Australia reached the mark in 43 overs, thanks to a century and a half from opener Travis Head, while India could only manage 240 in 50 overs if they chose to bowl.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the surface at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which hosted the ODI World Cup final between Australia and India on November 19, as “average”. ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, a former Zimbabwean hitter, gave the outfield a “very good” rating. On a slow and sluggish field, Australia defeated India by six wickets to win the World Cup final.
If Australia bowled, India could only manage 240 in 50 overs, whereas Australia reached the goal in 43 overs thanks to opener Travis Head’s 120-ball 137.
The surfaces utilized in India’s league matches in Kolkata, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and South Africa, England, Pakistan, and Australia, respectively, were similarly assessed as “average” by the ICC.
Nonetheless, the Wankhede Stadium field, where India will play New Zealand in the semifinals, was rated as “good.” Prior to that game, there were rumors in the media that the home team had changed the pitch, providing a worn rather than a brand-new surface.
The Eden Gardens field in Kolkata, which played host to Australia and South Africa in the second semifinal, was rated as “average” by the ICC as well.
Australia scored 212 runs in 49.4 overs to eliminate South Africa, but the match ended in a low-scoring affair. After that, Australia lost seven wickets but managed to surpass the goal in 47.2 overs.
However, former India bowler Javagal Srinath, the ICC match referee, rated the outfield at Eden Park as “very good”.
