irmness and recent watering. When asked about its previous use, he referenced the only game Pakistan played at the venue against India.
That match in October saw a slow-playing pitch, with India’s Kuldeep Yadav (2-35 in 10 overs) commenting on its challenging nature. Pakistan’s innings, starting strong, ended in a collapse to 191 all out, significantly influenced by the spin of Ravindra Jadeja, who also took 2 wickets for 38 runs.
Australia’s path to the final was not without its challenges, particularly against South Africa’s spinners at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Australian team struggled, losing four of their seven wickets in their 212 run chase to the Proteas’ spin trio of Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj, and Aiden Markram, who together posted figures of 4-89 in 28 overs at an economy rate of 3.18.
Post-victory, Mitchell Starc humorously addressed concerns about facing India’s spinners in the final, saying, “I guess we’ll find out when we get to Ahmedabad tomorrow and see if it’s a fresh wicket or an old wicket.”
The anticipation for the final is palpable, with the match set to begin at 2 pm IST on Sunday. The choice of pitch, now confirmed to be pre-used, adds an intriguing twist to what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the World Cup.
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