The much-anticipated final of the Champions Trophy is almost here, following an exciting group stage and thrilling semi-finals. After a series of gripping matches, India and New Zealand have emerged victorious from their respective semi-finals, with India triumphing over Australia and New Zealand defeating South Africa. These two teams will now face off in the grand finale of the Champions Trophy on Sunday, 9 March, at Dubai International Stadium. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming final, including the schedule, date, venue, and how to follow the action.
Champions Trophy Final – Schedule, Date, Time & Venue
Date: Sunday, 9 March
Time: 09:00 GMT
Venue: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai, UAE
When Is the Champions Trophy Final?
The Champions Trophy final will take place on Sunday, 9 March, with the match set to begin at 09:00 GMT. The two teams competing for the prestigious title are India, who secured their place in the final after defeating Australia in the semi-finals, and New Zealand, who overcame South Africa. With the final being held in Dubai, fans can expect an exhilarating showdown in what promises to be an unforgettable contest.
If India had not qualified for the final, the match would have remained in Pakistan and been held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. However, as it stands, Dubai International Stadium will host this eagerly awaited finale.
Is There a Reserve Day for the Final?
Yes, there is a reserve day for the final. In the event that the match cannot be completed on Sunday due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances, the match will resume on Monday, 10 March, at 09:00 GMT. A maximum of two additional hours is allowed on both the original and reserve days to ensure the game is completed.
Just like the semi-finals, which had a reserve day in case of delays, the final also follows the same rule. The International Cricket Council (ICC) aims to complete the match on the scheduled day, even if that means reducing the overs to the minimum required.
For knockout matches, a minimum of 25 overs per side is needed to constitute a match, which is an increase from the 20 overs required during the group stages. This ensures that a meaningful contest can take place even if the match is shortened due to weather interruptions. If the match is interrupted and a reserve day is needed, play will resume from where it left off on the original day, rather than starting from scratch.
If both the scheduled day and the reserve day are washed out, the trophy will be shared between India and New Zealand, marking an unfortunate but fair end to the competition. In the event of a tie during the match, a super over will be played to determine the winner.
Previous Champions Trophy Winners
The Champions Trophy is one of cricket’s most prestigious tournaments, and this year’s edition marks its ninth iteration. Since its inception, the Champions Trophy has seen some memorable moments and fantastic victories. Here are the previous winners of the tournament:
- 1998: South Africa
- 2000: New Zealand
- 2002: India and Sri Lanka (co-champions after two finals were washed out)
- 2004: West Indies
- 2006: Australia
- 2009: Australia
- 2013: India
- 2017: Pakistan
India and New Zealand are both looking to add to their historic legacies, with India aiming for their third Champions Trophy title, following their victories in 2002 and 2013, while New Zealand seeks to win their first.
How Can I Follow the Champions Trophy Final?
If you’re wondering how to stay updated with all the action from the Champions Trophy final, the BBC has you covered. You can follow every moment of the match with ball-by-ball commentary available on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, and the BBC Sport website and app.
The BBC’s renowned Test Match Special team, including Jonathan Agnew, Vic Marks, and Alex Hartley, will provide expert commentary throughout the match. In addition to live commentary, you can also enjoy live text commentary, in-play updates, and post-match video highlights on the BBC Sport website and app.
Where Can I Watch the Final Live?
For viewers in the UK, the Champions Trophy final will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Sky Sports offers extensive coverage of major cricket tournaments, and you can catch every ball of the final match between India and New Zealand. Be sure to tune in for all the action as these two cricketing giants battle it out for the coveted Champions Trophy.
Conclusion
The Champions Trophy final promises to be a thrilling encounter, and with India and New Zealand both in great form, fans can expect an exciting contest. Whether you’re in the stadium, at home, or following along on your mobile device, make sure you don’t miss a moment of the action. With a reserve day in place and all the excitement of a high-stakes final, this is a match that promises to deliver on all fronts.
Don’t forget to follow the match through BBC commentary, and for UK viewers, tune in to Sky Sports for live broadcast coverage. The final kicks off on Sunday, 9 March at 09:00 GMT, and if the match is interrupted, Monday, 10 March is set as the reserve day. Be ready for what could be one of the most memorable Champions Trophy finals yet!
