The Indian cricket board (BCCI) handed its team, which claimed the Champions Trophy title earlier this month, a $6.72 million cash bonus on Thursday, an amount three times the winner's purse for the 50-over tournament.

Rohit Sharma and his men beat New Zealand by four wickets in the 9 March final in Dubai to win their second successive global title, following their Twenty20 World Cup triumph last year. The team took home $2.24 million for the Champions Trophy win.

The BCCI, the world's richest cricket board, announced an additional 580 million rupees for the players, support staff and members of the selection committee for their latest success in an International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament.

"Winning back-to-back ICC titles is special and this reward recognises Team India's dedication and excellence on the global stage," BCCI president Roger Binny said in a statement.

"The cash award is a recognition of the hard work that everyone puts in behind the scenes."

Board secretary Devajit Saikia said the players deserved the bonus for India's recent domination of limited-overs cricket.

"This victory has justified India's top ranking in white-ball cricket, and we are sure the team will continue to excel in the years to come," Saikia said.

Sporting success and team glory is rarely remembered for the bumps, bruises and controversies along the way, no matter how relevant they were to the course of a match or competition or how much they contributed to deciding the winners and losers.

In time, usually a short period, the only thing that matters – and is recalled – is the name of the winning team and perhaps the scoreline.

So, despite the continuing grumbles about the ‘unfair’ advantages afforded to India during the course of their largely unhindered march to the Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday, that is what they will be remembered as. Champions.

Dozens of former players and even some, brave current players have pointed out that playing all five of their games at one venue, without any debilitating physical and emotional downsides of international travel, not to mention the familiarity with playing conditions, gave the Indian team a huge head start on the seven other teams.

Any number of examples could be used, but former England captain, Michael Atherton, summed it up as well as anyone writing in The Times:

“India gained an undeniable advantage. The contrast in conditions was stark: Dubai’s slower pitches and lack of dew kept scores manageable, while in Pakistan, teams were racking up 300+ totals in dewy evening chases. Australia even pulled off a record-breaking 352-run chase in Lahore.

"But India? No nasty surprises, no late-night dew factor, and no travel fatigue,” Atherton wrote.

Many other critics were more emotional and less sanguine than Atherton.

Victory is sweeter when 1.4 billion hearts celebrate with you! 🏆💙 This one’s for INDIA 🇮🇳

#ChampionsTrophy #Teamindia pic.twitter.com/SK6izLGGhj

— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) March 9, 2025

THE BEST TEAM

But those who suggested that India’s refusal to travel to host-nation Pakistan and insistence on playing in the UAE was the reason they won the tournament are very wide of the mark.

India were the best team at the tournament by a distance and deserved to win.

But talking of distance… their opponents in the final, New Zealand, played at four different venues and racked up over 7 000 kilometres in the air during the two-week competition.

That may not sound much for the cricketers from the country which always has to travel further than any other to compete, but it’s not the flying time which is so exhausting – it’s the hours getting to and from airports which, in their case, were (un)comfortably three times more than they spent in the clouds.

South Africa’s players travelled around half that distance but it did include a 20-hour return trip to Dubai in case they were required to play India in the semifinal.

When they weren’t they returned immediately to Lahore, an excursion which both David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen described tactfully as “not ideal.”

Team travel distances in 2025 Champions Trophy.
#ChampionsTrophyFinal pic.twitter.com/DYMgUPHNBX

— Taps Cricket Academy🇿🇦🇿🇼 @Tapslua (@AcademyTaps) March 9, 2025

MOST POWERFUL AND PERSUASIVE

But talk of the ICC “taking a stand” and “saying no” to the BCCI is as much a waste of energy as it is time.

The International Cricket Council is a collection of junior managers who do as they are bade by the owners of the company they work for.

And the owners, contrary to the populist perception, are all of the test-playing nations, not just India.

It’s just that India is the most powerful and persuasive of them – by a long distance.

South Africa’s players and administrators did well not to criticise.

They had nothing to gain and much to lose by doing so.

Apart from the heart-warming success of the test side, the SA20 is the only ‘guaranteed’ jewel in the South African game.

One only needs to be reminded of the words of its Commissioner, Graeme Smith, after the third season just a month ago:

“Everyone who has experience in cricket knows that the Indian market is the key to the game with its huge fan base and the commercial aspect that it brings.

Obviously our six franchise teams originated in the IPL and have invested heavily in the SA20 and one of our biggest broadcast partners is over there, so if you want to grow and challenge globally then you need the viewership and you want people to tune in.

“They are ultimately the success points if you want to maintain your vision for the future and how you grow. Jio and Viacom have been an integral part of backing the league from the beginning when it was still just a dream and were just selling an opportunity.

On behalf of the @ICC, I'd like to thank the teams, tournament hosts, broadcast licensees, our sponsors, ICC staff, suppliers - and of course the incredible fans around the world - who together helped make this #ChampionsTrophy a huge success. pic.twitter.com/eOF04pPO0I

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) March 12, 2025

Smith said his team’s ‘hope’ was for between “200 and 250 million viewers in India” but that indications from the broadcasters were that that figure was closer to 600 million.

“That really separates us from all of the other leagues outside of India,” Smith said.

If that means cricket in South Africa keeping its collective mouth shut and accepting the status quo, that’s probably an acceptable price to pay for the income it earns.

And if it makes it even harder to win ICC tournaments, so be it.

Geopolitical reality, lack of buzz in host nation Pakistan and mediocre cricket in general meant the Champions Trophy's much-anticipated return to the calendar did not go according to plan for the governing International Cricket Council (ICC).

The one-day international (ODI) tournament served as an ICC fundraiser but offered no assurance about the future of a format battling for relevance in a cricket landscape ruled by Twenty20 leagues either.

Financial engine India's participation, a key factor behind the commercial success of any cricket tournament, was in doubt after Pakistan bagged the hosting rights for the first ICC event in the country since 1996.

The Indian board (BCCI) stuck to their policy of not touring Pakistan because of the strained political ties between the bitter neighbours, who play each other only in ICC events.

Like for the 2023 Asia Cup in Pakistan, a 'hybrid model' was agreed on under which India were allowed to play their matches in Dubai to salvage a tournament, which had been discontinued after the 2017 edition.

Under the agreement running until 2027, Pakistan will play in a neutral venue for any ICC event, like next year's Twenty20 World Cup, scheduled in India.

