By Syed Zarir Hussain, IANS
Guwahati : The first one-day international (ODI) between India and Pakistan at the Nehru Stadium here Nov 5 is expected to be a high scoring game, although the pitch would help bowlers in the first innings with the heavy dew factor coming into play.
“It would be a sporting wicket and we hope the two teams give us a good match and provide much entertainment to the crowd,” Sunil Baruah, the chief curator of the Assam Cricket Association, told IANS.
The two teams arrive in Guwahati Nov 4 amid tight security for the first match of the five-match cricket series.
“The team winning the toss might decide to field first with early morning dew favouring the fast bowlers. But as the day progresses, the wicket would behave evenly and provide a level playing field for both bowlers and the batsmen,” Baruah said.
The curator and other local cricket experts hope a 300-plus score is on the cards.
“On earlier occasions we saw big scores in this stadium and this time as well we foresee a run feast. The bottom line is that the bowlers have to consider their line and length and I believe even the slow bowlers and the spinners could come handy,” Baruah said.
But the big worry for the organisers is the fickle weather conditions here. Rain played spoilsport during the last ODI between India and England in April last year with the match abandoned without a single ball bowled.
Police had to use teargas to disperse angry spectators who went on a rampage setting ablaze galleries after the match was called off due to bad weather.
“Let us hope for the best. We could expect to have a full 50 over game only if it starts on time. By 4.10 p.m. the match must end with lights fading,” the curator said.
Meanwhile, preparations for the match are on in full swing.
“We have two super soppers, including one from Australia, ready in the event of rains, besides arranging to cover the wicket and major part of the ground,” an ACA official said.
Tickets for the 21,000-capacity stadium would be up for sale from Tuesday.