T20 World Cup: A ‘true surface’ expected for the title decider

A mixed-soil surface combining red and black soil is set to be used for the ICC T20 World Cup final between co-host India and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Sunday.

The Hindu understands that Pitch No. 6 on the centre square has been shortlisted by the local curators in consultation with the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the title clash.

South Africa had defeated Canada in the only previous match played on this wicket in this tournament. Officials are confident the strip will provide a ‘true surface’ for the contest.

The ICC had shortlisted four pitches on the centre block for the tournament, with at least one match having already been played on each of them.

Phillips unperturbed

New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips, however, said the visitors were not overly concerned about the nature of the track.

“Obviously there are things going around about pitches being too batter-friendly and things like that, but it’s an entertaining brand of cricket that we want to play,” Phillips said on Friday evening after New Zealand’s training session at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

“The pitches at different stadiums play differently each time, so whatever we see, we will try and adapt to. If that means lots of runs, then that means lots of runs, but if it means it’s going to be a little bit of a scrap, we are up for that as well.”

After beginning the tournament on relatively slower tracks, India’s preference for flatter pitches offering true bounce has largely been met since the Super Eight stage.

Bitter experience

The Motera pitch had previously come under scrutiny ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup final, when India opted for a black-soil pitch against Australia — a decision that backfired as the host lost the match. The surface was subsequently rated “average” by the match adjudicators.