Reigning T20 world champions India beat New Zealand in Sunday's final to prove their credentials as a white-ball behemoth.

India have lost just one match - the final of the ODI World Cup in 2023 - in their last three ICC events and probably did not require what many called an "unfair advantage" of playing all their matches in Dubai.

"I feel sorry for India's cricketers," award-winning cricket writer Nicholas Brookes told Reuters.

"They are an outstanding team – in my mind, streets ahead of their competition regardless of conditions, and one of the greatest white-ball sides the game has seen.

"This tournament should have been their victory lap, but their brilliance has been somewhat overshadowed by constant questions about unfair advantages."

Allowing India to play all their matches in Dubai robbed Pakistan of the honour of hosting the final and disrupted the schedule of the knockout matches.

South Africa were made to take a farcical 18-hour trip to Dubai in anticipation of a semifinal against India before flying back to Pakistan to face New Zealand.

"BENDING OVER BACKWARDS"

The whole affair made the ICC, currently headed by former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, look weak in front of the world's richest cricket board.

The scheduling also favoured India, who had a week's rest between their last two group matches, while Afghanistan played twice in three days.

"That looks like the ICC putting finances ahead of fairness," said Brookes, whose "An Island's Eleven" charts the history of Sri Lankan cricket and won the Wisden Book Of The Year award in 2023.

"Some people will naturally think that the governing body is bending over backwards to accommodate India."

Defending champions Pakistan looked under-prepared for the tournament, both on and off the field.

Eleventh-hour facelift to stadiums in Karachi and Lahore, sparse crowd and three washouts dampened the spirit among the locals.

Adding to their woes, Mohammed Rizwan and his men finished bottom of Group A after a winless campaign that included a defeat by arch-rivals India.

An injury-ravaged Australia fielded a second string pace attack with Steve Smith, who quit ODIs after their semifinal exit, leading them in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins.

New Zealand allrounder Rachin Ravindra bagged the player-of-the-tournament prize, while fellow Black Cap Glenn Phillips redefined fielding with gravity-defying catches and India's Virat Kohli proved he is not a spent force yet but the cricket was largely mediocre.

Afghanistan could not make the last four but impressed on their Champions Trophy debut while former champions England are searching for a new captain after their winless campaign prompted Jos Buttler to step down.

KL Rahul was hailed on Monday as India's Champions Trophy unsung hero, having twice kept a cool head under pressure to see his team to victory in tense semifinals and finals.

Captain Rohit Sharma top-scored with 76 to lead India to a four-wicket final win over New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday, following Virat Kohli's 84 to anchor India's semifinal chase against Australia.

Everybody wanted to know what we would do if we didn’t win ….

I guess we’ll never know pic.twitter.com/KBC5WOo1Ix

— K L Rahul (@klrahul) March 9, 2025

Both won Player of the Match awards for their respective knocks, but after they had departed, it had been No 6 Rahul, almost under the radar, who had kept calm to guide India across the finish line.

He was unbeaten on 34 in the final as India chased down 252, just a few days after his 42 not out took India past Australia's 264 in the last four of the 50-over competition.

Rohit was full of praise for Rahul's composure at the sharp end of the nerve-shredding chases.

"Look, when we discussed KL's batting position, that is one thing we discussed quite deeply about how calm he is when he is batting," Rohit said after guiding India to a third Champions Trophy crown.

"I'm very, very happy with how he ... batted in the pressure situation, both in the semifinals and this game.

OVER THE MOON

"With KL being there, we know that he's got that mind where he keeps himself calm and keeps the dressing room also very calm."

While Rohit and Kohli grabbed the headlines, a softly spoken and smiling Rahul, 32, was quietly enjoying his first win in an ICC championship.

"ICC victories are not so easy to get and it's my first one, so I'm over the moon," Rahul said.

"It's been a complete team effort, all 11-12 players have stood up and their chance and opportunity has come and it's one of the biggest reasons why we have ended up winning the tournament."

An elegant batsman, Rahul started off as an opener for India in white-ball cricket.

But a loss of form and intense media scrutiny forced him to reinvent his batting.

He dropped down to No 6 recently as he edged out Rishabh Pant behind the stumps.

"What I have been taught by my coaches from an early age is that cricket's a team game and whatever the team requires of you, you need to be able to do that," said Rahul, who sports a trademark beard and a man bun on his tattooed, athletic frame.

"It requires a lot of preparation, lot of work outside the field. I just watch and learn from the batsmen I like at four, five, six."

Rahul started his cricketing journey as a wicketkeeper-batsman but had given up the gloves in domestic cricket.

It was not until an injury to Pant against Australia in 2020 that he again stood behind the stumps.

"I kept wickets in the series, played at No 5 and performed well," said Rahul.

"From then on the captain and team management thought I could do that role."

India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the final of the Champions Trophy on Sunday in Dubai.

An invincible campaign capped off in style 🏆🇮🇳#ChampionsTrophy #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/GRSaBMaCcT

— ICC (@ICC) March 9, 2025

We look at five storylines from the 50-over tournament.

KOHLI SILENCES DOUBTERS

Virat Kohli silenced the critics over his poor form in test cricket with an unbeaten 100 against arch-rivals Pakistan.

Kohli took time to get into the groove on a sluggish Dubai pitch to anchor India's chase of 242 with key stands.

His mastery of the conditions, combined with his ability to rotate the strike, took India to victory with six wickets and 45 balls to spare.

Success at the #ChampionsTrophy means so much for Virat Kohli 💥

More 👉 https://t.co/dt1Oimrdwm pic.twitter.com/yZmujfdoaC

— ICC (@ICC) March 10, 2025

Kohli was also India's saviour in the semifinal against Australia when his 84 steered another successful chase.

Opposition skipper Steve Smith called the 36-year-old "arguably the best chaser the game has seen".

PAKISTAN PARTY FLOP

Pakistan hosted a major cricket event for the first time in three decades and excitement there was sky-high, despite India's refusal to tour and instead play all their matches in Dubai.

But the Pakistan team's poor showing on the field deflated the spirits of the cricket-crazy nation with successive losses to New Zealand and India.

That signalled the end of Pakistan's title defence, and to add insult to injury, their dead-rubber final group match against Bangladesh was washed out.

