The second ODI between India and Afghanistan will be played on Wednesday, June 17, at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, with the match set to begin at 1:30 PM IST. India will aim to secure another win and seal the three-match series, while Afghanistan must win to keep their hopes alive and force a decider.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI: Venue Overview
The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is one of India's leading cricket venues. The stadium has a capacity of around 50,000 spectators and serves as the home ground of the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI: Pitch & Weather Report
The Ekana Stadium pitch usually helps bowlers, especially spinners. The surface often slows down as the match progresses, making batting more difficult. Batters generally need to spend time at the crease before playing attacking shots. The average first-innings score in ODIs at the venue is around 213.
Lucknow is expected to experience hot and dry conditions during the match. Temperatures could reach 40-41°C in the afternoon. There is no rain forecast, so a full 50-over match is expected.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI: ODI Records at the Venue
The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow has hosted nine ODI matches since staging its first 50-over international in 2019. The venue has witnessed several closely fought contests and has developed a reputation as one of the more challenging batting venues in India.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI: Average First-Innings Score
The average first-innings score at the Ekana Stadium stands at 213 runs. Unlike many high-scoring venues in India, batters generally need to spend time in the middle before playing attacking shots.
Building partnerships and preserving wickets often prove more important than maintaining a high scoring rate during the early stages of an innings. Spinners will play a crucial role in the middle overs of the match.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI: Average Second-Innings Score
Scoring tends to become slightly more difficult in the second innings as the pitch slows down and offers additional assistance to spinners. Batters often find it challenging to play freely once the ball starts gripping off the surface.
The average second-innings score at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is approximately 223 runs. Teams chasing have enjoyed a slight advantage at the venue, with several successful run chases completed around this mark.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI: Chasing Record at the Venue
Teams batting second have enjoyed a slight advantage at the Ekana Stadium. Out of the nine ODI matches played here, chasing sides have won five matches, while teams batting first have won four.
Captains may prefer to bowl first after winning the toss, as knowing the target can help teams pace their chase more effectively on a surface where conditions often remain consistent throughout the match.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI: Highest Team Total at the Venue
South Africa recorded the highest ODI total at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, scoring 311/7 against Australia during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Proteas produced an outstanding batting performance on a venue that has generally favored bowlers.
It remains the only 300-plus total scored in ODI cricket at the ground and is well above the venue's average first-innings score of 213 runs.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI: Lowest Team Total at the Venue
England recorded the lowest ODI total at the Ekana Stadium, scoring 129 against India during the 2023 ODI World Cup. India's bowlers made excellent use of the conditions and kept constant pressure on the batters throughout the innings.
England never managed to build partnerships as the surface offered enough help for the bowlers. The collapse showed how challenging batting can be at this venue when bowlers maintain disciplined lines and make full use of the assistance available from the pitch.
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI: Crucial Venue Stats
Matches Played: 9
Won Batting First: 4
Won Chasing: 5
Highest Individual Score: 109 by Quinton de Kock & Shai Hope
Best Bowling Figures: 4/22 by Mohammed Shami
- Highest Run Chase: 263/5 by Sri Lanka against Netherlands
India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI: Pitch Report Verdict
The pitch at the Ekana Stadium is expected to assist both batters and bowlers, but spinners could have a bigger impact as the match progresses. The surface generally slows down during the second innings, making stroke play more challenging.
Teams are likely to prefer chasing, as five of the nine ODIs played at the venue have been won by the side batting second. Dew is unlikely to play a major role, with humidity levels expected to remain relatively low in the evening.
Spinners from both teams can maintain good control and grip on the ball throughout the match. Considering the nature of the surface, a first-innings total of around 240-260 could prove highly competitive in Lucknow.
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