Ekana Stadium Lucknow Pitch Report For NED Vs SL World Cup Match

image-lnynu1zuLucknow will witness the clash between Sri Lanka and Netherlands. (X.com)

The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (BRSABV) Ekana Stadium in Lucknow is gearing up for its third match in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. In this exciting clash, an upbeat Netherlands side is poised to face off against Sri Lanka, the only team yet to secure a victory in the tournament. The match is scheduled for Saturday, October 21.

Sri Lanka's World Cup journey has been anything but smooth, as they've suffered defeat in each of the three games they've played so far. With zero points on the table and a concerning net run rate of -1.532, the Lankan Lions find themselves in dire need of a turnaround to salvage their World Cup campaign.

Their upcoming contest against Netherlands in Lucknow presents an opportunity for redemption. 

However, the Dutch is coming off a monumental victory over South Africa in their previous match, marking their first-ever ODI win against a Test-playing nation. This recent feat emphasizes that Netherlands cannot be underestimated.

The Ekana Stadium has witnessed a mix of outcomes in the two matches hosted so far.

Ekana Stadium Lucknow Pitch Report

The pitch appears favorable for batting during the first half of the innings. As the match progresses, it tends to slow down, and the ball gains grip on the surface. Over six ODIs, the stadium has seen an average first-inning score of 208. 

Batting becomes more challenging in the latter stages of the game, especially when chasing a target of around 270 or more.

In this context, teams might opt to bat first, aiming to set a formidable total. This strategy was exemplified in the match between South Africa and Australia at the same venue, where South Africa posted a score of 311-7 after batting first and secured a convincing 134-run victory.

As Netherlands takes on Sri Lanka, both teams have their work cut out for them. Sri Lanka seeks their first World Cup win and a reversal of fortune, while Netherlands aims to build on their impressive victory over South Africa.