One disappointed fan called the tournament a "wedding where you don't know the bride or groom".

SUPERMAN PHILLIPS

New Zealand's Glenn Phillips lit up the tournament with his fielding heroics, notably against India in the group phase for the key wicket of Kohli.

Just another day on the field for Glenn Phillips 🤩#INDvNZ 📝: https://t.co/e3rvxSMtIx#ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/jJi45H9JsH

— ICC (@ICC) March 9, 2025

Phillips dived full stretch to his right at backward point and somehow held on to the ball to send Kohli back for 11 off fast bowler Matt Henry.

Kohli stood in disbelief for a few seconds before trudging back to the pavilion as the fans in Dubai fell silent.

Social media was abuzz with reactions to the catch, with one fan on X calling Phillips "the Superman of the tournament".

ENGLAND CAPTAIN BUTTLER RESIGNS

Jos Buttler's England came into the competition off the back of a 3-0 ODI whitewash in India, but piled on a mammoth 351 in their opener against Ashes rivals Australia.

England still managed to lose as Australia chased down the target to leave Buttler's side on the brink.

Defeat to Afghanistan put England out of the tournament after just two matches.

Two days later Buttler quit as England's white-ball captain after three successive flops in ICC events including their failed T20 and 50-over World Cup title defences.

SMITH RETIRES, ROHIT DOESN'T

Veteran batsman Steve Smith, 35, called time on his ODI career a day after Australia lost in the semifinals to India.

Smith top-scored for Australia with 73 but his knock was in vain after India overhauled Australia’s 264 and the captain's innings turned out to be his last in the format.

India's 1️⃣2️⃣-year wait comes to an end finally 🤩🏆#ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/McUXxsjCaN

— ICC (@ICC) March 9, 2025

Another retirement seemed highly likely after the final with intense speculation that India skipper Rohit Sharma would end his one-day career if they won.

Opener Rohit top-scored with 76 in the final and declared afterwards that he was not going anywhere, leaving Indian media stumped and fans relieved.

New Zealand's Mitchell Santner said the loss to India in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday was a "bittersweet" ending to his first ICC tournament as captain.

New Zealand went down to India by four wickets in a hard-fought title clash that was decided in the penultimate over in Dubai.

Santner, a left-arm spinner and a gutsy batter, took over the white-ball job in December from Kane Williamson, who stepped down after the T20 World Cup last year.

The Black Caps lost two of their five matches and both the defeats came against India.

"It has been very enjoyable," said Santner after their defeat in the final.

"Made easy by the group. Different guys stepping up at different times makes it easy. We have had a few challenges but we have adapted. It has been a great tournament."

The 33-year-old Santner led New Zealand with aplomb as they were the first team to reach the semifinals, taking India along with them after wins over hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh.

New Zealand beat South Africa in the semifinal in Lahore with centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Williamson.

In the final, New Zealand posted 251-7 after they elected to bat first on a sluggish pitch that aided the spinners.

The left-handed Ravindra helped New Zealand start strongly with his 37 but soon the Indian spinners hit back with wickets.

Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 63 and Michael Bracewell finished off with an unbeaten 53 off 40 balls, but it wasn't enough against an Indian batting line-up with depth.

"I guess it's kind of bittersweet at the end," Santner said.

"I think we came up against a good side in the final but yeah you know we challenged in there at times throughout this game, which was pleasing."

He added: "I think there was probably a couple of small moments where we let it get away from us, but yeah incredibly proud of this group the way we've kind of gone about it throughout this tournament."

Ravindra scored two centuries in the eight-nation tournament and amassed 263 runs to be named player of the series.

He also took three wickets with his left-arm spin after returning to the team following his recovery from a nasty hit to his forehead in a warm-up match in Pakistan.

"We've seen how he steps up in these major events and that's all you can ask for," Santner said of his 25-year-old allrounder.

"He understands his game at such a young age already. He's got such a massive future ahead. He even took the ball in hand and put the pressure back on them today."

India skipper Rohit Sharma on Sunday said he is "not retiring" from one-day international cricket after leading his team to a record third Champions Trophy title in Dubai.

India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the final of the 50-over tournament after Rohit handed the team a quick start with his 76 as they chased down their target of 252 with six balls to spare.

Indian stalwarts Rohit, 37, and Virat Kohli, 36, had a lean run of form in India's 3-1 test defeat in Australia earlier this year and the pair came into the tournament with speculation swirling over their ODI retirements.

"I want to clarify that I am not going anywhere, I am not retiring from this format," Rohit told reporters at the end of a long post-match press conference at the Dubai International Stadium.

He said a lot of rumours have been doing the rounds around his retirement, but he will stay on.

Rohit has led India to their second successive ICC title after the team lifted the T20 World Cup in Barbados last year.

Rohit, Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja all retired from the shorter format after the triumph.

India, under Rohit, ended runners-up in the 2023 ODI World Cup after they lost the final to Australia in Ahmedabad.

His 83-ball knock laced with seven fours and three sixes was Rohit's first half-century in this tournament where India, who played all their matches in Dubai, were unbeaten in the five games they played.

India have dropped just one match in three ICC tournaments since the ODI World Cup where the home team came unbeaten into the final.

Rohit's team remained unbeaten in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies and extended the run in this Champions Trophy.

"It is a great milestone to have, honestly speaking," Rohit said of the achievement.

"And that speaks about the kind of team this is.

"So, it shows a lot of quality in the team, a lot of depth, a lot of understanding within the group, a lot of enjoyment, a lot of excitement. And that is how we want to play our cricket."

India came into the eight-nation tournament with a 3-0 ODI sweep of England at home and have been the team to beat in white-ball cricket.

They top the world team rankings in ODI and T20 listings of the International Cricket Council.

"One game India loses, or it goes here and there, and there is so much speculation," said Rohit.

"But the boys and the team have actually managed to put that aside and just focus on how to win games and how to enjoy the game.

"Representing India is not a joke. Everyone wants to represent India with a lot of integrity and a lot of pride as well."

Rohit Sharma scored a masterly 76 from 83 balls but India survived a mid-innings scare before completing a four-wicket victory against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Replying to a modest 251-7 captain Rohit led from the front with seven fours and three sixes in an opening stand of 105 with Shubman Gill (31) before becoming the third wicket to fall in a trio for the addition of just 17-runs in 7.3 overs to leave the innings tottering at 122-3.

