Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium is all set to host the first ODI of the three-match series between India and Afghanistan on Saturday (June 13). The Men in Blue will be led by Shubman Gill, while Afghanistan will have Hashmatullah Shahidi as their captain.
Afghanistan, on the other hand, will boast of having Rashid Khan back in the mix. The leg-spinner was not part of the squad when the two sides were up against each other in Mullanpur in their only Test match, but now he will be there to be the main man for his country once again.
Dharamsala Pitch Report For IND Vs AFG 1st ODI
Criterion
Data
Matches
10
Won batting first
4
Won batting second
5
Draw/NR
1
Avg first innings score
242
Avg second innings score
215.55
Avg run rate
5.43
% of wickets by pacers
65.92
% of wickets by spinners
34.07
(HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala ODI stats, Credit: Statsguru)
There is no argument that Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium is the most beautiful venue in India in terms of playing conditions. Historically, the Dharamsala Pitch helps the fast bowlers more than the spinners, with the former bunch of players picking up 65.92 per cent of the wickets.
With Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium located at a high altitude, balls travel faster at this venue compared to other normal venues. Nevertheless, the batters feel good while having the willow in hand, as it comes very nicely to them in the middle.
Dharamsala Weather Report For IND Vs AFG 1st ODI
Criterion
Details
Temperature
23°C
Wind
S 9 km/h
Probability of Precipitation
90%
Cloud Cover
52%
[Source: AccuWeather]
Unfortunately, for fans, the Dharamsala weather forecast for Saturday (June 13) does not seem promising for a full 50-over game. The probability of rain, according to AccuWeather, is 90%, with 52% cloud cover expected during the daytime.
At night, there are expected to be a few thunderstorms in Dharamsala, which means, in all likelihood, interruptions are likely to occur during the IND vs AFG 1st ODI.
Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium hosted its first ODI in 2013, between India and England. The last ODI here at this venue happened during the World Cup 2023. It was Australia and New Zealand who met when there was an ODI last time around.
More significantly, Australia and New Zealand had a World Cup run fest in Dharamsala. Batting first, Australia posted 388, and New Zealand, in reply, made 383/9.
Therefore, don’t be surprised if India post 400 or more runs if they bat first. However, if they bowl first, the match could be a short one, given the stark difference between India and Afghanistan squads on paper.
Nevertheless, the most important thing for the India vs Afghanistan ODI match in Dharamsala, scheduled for Saturday's 1:30 PM IST start, would be the weather, and the result could only happen if rain does not disturb much.
HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala (Source: AFP Photos)
