The five-match T20I series, now leveled at 1-1 following South Africa’s decisive victory in Mullanpur, moves to the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala for the 3rd T20I. This high-altitude venue, known for its stunning Dhauladhar mountain backdrop, offers a vastly different challenge than the flat tracks of the north. India will look to their bowlers, especially pacers like Jasprit Bumrah, to exploit the conditions, while South Africa’s high-pace attack, spearheaded by Anrich Nortje, is perfectly suited to the extra bounce and carry the pitch offers. The series is finely poised, making this mountain clash a crucial decider.
HPCA Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at the HPCA Stadium is traditionally a sporting surface, offering a good contest between bat and ball. The high altitude causes the ball to travel faster and provides extra bounce and carry, which is a boon for genuine fast bowlers if they hit the deck hard. Batters, in turn, can rely on the true bounce to play their strokes fluently once they negotiate the initial new-ball spell, making for a run-filled middle and death over segment. While the general T20I average is lower, recent results, particularly in the IPL, indicate the potential for high-scoring games with successful totals over 200 possible. The presence of heavy dew in the second innings is the most significant factor, making the surface slicker and favoring the chasing side.
HPCA International Stadium T20I Stats and Records
- Total Matches: 11
- Matches won batting first: 4
- Matches won bowling first: 6
- Average 1st innings Score: 137
- Average 2nd innings Score: 128
- Highest total recorded:200/3 (19.4 Overs) By South Africa vs India
- Highest score chased:200/3 (19.4 Overs) By South Africa vs India
- Lowest score defended: 59/5 (6 Overs) By Netherlands vs Ireland
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