Gill was spectacularly caught, one-handed, by Glenn Phillips at extra cover and Virat Kohli (1) was trapped lbw by offspinner Michael Bracewell to briefly give New Zealand hope.

But Shreyas Iyer crafted 48 from 62 balls with a pair of fours and sixes, Axar Patel contributed a patient 29 from 40 balls and veteran KL Rahul finished the job with an unbeaten 34 from 33 balls after Hardik Pandya had eased the nerves with a run-a-ball 18.

2002 - 🏆
2013 - 🏆
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 -🏆

The men in blue dominate the Black Caps to claim their third #ChampionsTrophy 😤🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/mJwHE6Uv3R

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) March 9, 2025

Bracewell was outstanding with 2-28 from his 10 overs and captain Mitch Santner (2-46) dragged his team back into the contest with his left arm spin after fellow left-armer Rachin Ravindra (1-47) had Rohit stumped but the Black Caps simply did not have enough runs to defend.

We’ve seen this one! 📸
It’s a THALAPATHY classic! 🦁⚔️#Whistle4Blue#ChampionsTrophy
📸: @BCCI pic.twitter.com/8OmoB4s2PY

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 9, 2025

Earlier New Zealand themselves became entangled in a web of high-class spin bowling as they struggled to a total of 251-7 after choosing to bat first with India’s four frontline spinners bowling 38 of the 50 overs for a combined collection of 5-115 with only left armer Axar Patel (8-0-29-0) not completing his 10 overs after sustaining a finger injury.

In-form opener Ravindra gave no indications of the difficulties to come with a fluent 37 from 29 balls and a six but when he was bowled by a googly from wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav (2-40) the innings quickly changed direction after a promising start at 69-1 after 10 overs.

The great Kane Williamson (11) misread another Kuldeep googly and pushed a leading edge straight back to the bowler after Will Young (15) had been trapped lbw by Yadav’s fellow wrist-spinner Varun Chakravarthy who finished with 2-45.

Congratulations Team India on a fabulous performance to win the #ChampionsTrophy Remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament and the way the whole team played consistently match after match and put out clinical performances was a joy to watch .
A win to cherish and celebrate. pic.twitter.com/rvrZHIs9aq

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 9, 2025

Latham (14 from 30) is a consummate player of spin but missed a sweep shot and was trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja (1-30) while Glenn Phillips battled hard for his 34 from 52 deliveries (2x4, 1x6) before another, quicker Chakravarthy googly slipped through his defences and crashed into the stumps.

Nobody battled harder than Daryl Mitchell, however, who reached his 50 from a whopping 93 balls with just a single boundary before finally attmpting to ‘pull the trigger’ against fast bowler Mohammad Shami in the 46th over and driving him straight to captain Rohit Sharma at cover.

Bracewell smashed Shami and Hardik Pandya for a six apiece in his belated counter-attack which earned him a fighting 53* from just 40 balls (3x4) and gave the Black Caps hopes of an upset victory against the overwhelming tournament favourites but India will begin the run-chase strongly fancied to add the Champions Trophy to the T20 World Cup title they won last year against South Africa.

---

NEW ZEALAND: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wkt), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, William Orourke

INDIA: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wkt), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy

India's Shubman Gill on Saturday said the team will look to win the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand to get over their 2023 ODI World Cup title defeat.

The final on Sunday in Dubai will decide the winner of the eight-nation tournament played in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

"I am quite excited," vice-captain Gill told reporters. "My second ICC event for team India and second final. The last time which we couldn't do, we will try to do it this time."

India went down to Australia in the 50-over World Cup final in November 2023 on home soil in Ahmedabad in a heartbreaking defeat for the team, which had come into the title clash unbeaten.

However, Rohit Sharma's team eased the heartache of fans a few months later when they lifted the 2024 T20 World Cup title – India's first victory in a major global event since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

Gill, who was not part of the T20 triumph, said the ICC title in Barbados allows the team to go into Sunday's final without any baggage.

"It's also about once you get one title that kind of breaks the jinx and then it gives you the momentum and also you are not desperate about getting the title," said Gill.

"Winning the title in 2024 doesn't mean that we are less hungry, but it kind of gives us more balance that we have won an ICC title and we will try to do our best to win this one."

India come into the title clash unbeaten in four matches after they went past Australia in the semifinal to eye a third Champions Trophy crown.

ROHIT RETIREMENT CAN WAIT

India have played all their matches in Dubai after they refused to tour hosts Pakistan due to political tensions.

Gill said the importance of a final does come into the equation when they walk out but a champion team knows how to handle pressure.

"The big-match pressure is always there," said Gill.

"This is the reason why we talk about big teams of previous years, including West Indies and Australia. Those teams played their best cricket in knock-outs. Easier said than done, but good teams play their best cricket under pressure."

Virat Kohli has been in top form as he hit an unbeaten 100 against arch-rivals Pakistan in a group game and hit 84 in another successful chase in the semifinal.

Rohit has been slammed for not converting his starts into bigger scores, but his quick cameos have nonetheless allowed the team to build totals.

Gill, who opens with Rohit, said India's batting depth has allowed the top-order to bat freely.

"I think this is the best batting line-up that I have been part of," said Gill. "Rohit, Virat, I think all-time one-day greats. Rohit one of the best openers in white-ball and Virat one of the best ODI batsman ever."

He added: "The depth in our batting makes the work easier for batsmen at the top and you tend to play freely because of the depth."

While Indian media continue to speculate on Rohit's retirement, Gill said there has been no talk about it in the dressing room.

"The discussion has been around the final," said Gill. "I don't think even Rohit is thinking about it too much."

India playing all their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai was a pre-tournament decision and the talk of unfair advantage is baseless, the team's batting coach said on Friday.

Rohit Sharma's team face New Zealand in the title clash on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium, where India have been unbeaten in four matches.

India refused to tour hosts Pakistan in the eight-nation tournament due to political tensions and were given Dubai as their venue in the United Arab Emirates.

"The draw that happened, it happened before," batting coach Sitanshu Kotak told reporters. "After India winning four matches, if people feel that there is an advantage, then I don't know what to say about it."

The tournament's tangled schedule, with teams flying in and out of the UAE from Pakistan while India have stayed put, has been hugely controversial.

