The highly-anticipated match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 on June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York could be marred by a “dangerous” pitch.
Two matches of the World Cup have been played at the drop-in pitch, so far, but there have been clears signs, especially evident from the variable bounce, that the surface hasn’t settled.
"It's not the best of pitches. T20 cricket as a format is generally tilted in favour of the batters. This one is tilted in favour of the bowlers but not for the right reasons. It is spongy and the odd one bounces over the head. Then it stays low too. Does not make for good viewing. This pitch hasn't settled. It was made in Adelaide, kept at Miami because the weather is better there and then re-laid in New York two weeks back. Drop-in pitches are new, and has done well, especially in Australia. But here it hasn't settled. It will be a point people will be talking about ahead of the big match (India vs Pakistan) in a few days," former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik said on Cricbuzz.
Meanwhile, renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle also echoed similar views.
"It could get dangerous. Karthik was really polite when he said it’s not the best. There was one ball that their [Ireland's] NO. 10 or 11 face. His weight was forward and the ball went over his head. It's all dangerous at this level,” he said.
It must be noted that India defeated Ireland by eight wickets in second Group A match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 at the aforementioned venue on Wednesday.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma starred with 52 off 37 with the help of seven boundaries.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant scored 36* off 26 balls as the Men in Blue chased down 97-run target in 12.2 overs.
Earlier, India bowlers rattled Ireland for 96. Paul Stirling and his men failed to put up a show with the bat as Indian bowlers delivered exceptional performance collectively.
Gareth Delany was the best batter for Ireland, scoring crucial 26 runs.
