India’s captain Rohit Sharma talks to the groundstaff as he stands next to the pitch during a practice session ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023’s final match between India and Australia, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad, Friday, November 17. Photo: PTI
World Cup final pitch report: India, Australia to play on India vs Pakistan game pitch
Ahead of the World Cup 2023 semifinal between India and New Zealand in Mumbai, a controversy erupted with regard to changing the pitch for the big game at the Wankhede Stadium.
There has been a lot of talk about the pitch which will be prepared for the ICC World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia. And now the 22-yard strip which will be used on Sunday (November 19) has been confirmed.
Ahead of the World Cup 2023 semifinal between India and New Zealand in Mumbai, a controversy erupted with regard to changing the pitch for the big game at the Wankhede Stadium.
It was reported that a used pitch was picked for the semifinals. It was expected to be slow but nothing of that sort was on view as both teams scored 300-plus runs and India emerged triumphant by 70 runs to book a spot in the World Cup 2023 final.
Also, during the semifinal pitch talk, there were rumours that India would “prefer” a used surface for the summit clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium. And, the same has been confirmed.
For the big World Cup 2023 final, India and Australia will not play on a fresh wicket but a used one.
The pitch which was used for the blockbuster India versus Pakistan game on October 14, will be the one to be used for the World Cup 2023 final.
What happened on India vs Pakistan pitch?
It was a slow pitch and Pakistan captain Babar Azam had won the toss and opted to bat first. After being in a good position at 155/2, Pakistan collapsed to be all out for 191 in 42.5 overs.
Barring Shardul Thakur, all other Indian bowlers – five of them – took two wickets each. The Indian spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav were excellent with figures of 2/38 and 2/35 respectively. Jasprit Bumrah, who won the Player of the match award, was the best among the lot with 2/19 in seven overs including a maiden.
In the run chase, India coasted to a seven-wicket victory in 30.3 overs. Captain Rohit Sharma was the top scorer with 86.
Looking back at what happened in India versus Pakistan game, spinners might have an advantage in the World Cup 2023 final.
What Cummins said on final pitch?
Australia captain Pat Cummins on Saturday (November 18) told the media that the 22-yard strip looks firm.
“Just had a look. I'm not a great pitch reader, but it looked pretty firm. They've only just watered it, so yeah, give it another 24 hours and have a look, but it looks like a pretty good wicket,” Cummins said on Saturday morning.