South Africa batsman David Miller said "it was not an ideal situation" for his team to fly in to Dubai to wait on India's semifinal opponent and then fly back to Lahore in less than 24 hours.

Even nominal hosts Pakistan had to jump on a jet and fly to Dubai to play India, rather than face them on home soil.

The pitches have been vastly different in the two countries.

Pakistan tracks produced big totals, in contrast to the slow and turning decks of the Dubai stadium.

"End of the day, I think in a game, you have to play good cricket every day when you turn up," the 52-year-old Kotak said. "So the only thing they (critics) may say is that we play here. But that is how the draw is."

"So nothing else can happen in that. It is not that after coming here, they changed something and we got an advantage," he added.

India have been the team to beat after they topped Group A, which had New Zealand, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

They then beat Australia in the first semifinal.

New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, lost the last group game to India by 44 runs before they beat South Africa in the second semifinal in Lahore.

Kotak said the previous result between the two teams will have no bearing on their mindset going into the final.

"That depends how the New Zealand team thinks, but I think we should not think that," said Kotak.

"We should just try and turn up and play a good game of cricket because there is no use thinking about the last match."

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said they are not too worried about India's advantage.

"I mean, look, the decision around that's out of our hands," said Stead.

"So, it's not something we worry about too much. India have got to play all their games here in Dubai. But as you said, we have had a game here and we'll learn very quickly from that experience there as well."

"And if we're good enough to beat India on Sunday, then I'm sure we'll be very, very happy," he added.

New Zealand are "hopeful" pace bowler Matt Henry will recover from a shoulder injury in time for their Champions Trophy final against India on Sunday, coach Gary Stead said.

Henry is racing to be fit for the title clash in Dubai after he injured his right shoulder while taking a catch in the semifinal win over South Africa on Wednesday.

"Look, Matt Henry obviously landed on his shoulder and it was pretty uncomfortable," Stead told reporters on Friday. "I guess the positive thing from our perspective is he got back out there to bowl."

Henry has been key to New Zealand's title hopes in the 50-over tournament and returned figures of 5-42 against India a group match that the Black Caps lost.

Henry took a catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen in South Africa's chase of 363 in Lahore but landed awkwardly during the effort.

He went off the field but returned to bowl two more overs in his spell of seven.

"We've had some scans and stuff done on him and we're going to give him every chance to be playing in this match," said Stead.

"So still a little bit unknown at this stage. He's obviously pretty sore just from landing on the point of his shoulder.

"Hopeful he will be okay."

India and New Zealand face off in the final of the Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday to decide the winner of the eight-nation ODI tournament.

AFP Sport looks at five key factors that could decide the fate of the title clash.

HENRY'S OPENING BURST

New Zealand pace spearhead Matt Henry leads the bowling charts in the 50-over tournament with 10 wickets – five when the Black Caps faced India earlier in the competition.

🇮🇳 🆚 🇳🇿#ChampionsTrophy 2025 Final 🤩
Dubai 📍 pic.twitter.com/mD112FDOIh

— ICC (@ICC) March 5, 2025

Henry took down Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli in the group match in Dubai to reduce India to 30-3, before a middle-order fightback lifted Rohit Sharma's team to 249-9.

Henry, who combines pace with good seam movement, returned figures of 5-42, albeit in a losing cause.

His opening burst in the final could be vital for New Zealand in gaining the upper hand.

 CHAKRAVARTHY'S MYSTERY SPIN

Wrist spinner Varun Chakravarthy was a late addition to the India squad for the tournament and against New Zealand bamboozled the opposition with figures of 5-42.

That was his first match of the tournament and only his second ODI, having made his debut against England in February.

The 33-year-old, a mystery spinner who has many variations up his sleeve, took another two wickets in the semifinal against Australia.

Chakravarthy could be key to India's chances – if part of the XI – on pitches that have helped the spinners.

RAVINDRA WILLIAMSON

Rising star Rachin Ravindra and old warhorse Kane Williamson come into the final fresh from centuries against South Africa in Lahore.

The left-handed Ravindra and Williamson put together 164 runs in a match-winning stand in the semifinal and have the ability tackle the Indian spinners with aplomb.

Williamson, 34, hit a valiant 81 in the previous match against India and with Ravindra, 25, will once again pose a serious threat to India on an expected sluggish pitch.

Skipper and left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner said Williamson and Ravindra's batting makes life a "little easier" for the bowlers.

ROHIT'S START

India captain Rohit hasn't hit top gear in the tournament, with his highest score being 41 in the opening win against Bangladesh.

But even his scores of 20-plus in two matches – against Pakistan and Australia – have handed India quick starts for others to build on.

Critics have slammed the opener for not converting those starts into bigger scores.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir says his impact has been crucial and not driven by numbers.

"You evaluate from the runs; we evaluate from the impact. That's the difference," Gambhir shot back at a question on Rohit's form.

THE PITCH FACTOR

The pitches at Dubai International Cricket Stadium have been a talking point with India playing all their matches at the same venue after refusing to tour Pakistan for political reasons.

The surface in Dubai has been sluggish and aided spinners with Australia posting the highest total in this tournament of 264, which was overhauled by India with 11 balls to spare.

Tracks in Pakistan have produced tall scores with New Zealand getting a Champions Trophy record 362-6 before restricting South Africa to 312-9 in Lahore.

While India stay at their temporary home for the final, New Zealand's Ravindra said "we pride ourselves in adapting and playing the situation in front of us".

India play New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final in Dubai on Sunday in what could be a last hurrah for veteran stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

The 36-year-old Kohli and skipper Rohit, 37, came into the 50-over tournament with speculation over when they will retire following lean patches in test cricket.

Mainstays of a formidable India side for more than 15 years, the duo retired from T20 internationals after winning the World Cup last year.

🇮🇳 🆚 🇳🇿#ChampionsTrophy 2025 Final 🤩
Dubai 📍 pic.twitter.com/mD112FDOIh

— ICC (@ICC) March 5, 2025

This weekend could be the end for them in ODIs, with the next 50-over World Cup not until 2027.

"I am sure Rohit will lead India to a title. He will have another ICC trophy soon," former seam bowler Praveen Kumar told The Times of India.

"I will only say that Virat and Rohit, give us one more ICC trophy before you retire," he added.

India go into the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium as favourites and with their confidence sky-high.

