: Jasprit Bumrah to Miss First Two Weeks of IPL 2025: Reports Déjà Vu for India? Used Pitch Raises Concerns With Dubai’s rising temperatures, the pitch is likely to get slower as the game progresses. The same wicket, when used earlier, offered assistance to spinners while batters found it difficult to time their shots. This could be a major factor in the final, forcing teams to rethink their strategies. A source close to the tournament’s management revealed that curators had little choice but to go with a used surface. The official stated, "The ILT20 was underway but the ground staff had an eye on the Champions Trophy. Not just the square, the outfield was given a lot of importance and that is why you have such a lush outfield even after so much cricket." For India, this could be an advantage as they have already played on this track. Their bowlers, especially spinners, will have a fair idea of what to expect. However, New Zealand will also take this into account and plan accordingly. With the final stage set, all eyes will be on how the teams adapt to this familiar yet tricky pitch.