Slow and low Delhi Pitch might play into Afghanistan’s hands

India vs Afghanistan – New Delhi, October 11.

During the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the pitches in Delhi were among the most difficult to bat on, with encouragement for both spin bowlers and pacers with variations. In October, however, the surfaces could be much more lively. Given the phalanx of slow bowlers that Afghanistan have, India would anyway prefer a pitch with some pace and bounce, rather than one that’s slow and low. Though one of India’s historic venues, the Arun Jaitley Stadium, formerly known as the Feroz Shah Kotla, has fallen down the pecking order in recent times. But with Afghanistan playing India for the first time on Indian soil, expect a lively, even raucous, atmosphere.

Trivia: India’s only loss in three World Cup games in Delhi was back in 1996, when Sanath Jayasuriya, then a relative unknown, showed off his pinch-hitting prowess as Sri Lanka comfortably chased down 272 for victory.