They have won all four of their matches at the eight-nation tournament, including beating New Zealand by 44 runs in the group phase, although both teams had already reached the semifinals by then.

Virat Kohli breaks down his mantra for success ✨

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/fDJZUSdtXQ#ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/9kuNSx6aNX

— ICC (@ICC) March 6, 2025

Rohit's side have played all their games in Dubai after refusing to visit Champions Trophy hosts Pakistan because of political tensions.

Rohit and Kohli came into the competition under pressure.

Master batsman Kohli silenced his critics with an unbeaten 100 against arch-rivals Pakistan, then hit a match-winning 84 against world champions Australia in the semifinals.

Rohit's highest score has been 41 in their opening win over Bangladesh but the opener has been lauded for handing the team quick starts to build on a total at a venue where batting is tough.

The unmatched legacy of Rohit Sharma in men's ICC tournaments 👏🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/lPzS42FfbW

— ICC (@ICC) March 6, 2025

India, who are looking to win the Champions Trophy for a record third time, also boast a world-class spin attack.

They unleashed four spinners in beating New Zealand with Varun Chakravarthy returning figures of 5-42 to help bowl out the Black Caps for 205 in their chase of 250.

India were unchanged against Australia as the spin-heavy selection came up trumps again, albeit on a Dubai pitch that turned a little less that time around.

QUIET CONFIDENCE

In front of them lies a New Zealand team hoping to win the tournament for the second time, having done so in 2000 in what was the second edition of a competition likened to a mini World Cup.

The Black Caps powered into the final by beating South Africa by 50 runs in Lahore.

Batsman Rachin Ravindra hammered 108 in New Zealand's Champions Trophy record total of 362 at the batting-friendly Gaddafi Stadium and put together 164 runs with veteran batsman Kane Williamson, who hit 102.

The left-handed Ravindra, who also bowls left-arm spin, has amassed 226 from three matches after he returned from a nasty hit to his forehead in a tri-series match in Pakistan.

The Wellington-born Ravindra is of Indian origin with his parents hailing from Bengaluru.

"We don't quite know how the Dubai pitch is like," said Ravindra.

"We know our game against India did turn and Aussie v India didn't turn so much, so I think we pride ourselves in adapting and playing the situation in front of us, so will see what happens in the next couple of days and hope it's a good cricket wicket."

New Zealand have exuded a quiet confidence leading into the final and Williamson said losing to India earlier in the tournament could actually help them.

India and New Zealand have delivered blockbuster ICC knockout moments over the years 🤩 pic.twitter.com/EZBqCqbRBp

— ICC (@ICC) March 6, 2025

"India are an outstanding team and playing really well," he said.

"So look, it's important we try and take away some learnings from that last game... in a final anything can happen."

India might be favourites and will have much of the crowd at the 25 000-capacity Dubai stadium roaring them on, but recent history is actually with New Zealand.

They registered a surprise 3-0 test whitewash in India in October and November last year.

The Black Caps also hold a clear advantage over India with nine wins, six losses and one no-result at global white-ball tournaments.

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner on Thursday said a slower pitch in familiar territory for India in Dubai will make for a tight contest in the Champions Trophy final.

The two teams clash on Sunday to decide the winner of the eight-nation tournament held in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

Rohit Sharma's India are playing all their games at the Dubai International Stadium after they refused to tour hosts Pakistan because of political tensions.

They beat Australia in the first semifinal.

The unmatched legacy of Rohit Sharma in men's ICC tournaments 👏🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/lPzS42FfbW

— ICC (@ICC) March 6, 2025

New Zealand defeated South Africa in the second semifinal in Lahore on Wednesday and now move back to Dubai where they lost the last group match to India by 44 runs.

"I guess finals cricket is different, but for us what we have been doing to get us to this point has been good," Santner said on his arrival in Dubai.

"But obviously we have come against a good side, who have played all their games in Dubai and know that surface and we will be better for the run we had the other day against them," he said.

"Obviously the surface will dictate a little bit of how we want to operate. Will be slower than what we got in Lahore, might be more of a scrap."

India and New Zealand have delivered blockbuster ICC knockout moments over the years 🤩 pic.twitter.com/EZBqCqbRBp

— ICC (@ICC) March 6, 2025

The tournament's tangled schedule, with teams flying in and out of the UAE from Pakistan while India have stayed put, has been hugely controversial.

The pitches have been vastly different in the two countries.

Pakistan tracks produced big totals – the Black Caps posted a Champions Trophy record 362-6 before restricting South Africa to 312-9 in the semifinal in Lahore, in contrast to the slow and turning decks of the Dubai stadium.

Virat Kohli holds the record for the most 50+ scores in ICC ODI Tournaments with 24 in 53 innings 🤯

This is how he keeps his cool under pressure 👇#SummerOfCricket | #ChampionsTrophy

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) March 6, 2025

But Santner said the team has taken the travel in their stride.

"It's all part of the challenge," said Santner. "We have been to every place here obviously into Pakistan and Dubai. But I think the guys understand that it's part of it these days."

New Zealand won a tri-series tournament in Pakistan with South Africa as the third team and had many of their players in top form getting into the 50-over tournament.

Left-hander Rachin Ravindra hit his second century of this tournament in the semifinal clash and put on 164 runs with in-form Kane Williamson, who hit 102.

"Obviously that tri-series before – the tournament was handy in guys getting in form, especially into one of these tournaments which are quite short, three games and you're into the semis," said Santner.

"We have had a bit of a roll on and hopefully it continues."

The captain added: "We are here now and boys are pretty excited for the challenge ahead. One day off at training but the boys be fizzing and ready for the main event."

Following another valiant effort from the Proteas Men’s team, Cricket South Africa (CSA) extended their congratulations to the team on reaching yet another ICC knock-out phase at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan/UAE.

Proteas coach Rob Walter and captain Temba Bavuma’s side went down in their semifinal match against New Zealand on Wednesday, however, it was another commendable performance from the team to reach the last four.

South Africa were the form team throughout the group phase and were unbeaten going into the semifinal with wins over Afghanistan and England while their clash with Australia was rained out.

Reflecting on the efforts of the Proteas men’s team in recent years, CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki, was full of praise for the team and their consistency;

“Well done to captain Temba Bavuma, head coach Rob Walter and the entire squad as well as all the support staff on their efforts at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

“Qualifying for the semifinals in such a demanding tournament is a testament to the hard work put in both on and off the field.

