Ekana Stadium in Lucknow (AP Photo)
Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is renowned for a spin-friendly track which offers constant grip and turn to the spinners. The surface has played true to its reputation at the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 and that is bound to continue in the next match at the venue between the Netherlands and Sri Lanka.
The ground dimensions are also supportive to the tweakers since the top edges don't fly over the ropes here, unlike some of the other Indian venues, and land safely into the hands of the boundary riders in the deep. Long square boundaries give the spinners freedom to flight the ball up and entice the batter.
By design, it's the last venue in India where the inexperienced Dutch side would've preferred facing the battery of Sri Lankan spinners, who would be grinning at the prospect of delivering on that pitch without any threat of underlight dew taking the sting off their bowling in a day match.
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Relishing the highs of their incredible win against South Africa, the Netherlands can't hope to come out triumphant again without keeping the dangerous Sri Lankan spinners at bay. The Lankan Lions would believe this is their best opportunity to get on board in the tournament.
Ekana Cricket Stadium Ground Stats
14 previous One-Day International matches have been scheduled at the Ekana Cricket Stadium since its launch back in November 2019. 12 of which have been completed fixtures. Notably, despite the ground conditions offering spinners help and making it tough to chase, teams batting first and bowling first have won same number of matches as they've lost in Lucknow.
| Ekana Stadium Ground Stats | |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 14 |
| Matches Won (Batting First) | 3 |
| Matches Won (Batting Second) | 3 |
| Highest Team Total | 311/7 by South Africa vs Australia, 2023 |
| Lowest Team Total | 177/10 by Australia vs South Africa, 2023 |
| Average Runs Per Over | 5.13 |
| Average Runs Per Wicket | 31.4 |
| Average Total Batting 1st | 243/7 |
Given their spin attack, the Sri Lankans start off the game as massive favourites to clinch their first win of the tournament. They may have lost badly to South Africa, Pakistan and Australia but are unlikely to face the heat against the Dutchmen on their most favourable venue in India.
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