Xtra Time Web Desk: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the pitches used for the crucial World Cup 2023 final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and the second semi-final at Eden Gardens in Kolkata as average. According to a report in Times of India, ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, rated the pitch used for the final as ‘average.’ Similarly, Javagal Srinath, the match referee for the second semi-final at Eden Gardens between South Africa and Australia, also assessed the pitch as ‘average.’
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final was played on a used pitch which saw Australia comprehensively outplay India by 6 wickets to lift the trophy for a record 6th time. There were quite a few eye-brows raised when Australian captain Pat Cummins decided to bowl first after winning the toss. Eventually the decision by Cummins proved to be a right one as the Aussies restricted India to 240 runs in 50 overs. In reply, Travis Head smashed a match-winning 137 off 120 balls as the Pat Cummins-led side chased down the target in just 43 overs.
Both Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins had no complains about the 22 yards and termed it as a “good wicket” before the final.
The second semi-final between Australia and South Africa was a low-scoring affair. The Aussies bowled out the Proteas for 212 in 49.4 overs and then, finished the tricky chase in 47.2 overs after losing 7 wickets.
Interestingly, according to reports the rating for the wicket for the first semi-final between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede stadium was good. There was a lot of controversy surrounding the wicket before the game.
5 out of the 11 matches India were involved in during the World Cup also received an ‘average’ pitch rating. These include contests against South Africa in Kolkata, England in Lucknow, Pakistan in Ahmedabad, and Australia in Chennai.