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Rohit Sharma-led India have sealed their berth for the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after defeating by four wickets in their semifinal clash at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. After India's win, speedster Mohammed Shami believes that playing all their matches in Dubai had benefited him.
Team India are playing all their matches of the tournament at the same venue after a contract between BCCI and PCB for the ICC tournaments. Shami, who made his international comeback after more than a year, picked up three wickets against Australia in the semifinals clash.
"See, the main thing is that you have to know the conditions very well. You have to know the behaviour of the pitch because you are playing in the same venue. So, you can know it very well. If you want to know.So, my effort is that you should practice in the same way according to the wicket, you should bowl in the nets as per the wicket. So, there is not much. I always keep it simple," Shami told reporters.
When asked if playing multiple matches at the same venue had benefited him, Shami agreed.
"Of course. You get familiar with the conditions, the pitch behaviour, and other factors like the weather. Today, for example, it was colder, so you have to adjust accordingly. It's definitely a plus point to play all matches at the same venue," he said.
When asked about his strategy and the captain's expectations, he explained his approach.
"I am doing my best. The captain always wants wickets, but as a bowler, it's my responsibility to hit the right areas. We have enough experience in our team, and the results speak for themselves. In white-ball cricket, you don't need to overthink early on. The real skill adjustments come after 30-35 overs, when the demands of the game change," he noted.
Team India have stormed into the final which will take place on March 9 at the same venue. India's opposition for the final depends on the outcome of the second semifinal clash between South Africa and New Zealand.
