No Champions Trophy final in Pakistan despite hosting country

India secured a place in the ICC Champions Trophy final with a four-wicket victory over Australia in the semi-final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

The final will now take place in Dubai on March 9 due to India’s qualification as per the ICC's fusion formula.

Batting first, Australia posted 260 in 49.3 overs, with Steve Smith scoring 73 and Alex Carey adding 61. India’s Mohammed Shami led the bowling attack with three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja took two each.

Read more: Virat Kohli’s 84 powers India into Champions Trophy final

India successfully chased the target, losing six wickets in the process. Virat Kohli top-scored with 84 off 98 balls, while Shreyas Iyer contributed 45. Their 91-run partnership for the third wicket proved crucial.

The final venue change follows India’s earlier refusal to play in Pakistan, leading to the adoption of a neutral venue arrangement under the PCB’s ‘Fusion Formula.’