“This past achievement marks a third consecutive semifinal appearance for the men’s team at ICC events to go with their T20 World Cup final appearance in 2024.

“The team continues to show signs of encouragement and improvement ahead of an important 20 months in the lead up to the ICC Men’s 50 Over World Cup in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe in 2027.”

David Miller maintained his composure on the big occasion, scoring a well-deserved century off 67 balls in the semifinal.

The Proteas men’s team continues to perform at a level that sees them consistently in the top four teams in the world.

Despite the disappointment of being knocked out of the competition at this late stage, there is a lot to look forward to from a national men’s team perspective.

“Our men’s team will now look to begin their preparation for the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s against Australia in June.

“This will provide the team with another chance to claim an ICC title and potentially reclaim the top spot in the ICC test rankings for the first time since 2016.”

The ICC World Test Championship final will take place from 7-11 June at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner said the 164-run stand between Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson set up their victory against South Africa in a high-scoring semifinal of the Champions Trophy on Wednesday.

The mammoth second-wicket partnership between Ravindra (108) and Williamson (102) helped New Zealand amass a tournament record 362-6 with Daryl Mitchell and an unbeaten Glenn Phillips providing some late acceleration with breezy 49s.

"The platform that we were able to set was vital with Rachin and Kane doing their things," said Santner, whose 3-43 helped New Zealand restrict South Africa to 312-9 despite David Miller's blistering unbeaten hundred down the order.

"It kind of set up that kind of death phase, where you can probably start (acceleration) a little bit earlier than you would if you started to lose wickets."

"That partnership, I think, was massive for us."

Twin tons 🪄

Rachin Ravindra x Kane Williamson #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/JPOOqbucfU

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 5, 2025

He praised the New Zealand bowling attack for denying South Africa enough partnerships to come close to the target.

"The key for the bowlers was to keep chipping away with wickets," said the left-arm spinner in his first global tournament as New Zealand captain.

"It was good personally. What we speak about as a group is apply pressure, but still take wickets. It was pleasing to get three pretty good scalps personally.

"We got four allrounders who bowl spin, that gives depth."

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, who forged a century stand with Rassie van der Dussen before their middle order caved, felt their top order should have done better.

"From a batting point of view, we didn't get those partnerships," said Bavuma, who made 56.

"There were one or two there but we needed either myself or Rassie van der Dussen to emulate their top four."

"At 125-1 with myself and Rassie still batting, you wanted both of us to keep going until the 30th over.

"We know how destructive our middle order can be when they come in the last 20 overs."

Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson scored contrasting but equally brilliant centuries to lead New Zealand to a total of 362-6 before captain Mitchell Santner claimed three wickets to give his team a 50-run victory in their Champions Trophy semifinal against South Africa who were restricted to 312-9 in reply at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday.

New Zealand are one step away from the #ChampionsTrophy 2025 title 🤩 pic.twitter.com/eNqF09Mpbh

— ICC (@ICC) March 5, 2025

David Miller scored a gloriously defiant, unbeaten 100 with typically audacious and powerful ball-striking but, gallingly for him, it was always destined to be in vain as he added a remarkable 56 runs with Lungi Ngidi for the 10th wicket with Ngidi facing just two balls and contributing one run.

Miller’s hundred may not be readily remembered in years to come because of the result, but as a performance born of frustration and possibly anger it was brutally entertaining as he blasted 10 fours and four sixes from just 67 balls.

A valiant 💯 from David Miller in the semi-final 👏#ChampionsTrophy #SAvNZ 📝: https://t.co/hC03MeIiDY pic.twitter.com/CyH0CDydbZ

— ICC (@ICC) March 5, 2025

South Africa required the fourth highest successful run chase in ODI history to reach Sunday’s final against India in Dubai and a second-wicket stand of 105 between Rassie van der Dussen (69 from 66 balls) and captain Temba Bavuma (56 from 71) provided a strong foundation before left-arm spinner Santner (10-0-43-3) changed the course of the match.

Bavuma’s attempt to change the pace of his pedestrian innings ended with a sliced drive to cover while Van der Dussen was bowled a by a beauty.

From 161-2 the run-chase had suddenly imploded to 167-4 when Heinrich Klaasen (3) heaved a craftily-flighted Santner delivery to deep midwicket.

Aiden Markram (31) chipped a return catch to part-time left-arm spinner Ravindra who enjoyed a dream match but South Africa’s hopes that two genuine allrounders would make a significant difference proved in vain when, with the asking rate close to 12 runs per over, Wiaan Mulder (8) was caught at deep midwicket and Marco Jansen (3) trapped lbw by offspinner Glenn Phillips.

Miller’s hundred provided some consolation for the Proteas who will once again be accused of failing to produce their best when it mattered most having produced clinical performances to dismantle both Afghanistan and England in their two group matches either side of a washout against Australia.

But that would be entirely churlish to deny New Zealand the quality of their play.

ART IN MOTION

Earlier left hander Ravindra was art in motion with some classic, elegant cover drives and late cuts in a collection of 13 boundaries and a straight driven six against Keshav Maharaj during his 108 from just 101 balls before finally edging a drive against Kagiso Rabada to ‘keeper Heinrich Klaasen in the 34th over.

Rachin Ravindra's century powered New Zealand to the #ChampionsTrophy Final 💯

He wins the @aramco POTM award 🎖️ pic.twitter.com/3xWfntEElx

— ICC (@ICC) March 5, 2025

Former captain Williamson displayed all of his nous and experience on a flat pitch offering almost no assistance to the bowlers, nudging, cutting and pulling with ease to collect 10 fours and a couple of sixes on his way to 102 from just 94 balls before attempting to scoop a full-length delivery from Mulder (6-0-48-1) only to pick out Ngidi at short fine leg.

Daryl Mitchell enjoyed the freedom provided by a scoreboard reading 212-2 when he came to the crease and helped himself to 49 from 37 balls and when he heaved an Ngidi slower ball to deep midwicket, but Phillips took over in the final five overs to smash an unbeaten 49 from only 27 deliveries with half a dozen sixes and one maximum.

Phillips had an answer to every change of strategy attempted by the Proteas bowlers, finding gaps with ease as he muscled six fours and a pulled six to push the total well beyond 300 and then over 350.

