IND vs AFG, World Cup 2023: Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch report

• Image Credit: Google

• Oct 11, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Team India is all set to lock horns with Afghanistan in their second encounter of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023...

Digital Desk: Team India is all set to lock horns with Afghanistan in their second encounter of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, October 11, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. After a nail-biting win against Australia in their opening game, India is keen to continue their winning momentum, but they face a resilient Afghan side that has shown glimpses of their potential.

In their first match of the tournament, the Men in Blue faced a major scare as their top order crumbled against Australia. Still, they managed to register a smart victory against the five-time world champions. Captain Rohit Sharma and his team are fully aware that there are no easy games in the World Cup, and Afghanistan, although considered a weaker opponent, should not be underestimated.

Afghanistan's start to the tournament was less than ideal, with their batsmen failing to make an impact and being bowled out for a meager 156 runs in their opening match against Bangladesh in Dharamsala. However, they will find some solace in the Delhi pitch, known for being a belter with short boundaries, which should favor the batters. Afghanistan's bowlers, though, will have to adapt to the same pitch as they take on India.

Captain Rohit Sharma hinted at a "horses-for-courses" approach after the win against Australia, suggesting that India's lineup might undergo changes to suit the conditions. Unlike the spinning track in Chennai where they deployed three spinners, a different strategy could be employed on the batting-friendly Delhi pitch.

Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch report for India vs Afghanistan

The Arun Jaitley Stadium's pitch has been a topic of discussion since the World Cup began. The traditionally slow and low surface known for offering grip and turn saw a high-scoring thriller in its first game, shattering records for the highest team total and aggregate in a World Cup match. This pitch is expected to remain consistent for the India-Afghanistan clash, potentially posing challenges for Afghanistan's spin-heavy attack. The pitch is anticipated to be batsman-friendly, with little support for spinners.

The onset of winter means dew will play a significant role in the evening game, and the toss-winning captain might opt to field first, taking advantage of the small boundaries to chase a target.

Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting this exciting encounter between Team India and Afghanistan, where both teams will look to make a mark in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.