Pune Cricket Ground Pitch and International Record

The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, popularly known as the Pune Cricket Ground, is one of India’s modern cricket stadiums, located in the city of Pune, Maharashtra. This picturesque venue has witnessed some enthralling cricketing encounters, including international matches that have left an indelible mark on the minds of cricket fans.

Pune Cricket Ground Pitch

The Pune Cricket Ground boasts a well-maintained pitch that generally offers a fair balance between bat and ball. It has traditionally provided some assistance to fast bowlers in the early stages of Test matches and limited-overs games due to its hard and bouncy nature. The surface tends to flatten out as the game progresses, making it conducive for batsmen to build substantial innings.

One unique aspect of the Pune pitch is the presence of the “Super Sopper” technology, which helps in quick drying of the outfield during rain interruptions. This cutting-edge technology has enabled matches to resume swiftly after rain delays, minimizing disruptions.

International Record

The Pune Cricket Ground has hosted various international matches across formats, showcasing its ability to host high-profile encounters. Let’s take a look at some of the notable international matches held at this venue.

1. Test Matches:

The Pune Cricket Ground made its Test debut in February 2017, hosting the first Test of the four-match series between India and Australia. However, the match turned out to be a historic one for the wrong reasons for the hosts. Australia secured a remarkable victory by 333 runs, thanks to an outstanding all-round performance from Steve O’Keefe, who took 12 wickets in the match.

2. One-Day Internationals (ODIs):

Pune Cricket Ground witnessed its first ODI in January 2013 when India faced England in the third match of the series. India clinched a thrilling victory by just five runs in a high-scoring encounter, with the likes of Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina contributing crucial runs.

3. Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is):

The stadium’s first T20I came in February 2019, when Australia toured India for a two-match series. The hosts emerged victorious in a nail-biting contest, winning by just three runs. The match showcased the stadium’s ability to provide an electrifying atmosphere during T20 encounters.

Notable Moments:

Among the memorable moments at the Pune Cricket Ground, one stands out prominently – Indian captain Virat Kohli’s magnificent double century against South Africa in October 2019. Kohli’s unbeaten 254 runs played a pivotal role in India’s crushing victory by an innings and 137 runs.