MOHALI – It will be batting-friendly for most part but the pitch at the PCA Stadium, which will host the eagerly-anticipated World Cup semifinal between India and Pakistan on Wednesday, would assist seam bowlers under the floodlights. “The ball will seam a bit under the lights,” Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) curator Daljeet Singh was quoted as saying by PTI.
He said it will be a typical Mohali wicket, with generally good pace and bounce, which is its basic nature. Singh said the strip to be used in the game will be the same which was used for Ireland-West Indies game of the World Cup in Mohali on March 11. India may have been undefeated against Pakistan in World Cup history, but they have been beaten by the arch foes at this venue on two previous occasions. Singh said as dew could be a factor they would stop watering the ground three days before the match.
“We have just started to observe how much dew falls during these days,” he said. “We have also cut the grass blades low so that minimum dew sticks to them. If need arises, we may use vetting agent APSA-80, which helps to minimize dew though it does not entirely eliminate it,” he added. Asked if there were any instructions to have a particular type of wicket, he said, “We adhere to the general ICC guidelines that the pitch should generally be batsman-friendly.”
He also said ICC’s pitch consultant Andy Atkinson was expected to arrive here within a day or two.
“I have also ensured not to over prepare the wicket as it is the end of season. I have had light rollers used for the wicket,” he said. Singh, a former player, said he was excited though not nervous before the mega match. “I am not anxious or nervous, but I am really excited. It is those few overs that you tend to watch keenly how the wicket is behaving. I am confident that we should have a good game,” he hoped.
