India will take on Afghanistan in the third and final ODI of the three-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Saturday, June 20.
Led by Shubman Gill, the Men in Blue have been in outstanding form in white-ball cricket and have already sealed the series with victories in the opening two matches.
While the first ODI in Dharamsala was shortened to 25 overs due to rain, India comfortably chased 195, with Gill scoring an unbeaten 84.
Thereafter, the hosts delivered a dominant performance in Lucknow, posting 402 thanks to centuries from Shubman Gill (154) and Ishan Kishan (125), before bowling Afghanistan out for 232.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan have shown flashes of brilliance through Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Nangeyal Kharote; however, inconsistent team performances have hurt them.
Therefore, with the final ODI approaching, let’s take a look at the MA Chidambaram Stadium pitch report and Chennai weather report.
MA Chidambaram Stadium Pitch Report For IND Vs AFG 3rd ODI
Criterion
Data
Matches
28
Won Batting First
15
Won Bowling First
12
Draw/NR
0/1
Avg first innings score
245.28
Avg second innings score
213.28
Avg run rate
5.2
% of wickets by pacers
61.47
% of wickets by spinners
37.75
(MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai ODI stats, Credit: Statsguru)
The MA Chidambaram Stadium pitch report for IND vs AFG 3rd ODI suggests a high-scoring contest. Notably, the iconic venue has hosted 28 ODI matches, with teams batting first winning 15 of those encounters.
Moreover, the surface could be favourable for batting, allowing players to play their shots with confidence and post competitive totals.
The IND vs AFG pitch report of MA Chidambaram Stadium further suggests that the wicket might make stroke play easier in both innings.
Historically, the MA Chidambaram Stadium pitch report was known for assisting spinners. However, over the years, it has become increasingly batting-friendly.
Meanwhile, Chennai's sea breeze could help pacers generate some swing with the new ball during the opening overs. In addition, overcast conditions may provide extra assistance to the fast bowlers like Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Bilal Sami.
As the game progresses, the dry and hot weather is likely to slow the pitch down. Consequently, spinners could come into the contest during the middle overs as the surface may offer some grip and turn. Even so, batting might remain comfortable in the second innings. Hence, the team winning the toss may prefer to bowl first and chase.
According to Accuweather.com, the Chennai weather report for IND vs AFG on 20/06 predicts a high of 35°C, while the temperature could reach 44°C.
Moreover, sunny periods are expected, although a thunderstorm may develop in the afternoon. The probability of precipitation is 55%, with around 1.0 mm of rain forecast.
Additionally, winds from the south at 17 km/h and gusts up to 39 km/h could influence playing conditions.
Meanwhile, in the evening, a thundery shower is possible; otherwise, skies will remain partly cloudy. Therefore, overall, the IND vs AFG weather forecast of Chennai looks favourable, despite some chances of rain interruptions.
Conclusion
Overall, the MA Chidambaram Stadium pitch report suggests a good batting surface, while pacers could enjoy some assistance with the new ball.
Meanwhile, although there is a chance of afternoon thunderstorms, the Chennai weather report indicates largely favourable conditions. Therefore, fans can expect an exciting contest.