The ICC has given a “satisfactory” rating to the pitch and outfield used for the Ind-Pak T20 World Cup showdown in New York. The eagerly awaited match at Nassau County International Stadium turned into a gripping low-scoring contest, with India bowled out for 119, led by Rishabh Pant’s 42. Pakistan, however, fell short at 113/7 after 20 overs, with Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar spell of 3/14 in four overs proving decisive.
New York pitch turned out to be a nightmare for batsmen
The drop-in pitches of New York came under scrutiny and also received a lot of criticism. During the Sri Lanka vs South Africa match, Sri Lanka could only score 77 runs in 19.1 overs and South Africa chased the target in 16.2 overs.
Rohit Sharma also had to retire hurt at the same pitch in India’s clash against Ireland afterwhich ICC issued a statement:
“The ICC recognise that the pitches used so far at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium have not played as consistently as we would have all wanted.”
On Tuesday, the ICC revealed the ratings for tournament’s pitches and outfields. While the surface for the India-Ireland match received an “unsatisfactory” rating, the pitch for the India-Pakistan game was rated “satisfactory.”
Six pitches in New York received “satisfactory” rating
The Nassau County track for the Sri Lanka-South Africa match also earned an “unsatisfactory” rating. Additionally, in South Africa-Afghanistan semifinal at the Brian Lara Stadium pitch in Tarouba, Trinidad, it was similarly rated “unsatisfactory.” In that semifinal, Afghanistan was skittled for just 55 in 11.5 overs, and South Africa chased it down in just 8.5 overs.
Across the eight games hosted in New York, six pitches received a “satisfactory” grade. The highest score at the venue during the tournament was 137/7, posted by Canada against Ireland.
“A pitch or outfield is deemed to be substandard if it receives a rating of unsatisfactory or unfit. Sanctions may be applied by ICC to a venue that presents a substandard pitch or outfield for international cricket,” as per ICC.
