Contrary to the modern trend of big totals being chased down with ease in One-Day Internationals, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium offers more breathing space to teams defending totals.
Recently, India successfully defended 249 runs against New Zealand in Dubai during the last ICC Champions Trophy group-stage match, beating the Kiwis by 44 runs.
The highest successful run-chase at the venue is 285, achieved by Sri Lanka, against Pakistan in 2013. The Lankans completed the chase with just two balls left and two wickets in hand.
Moreover, a target of 250 or more has been successfully chased only thrice so far in Dubai, and only twice in a match involving Full Member nations.
However, India will have an idea how to go about the run-chase against Australia in the semifinal as it successfully chased down totals against Bangladesh and Pakistan earlier in the tournament.
India overhauled Pakistan’s 241 with ease last month to register the fifth highest successful chase at the venue in one-day cricket.
Teams fielding first have also fared better in Dubai historically, winning 36 matches and losing just 23.
HIGHEST SUCCESSFUL RUN-CHASES IN ODIs IN DUBAI
Sri Lanka 287/8 in 49.4 overs (Target: 285) vs Pakistan, 2013
Pakistan 275/9 in 49.5 overs (Target: 275) vs South Africa, 2010
Namibia 266/5 in 47.3 overs (Target: 266) vs Oman, 2022
Pakistan 250/7 in 49.3 overs (Target: 247) vs New Zealand, 2014
India 244/4 in 42.3 overs (Target: 242) vs Pakistan, 2025
