Check out the IND vs ENG ICC World Cup 2023 match preview with insights on the unpredictable Ekana Stadium pitch and a weather forecast that promises uninterrupted cricket action.
The stage is set for an epic battle as India takes on England in the 29th match of the ICC World Cup 2023. The action unfolds at the Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on a crisp Sunday, October 29.
As the tournament progresses, the Men in Blue find themselves perched comfortably in the top four of the points table with an unbeaten streak of five wins, eager to secure their spot in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, the defending champions, England, are on shaky ground, suffering their fourth loss in this World Cup. They are in desperate need of a win to keep their semifinal hopes alive. As the cricketing world holds its breath in anticipation, let’s dive into the critical details of the IND vs ENG World Cup 2023 encounter.
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IND vs ENG World Cup 2023: Ekana Stadium’s Pitch Report
The Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow boasts a pitch that tantalizes both batsmen and spinners. Here, the batters can expect a favorable batting track, but spinners can come into their own as the ball tends to grip and turn, causing some discomfort for the batsmen.
In the six previous ODI-format innings at this venue, the average score stood at 226, offering an insight into what might transpire. However, a twist in the tale is the recent re-laying of the pitch, adding an element of unpredictability to the equation.
In the history of ODI matches hosted at Ekana Stadium, the team batting first has claimed victory three times, while the team bowling first has emerged victorious nine times. The average first-innings score here is 229, with the second-innings average at 213.
The ICC World Cup 2023 has graced the Ekana Stadium with its presence three times so far. South Africa etched their name in history by amassing a colossal 311 runs against Australia in the opening match at this venue, setting a lofty standard.
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The second World Cup encounter held here witnessed Australia prevailing over Sri Lanka by five wickets. Subsequently, Sri Lanka outclassed the Netherlands by the same margin in the third World Cup match at this venue.
While the Indian team may have some familiarity with the pitch due to a solitary ODI match they played here in 2022 against South Africa, the result was not in their favor, with the Proteas securing a nine-run victory. England, on the other hand, steps onto the Ekana Stadium’s turf for the very first time, a wildcard element in this high-stakes clash.
IND vs ENG World Cup 2023: Weather Forecast
As the cricketing world watches with bated breath, Accuweather brings reassuring news for fans of the game. Lucknow is predicted to experience hazy weather conditions in the afternoon, eliminating the threat of rain disrupting the IND vs ENG showdown.
The humidity is expected to be around 30%, and the chances of precipitation are a comforting zero. With a cloud cover of just 13%, the temperature is anticipated to fluctuate between a comfortable 18 to 31 degrees Celsius. Perfect conditions for a thrilling contest where the weather is no longer a wildcard factor.
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As the stage is set for this crucial clash, the weather and pitch conditions have been dissected, and the two cricketing giants, India and England, are prepared to lock horns in the pursuit of World Cup glory. Cricket aficionados worldwide eagerly await this epic encounter at the Ekana Stadium.