Ricky Ponting’s Confusion: Why the New Pitch for Afghanistan vs South Africa Semi-Final is “Strange”

The Indian Express

The Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-final clash between Afghanistan and South Africa has sparked debate, with former Australian captain Ricky Ponting expressing bewilderment over the use of a brand new pitch for the crucial encounter.

Ponting, who is known for his astute cricketing insights, labelled the decision “strange” given the importance of the match and the potential impact of an untested surface. The decision to utilize a fresh pitch raised eyebrows, particularly considering the high stakes involved in a World Cup semi-final.

Why is a new pitch “strange” for a semi-final?

• Unpredictability: A fresh pitch often offers an unpredictable bounce and spin, making it harder for batsmen to adapt and for bowlers to find rhythm. This unpredictability can have a significant impact on the outcome of a high-stakes match.

• Lack of Data: With no previous data on how the pitch will behave, teams are forced to rely on instinct and intuition, potentially leading to strategic miscalculations.

• Potential for Uneven Play: A new pitch can often lead to uneven bounce and inconsistent turn, creating an unfair advantage for one team over the other.

Potential Impact on the Match:

The use of a new pitch could potentially create a more unpredictable contest, offering opportunities for both sides. While the lack of data and potential for uneven play could be a disadvantage for both teams, it also introduces an element of surprise.

Experts weigh in:

Other cricketing experts have also expressed their concerns about the new pitch. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly called the decision “unusual” and highlighted the need for consistency in the tournament.

The Future:

The use of a new pitch for a World Cup semi-final is a controversial decision that has sparked debate. It remains to be seen how the pitch will behave and whether it will impact the outcome of the crucial encounter.

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Read more about the Afghanistan vs South Africa semi-final on The Indian Express: [Link to article on The Indian Express]

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