Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium – Pitch Report, Highest Score & ODI Records: The stage is set for an exciting clash as Pakistan takes on the Netherlands in the 2nd match of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 on Friday, October 6 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
This high-voltage contest holds great significance for both teams. After stumbling against Australia and New Zealand in their previous warm-up game, the Men in Green will be eager to iron out any chinks in their armour ahead of the marquee event.
On the other hand, the Dutch will be raring to give a good account of themselves having missed out on vital practice as their warm-up fixture against India and Australia was abandoned due to rain.
With the World Cup hype steadily building up, fans can expect a thrilling battle between bat and ball. The Hyderabad track is known to assist pacers initially with some early swing and seam movement.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium – Overview
| Opened | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 38000 |
| Known as | Visaka International Cricket Stadium Ground |
| Ends | Pavilion End, North End |
| Location | Hyderabad, India |
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad Pitch Report
However, as the match progresses, the surface tends to ease out making shot making relatively simpler. The fast outfield coupled with short square boundaries also entices the batters to go on an attacking spree.
Given the conditions, the captain winning the toss could prefer chasing by asking the opposition to bat first. The key would be to make early inroads with the new ball and restrict the flow of runs during the middle overs when the ball gets older.
The spinners too have a pivotal role to play in the second half if they can extract some turn and grip from the surface. Both Pakistan and the Netherlands boast of quality pace bowlers and leg-spinners who could prove to be game-changers.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium ODI Stats and Records
| Total matches | 7 |
| Matches won batting first | 4 |
| Matches won bowling first | 3 |
| Average 1st Inns scores | 288 |
| Average 2nd Inns scores | 262 |
| Highest total recorded | 350/4 (50 Ov) by AUS vs IND |
| Lowest total recorded | 174/10 (36.1 Ov) by ENG vs IND |
| Highest score chased | 252/5 (48.5 Ov) by RSA vs IND |
| Lowest score defended | 290/7 (50 Ov) by AUS vs IND |
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad has hosted 7 ODI matches so far, with the teams batting first having a slight edge in terms of match wins.
Of the 7 games played at this venue, 4 were won by the sides that batted first and set competitive targets, while the remaining 3 were clinched by teams bowling first.
On average, the first innings score here is a healthy 288 runs, indicating some good batting performances over the years.
The second innings average is marginally lower at 262 runs, suggesting chasing sides have found it moderately difficult to overhaul opponents’ totals.
The highest total posted by any team is 350/4 in 50 overs, achieved by a dominant Australian batting lineup against India. This exemplifies a truly phenomenal batting display.
In contrast, the lowest score is 174/10 in 36.1 overs by England versus India, implying either testing conditions for batting or an outstanding bowling effort by the Indians.
As for successful run chases, the highest target chased down is 252/5 in 48.5 overs by South Africa against India, showing their ability to construct a match-winning pursuit of a substantial total.
The lowest score successfully defended is 290/7 in 50 overs by Australia versus India, demonstrating Australia’s bowling unit’s potency in protecting their total.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium Seating Arrangement View – Seat Map
With so much at stake, fans can gear up for an enthralling battle between the bat and the ball. The team that shows greater adaptability and executes its skills efficiently on the day will emerge victorious.