In the heart of the picturesque Dharamsala, where the Himalayas loom large in the backdrop, the stage is set for a clash between giants. India and New Zealand, the last two unbeaten teams in the World Cup 2023, are gearing up for a high-stakes encounter. As the cricketing world holds its breath, all eyes are on the pitch, which, as per experts, is unlike any seen before in Dharamsala.
Ravi Shastri, the astute cricketing mind, alongside seasoned commentator Simon Doull, shared their insights on the pitch conditions. According to their assessment, this pitch boasts the least grass ever witnessed at this ground, indicating a surface that will be on the slower side. This characteristic could prove to be a game-changer, especially for spinners who can exploit the lack of pace and bounce.
However, the primary concern on everyone’s mind is the dew factor. The cooler climate prevailing in Dharamsala is expected to lead to substantial dew formation during the game. This moisture can significantly impact the grip and movement of the ball, making it challenging for bowlers to maintain their line and length effectively. Despite this challenge, Ravi Shastri, known for his pragmatic approach, believes that teams should not shy away from batting first. His rationale stems from the pitch’s overall goodness for batting, suggesting that despite the dew, setting a competitive total could be within reach.
Both India and New Zealand, with their formidable lineups and in-form players, will back themselves to make it to the semi-finals, regardless of the outcome today.
Playing XI
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
