Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report, Highest Score, and ODI Records: The stage is set for an exciting start to the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, as heavyweights England and New Zealand prepare to face off on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.
As fans eagerly anticipate this high-voltage clash between two formidable teams, let’s take a closer look at the pitch report and conditions for this matchup.
The Narendra Modi Stadium will play host to several matches during the World Cup, including this anticipated opening fixture.
With a seating capacity of 132,000, it is the largest cricket stadium in the world. Both England and New Zealand will look to acclimatize to the conditions here before the tournament kicks off.
Narendra Modi Stadium Overview
| Opened | 1982 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 132,000 |
| Known as | Motera Gujarat Stadium, Sardar Patel Stadium |
| Ends | Adani Pavilion End, GMDC End |
| Location | Ahmedabad, India |
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad Pitch Report:
The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch features six black soil surfaces and five red soil ones. The red soil tends to favour seam bowlers more, providing extra bounce and movement off the deck.
However, the black soil pitches also offer decent support for quick bowlers with good carry through to the keeper and slips.
As the match progresses, the surface tends to slow down substantially, bringing spinners into the game.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad Pitch Batting Conditions:
Batting is expected to get easier as the match goes on. While the new ball presents a challenge for openers, once batsmen get set, they can play their strokes freely.
The pitch becomes excellent for batting in the second half, especially with the dew factor coming in. This could mean the side batting second holds the advantage. Big scores are commonplace here.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad Pitch Bowling Condition:
For the quick bowlers, hitting consistent line and length will be crucial upfront with the new ball. The key will be exploiting the early movement and extra bounce available.
As the ball gets older, cutters and slower balls can be effective. For spinners, variation of pace and using the crease will be vital once the pitch slows down. Containing the flow of runs will be their primary objective.
Narendra Modi Stadium ODI Records – ODI World Cup 2023
| Total matches | 28 |
| Matches won batting first | 16 |
| Matches won bowling first | 12 |
| Average 1st Inns scores | 235 |
| Average 2nd Inns scores | 203 |
| Highest total recorded | 365/2 (50 Ov) by RSA vs IND |
| Highest Individual Score | 144 Runs (Saurav Ganguly) |
| Lowest total recorded | 85/10 (30.1 Ov) by ZIM vs WI |
| Highest score chased | 325/5 (47.4 Ov) by IND vs WI |
| Lowest score defended | 196/10 (48.3 Ov) by WI vs IND |
The highest ODI score ever recorded at the Narendra Modi Stadium came in 2010 when South Africa smashed 365/2 against the hosts India. On the other hand, the lowest ODI total posted here was a meagre 85 runs by Zimbabwe in 2006 against West Indies.
When it comes to top individual performances, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly holds the record for the highest ODI score at this ground.
Ganguly smashed 144 runs here versus South Africa back in 2000. Meanwhile, Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna owns the best ODI bowling figures at this venue – his sensational 9-3-12-4 spell came against the West Indies last year.
In terms of successful run chases, the highest ODI target reached at the Narendra Modi Stadium is 325 runs. India dramatically achieved this in 2002, getting home with 5 wickets and 14 balls to spare against England.
The lowest score defended by a team batting first is 196 runs by West Indies, who managed to protect their total against India in 1998.
Narendra Modi Seating Arrangement View
