The pitch for the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup between India and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium has been prepared using a mix of red and black soil, according to reports. The surface is expected to be similar to the one used during the tournament’s semi-final in Mumbai, which produced a high-scoring match. Curators have reportedly opted for a balanced wicket that could offer good bounce while still favouring batters, making for an even contest in the title clash.

India reached the final after defeating the England national cricket team in a high-scoring semi-final, where the team posted a massive total of 253 for 7. The innings were highlighted by a blistering knock of 89 by Sanju Samson. With expectations of another batting-friendly pitch in Ahmedabad, analysts believe the final could again produce a high-scoring encounter if conditions remain similar.

Reports suggest that the centre pitch at the stadium will have a higher proportion of red soil than black soil. Red-soil surfaces generally provide more consistent bounce, allowing batters to play their shots with greater confidence. The mixed-soil composition is expected to keep the wicket lively for pace bowlers early on while still offering favourable batting conditions throughout both innings, with the par score projected to be around 200.

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The stadium has hosted only one match in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup so far, when the South African national cricket team scored 213 to defeat the Canadian national cricket team. During the tournament, the New Zealand national cricket team has played one match in Ahmedabad, while the India national cricket team has played two games at the venue, including a loss against South Africa in the Super 8 stage.

The decision to include more red soil reportedly comes after India’s previous setbacks on black-soil surfaces at the same venue. A notable example was the defeat to the Australian national cricket team in the final of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, where the pitch became sluggish as the match progressed. The recent heavy defeat to South Africa earlier in the tournament on a similar surface also prompted concerns within the Indian camp.

According to reports, the team management led by head coach Gautam Gambhir had raised concerns about pitch conditions earlier in the tournament and held discussions with local curators. Officials indicated that the final’s surface would aim to provide a “sporting wicket” without giving undue advantage to either side. With players such as Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson in form, India will look to continue their aggressive approach as they face New Zealand in the much-anticipated final.

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