The iconic Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium is set to host the series decider game between India and New Zealand.
The Indian Cricket Team will be hoping to win the decider on February 1st (Wednesday). In recent T20Is, India has had the upper hand over New Zealand. The Men in Blue must bring their “A” game, as they failed to live up to expectations in both T20Is.
New Zealand will be hoping that Glenn Phillips rediscovers his mojo, as the batter has been torn between attacking and defending, which has hurt the team. Michael Bracewell should be promoted up the order because he can thrash the spinners in the middle overs stage.
While the pitch in Ranchi “surprised” Hardik Pandya, the pitch in Lucknow “shocked” the India captain. And when the focus is primarily on the playing surface ahead of a series decider, something has to give, especially with India’s proud record of 12 undefeated home series on the line.
Ahmedabad, the site of India’s third and final T20I against New Zealand, has had its fair share of pitch controversy in the past. And neither team wants another tricky T20 surface where Lockie Ferguson bowls as many overs as Mark Chapman or Deepak Hooda bowls twice as many as Yuzvendra Chahal.
“The outfield and the ground itself looks an absolute picture. 67 meters one side, 71 on the other and 72 downtown. There have been a couple of pitches where the batters have had to work hard, but this clearly looks good. There might be a few brown spots on the pitch but they will only get better. Because of the nice even covering of grass the ball will come on and as the evening progresses will keep getting better. it is a bowl first pitch because of some dew around,” analyse Danny Morrison and Ajit Agarkar.