Inevitably there were moments of fortune for the batsmen with several edges flying to the fine boundaries but they also earned their luck with a bold approach which saw all three of the Proteas main pacemen conceding over 70 runs from their 10 overs – Jansen 10-0-79-0, Rabada 10-1-70-2 and Ngidi 10-0-72-3.

But it was also the Black Caps pointed efforts to target the usually parsimonious Maharaj (10-0-65-0) in the middle overs which paid rich dividends and left captain Bavuma without his most trusted weapon to stem the flow of runs.

Bavuma returned to the South Africa XI having missed the final group game against England with illness and opened the batting in place of Tony de Zorzi.

South Africa required the fourth highest successful ODI run-chase to win the match and meet India in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

But that privilege was well-earned by the Black Caps.

🇮🇳 🆚 🇳🇿#ChampionsTrophy 2025 Final 🤩
Dubai 📍 pic.twitter.com/mD112FDOIh

— ICC (@ICC) March 5, 2025

---

SOUTH AFRICA: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

NEW ZEALAND: Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wkt), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke

India’s legendary batter produced yet another special ODI innings, helping his side edge out Australia to make the Champions Trophy Final.

After Australia set India a target of 265 for victory on a tricky Dubai deck, Kohli stepped up to anchor their batting innings. His knock of 84 off 98 balls contained just five boundaries, but that was part of its charm.

“I was not feeling desperate, and I was pretty happy knocking ones around,” he said after India sealed the win.

“And when, as a batter, you start taking pride in hitting those singles into the gaps, that is when you know you are playing good cricket and know you are in for a big partnership.

“It settles down the nerves. That was the most pleasing factor for me today.”

The Dubai wicket has proved difficult for batters right throughout the Champions Trophy, prompting teams to deploy spin-heavy line-ups and name only a couple of recognised quicks.

India’s spinners answered the call yet again, allowing them to maintain the lion’s share of control in the match and sustain pressure on Australia’s hitters in the first innings.

KOHLI STEPPED UP

Restricting the Aussies to 264 all out in the final over worked perfectly into India’s hands, as Kohli stepped up to play the foundational role his team needed.

“For me it is about understanding the conditions, preparing my game accordingly, rotating strike,” he continued.

“Big partnerships on this pitch are the most important thing and my effort today was to string enough partnerships [together]. The pitch tells me how the cricket needs to be played and then I just switch on and play accordingly.

“This game is all about pressure, especially semis and finals. When you go deep into the innings with enough wickets in hand, the opposition usually gives in, and the game becomes easier.”

India overcome Australia fight to seal final spot | Match Highlights | Champions Trophy 2025

While Kohli was unable to reach a record-extending 52nd ODI century, but he was quick to dismiss that as something that had fueled him out in the middle.

“I am never focused on those things [milestones],” he said.

“When you do not think of those milestones, they happen along the way towards victory. For me, it is all about taking pride and doing the job for the team and if I get to the three-figure mark then great.

"If not, nights like these, you win, it is a happy dressing room, and you feel grateful for what happened out there [on the pitch]. Then you put your head down, work hard, and go all over again.”

India pace spearhead Mohammed Shami has broken ranks by admitting that playing all their Champions Trophy games at one venue in Dubai has been to their advantage.

Shami returned figures of 3-48 to set up India's four-wicket win over Australia in the semifinals on Tuesday in Dubai.

India coach Gautam Gambhir afterwards lashed out at critics who have said playing at the same Dubai International Cricket Stadium each time is unfair.

India refused to travel to Champions Trophy hosts Pakistan over political tensions and have won all four of their games at their temporary home.

They will face South Africa or New Zealand in Sunday's final, again in Dubai.

The other seven teams in the ODI competition have meanwhile had to shuttle between three Pakistani cities and the United Arab Emirates.

"It definitely helped us because we know the conditions and the behaviour of the pitch," Shami said Tuesday after his pivotal role in beating Australia.

"It is a plus point that you are playing all the matches at one venue."

As part of the hybrid arrangement of the tournament, South Africa were forced to travel to Dubai, only to return to Pakistan again less than 24 hours later without playing a game.

India are unbeaten in the 10 ODIs they have played in Dubai, winning nine.

'WORLD CLASS'

Shami, 34, claimed a five-wicket haul in India's opening win over Bangladesh and has bowled with pace and accuracy.

But a question on getting reverse swing with the old ball got Shami pleading with cricket authorities to allow the use of saliva to polish the ball in the 50-over format.

The International Cricket Council in 2022 made a ban on saliva – brought in during the Covid pandemic – permanent.

"We are trying to reverse, but you are not getting the use of saliva into the game," Shami told reporters.

"We are constantly appealing to allow the use of saliva and it will be interesting with the reverse swing."

The use of saliva to shine one side of the old ball and keep the other rough helps fast bowlers get the leather ball to swing late and can be a lethal weapon in the final few overs of an ODI match.

They can still use sweat.

After a strong start to the tournament, Shami left the field briefly in the win over Pakistan.

He has now put all fears of any fitness issues to rest with two matches in three days and bowling his full quota of 10 overs against Australia.

"I am trying to get my rhythm back and contribute more for the team," said Shami.

He added: "I am ready to bowl long spells."

Gambhir called Shami "a world-class performer".

"He's phenomenal and the hunger he brings on the table, the way he trains, the way he practises – that's why you see all those results."

Steve Smith has retired from one-day internationals following Australia's defeat to India in the Champions Trophy semifinals, Cricket Australia said on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old batsman, who led the team in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, will continue to play tests and T20 internationals.

Smith told his teammates of his decision to retire immediately after Australia's four-wicket defeat in Dubai on Tuesday, having top-scored with 73 in his side's 264 all out.

"It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it," Smith said in a Cricket Australia press release.

After making his debut against the West Indies in 2010 as a leg-spinning allrounder, Smith went on to play 170 ODIs, scoring 5 800 runs at an average of 43.28.

He smacked 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries, and was a member of Australia’s 2015 and 2023 World Cup-winning teams.

"There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories," Smith said.

"Winning two World Cups was a great highlight along with the many fantastic teammates who shared the journey.

"Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup so it feels like the right time to make way.

"Test cricket remains a priority and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship Final (in June), the West Indies in the winter and then England at home.

"I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage."