Why Did ICC Rate World Cup Final And Semi Final Pitch Average? International Cricket Council Provides Breakthrough Update

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given an ‘average’ rating to the pitches used in the ODI World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium and the second semifinal between Australia and South Africa at the Eden Gardens.

ICC match referee Andy Pycroft and former Indian pacer Javagal Srinath provided pitch ratings for the ODI World Cup final and the second semifinal, respectively. The final match was played on a used pitch on November 19, where Australia secured a six-wicket victory.

Australia Secured Victories In Semi-Final And Final Clash

The second semi-final between Australia and South Africa was played on a turning track. The Proteas team recovered from an initial setback (22/4) and set a competitive total of 212. In response, Australia managed to secure victory by three wickets in the 48th over.

In the final between India and Australia, the hosts posted 240 runs on a two-paced wicket. Australia bounced back after Indian batters scored briskly in the power play. Australia chased down the target with six wickets in hand, securing their sixth ODI World Cup title.

ICC Rates Five India’s Matches In World Cup As Average

Australian captain Pat Cummins expressed concerns about playing on a previously used pitch ahead of the ODI World Cup final. Notably, Mumbai’s Wankhede track received a ‘good’ rating despite controversy before the first semi-final between India and New Zealand.

The ICC rated pitches as average in five of Team India’s 11 matches in the World Cup, including games against Pakistan, South Africa, England, and Australia, along with the grand finale. Despite remaining unbeaten before the final game, Team India failed to clinch the trophy.

Narendra Modi Stadium To Hosts India A Matches

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is set to host all three matches of the England Lions tour to India from January 6 to February 5. The India ‘A’ series matches, originally planned for Mumbai, Pune, and Karnataka, have been relocated to Ahmedabad.

“The BCCI has requested us to host the matches. We’ve accepted the board’s request. We are awaiting a final confirmation from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in this regard,” Gujarat Cricket Association secretary Anil Patel told TOI on Thursday.

“The India ‘A’ series was earlier supposed to take place in Mumbai, Pune, and Karnataka, but the matches have been shifted to Ahmedabad,” a source said.

Also read: Mohammed Shami Among Nominees For ICC Player Of The Month Award For November 2023