New Delhi
The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the venue for the ODI World Cup final between India and Australia on November 19, has received an average rating from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Andy Pycroft, the ICC match referee and former Zimbabwe batter, however, rated the outfield as very good. In the World Cup final, Australia emerged victorious by defeating India by six wickets on a pitch that was deemed slow and sluggish. Opting to bowl, India posted a total of 240 in 50 overs, and Australia chased down the target in 43 overs, with opener Travis Head making a significant contribution with a 120-ball 137. The pitches used in India’s league matches against South Africa, England, Pakistan, and Australia in Kolkata, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Chennai, respectively, also received an average rating from the ICC. However, the Wankhede Stadium pitch, where India faced New Zealand in the semifinals, received a ‘good’ rating. There were media reports suggesting a switch in pitches before that match, with the hosts offering a used surface instead of a fresh one. The ICC also gave an average rating to the Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata, which hosted the second semifinal between Australia and South Africa. It was a low-scoring match where Australia dismissed South Africa for 212 in 49.4 overs and then chased down the target in 47.2 overs, losing seven wickets. Javagal Srinath, ICC match referee and former India pacer, gave a very good rating to the outfield at Eden Gardens.
