IND vs AFG will host first-ever game in WC 2023 (x.com)
One of the most heated and underrated rivalries in cricket is the India-Bangladesh feud, which has produced some of the most controversial moments on and off the field over the past decade.
Arch-nemesis India and Bangladesh will clash on Thursday in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.
Under Rohit Sharma, Team India have been flawless, winning all three (Australia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan) WC matches with relative ease. Against Australia, India despite stuttering managed to chase down a low total under tough conditions, while against Afghanistan and Pakistan, Sharma and Co. showcased ruthlessness.
On the flip side, Bangladesh have blown hot and cold in the tournament thus far, winning one and losing two matches. The Shakib Al Hasan-captained XI trampled over Afghanistan in their opening game, but suffered heavy defeats against England and New Zealand, respectively.
Ahead of the highly-anticipated tie, let us look at the ground statistics of the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Ground Stats
The MCA Stadium has historically been quite notorious, it has either produced rank-turners or green-tops. However, lately, the pitch has changed its behaviour and has exhibited support for batters.
| Total Matches | 7 |
| Matches Won (Batting First) | 4 |
| Matches Won (Batting Second) | 3 |
| Highest Team Total | 356/4 by India against England (2017) |
| Lowest Team Total | 232 by India against Australia (2013) |
| Average Runs Per Over | 6.10 |
| Average Runs Per Wicket | 38.14 |
| Average Total Batting 1st | 307 |
In ODIs played at Pune, the teams batting first have found an advantage in utilising a fresh pitch, allowing batters to hit their shots, while in the second innings, the surface showcases tiredness and slows down, making hitting tougher.
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