Ekana Stadium will host IND vs AFG 2nd ODI. Image Credits- AFP
The second ODI match between India and Afghanistan will be held at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow, on Wednesday (June 16).
The Shubman Gill-led India have already taken a lead in the three-match series.
In a rain-affected fixture, Afghanistan posted 194 in 24.5 overs, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz hitting a sublime century. However, Shubman Gill bettered the Afghan opener with a record-breaking, unbeaten 84 off 66 balls, with support from Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul from the other ends.
Lucknow, usually a paradise for spinners, will offer a chance for Afghanistan to bounce back. However, the visiting batters will need to raise their hands against the challenging Indian bowling unit.
Lucknow Pitch Report For IND Vs AFG 2nd ODI
Criterion
Data
Matches
9
Won Batting First
4
Won Bowling First
5
Draw/NR
0/0
Avg first innings score
213
Avg second innings score
206
Avg run rate
5
% of wickets by pacers
53.65
% of wickets by spinners
46.34
(Ekana Stadium, Lucknow ODI stats, Credit: Howstat/Statsguru)
The IND vs AFG caravan has moved from the beautiful city of Dharamsala to Lucknow, known for its hospitality and cuisine. On the cricketing front, Lucknow's pitch offers more help to the slower bowlers and tweakers.
Statistically, pacers have taken more wickets at the venue - 53.65. However, spinners have also taken 46.34% of the 123 wickets fallen at the venue.
The average innings total in ODI is 210 runs, but the batters get value for shots after settling in at the crease. Teams batting first enjoy more success at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow.
Although the previous ODI fixture played at the venue was back in 2023 during the ODI World Cup. Although the World Cup matches were rather low-scoring, teams also scored at herculean rates at Ekana during the marquee event.
After the ICC event, the pitches at Ekana were relaid, as was evident in the previous two editions of the IPL.
Therefore, don't be shocked if Team India goes on to slam 400 runs or more in the IND vs AFG 2nd ODI.
Lucknow Weather Report For IND Vs AFG 2nd ODI
Criterion
Details
Temperature
40°C
Wind
W 17 km/h
Probability of Precipitation
1%
Cloud Cover
4%
Fortunately for fans, the Lucknow weather forecast for Wednesday (June 17) seems promising for a full 50-over game. The probability of rain, according to AccuWeather, is 1%, with 524 cloud cover expected during the daytime.
However, during the afternoon, the weather could be gruelling for the players, specifically for the team bowling in the first innings. With the predicted temperature of around 40°C, water breaks will be the most enjoyable time for the fielding team and the batters in the afternoon.
Having said that, the temperature is predicted to drop down to 30°C in the evening. Meanwhile, there is no expectation of thunderstorms or bad weather.
Nevertheless, the India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI match in Lucknow, scheduled to start at 1:30 PM IST, won't be affected by bad weather or thunderstorms.
Conclusion
The team that wins the coin flip, would look to bat first, given the previous track record of the venue. Hence, the Shubman Gill-led would look to do the same. Having said that, it is a do-or-die fixture for Afghanistan.
Ekana Stadium will host IND vs AFG 2nd ODI. Image Credits- AFP
