NZ vs SA ICC ODI World Cup 2023: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Pune Pitch, Venue Stats, Record, Average Score

Two heavyweights will collide as New Zealand and South Africa lock horns in the 32nd match of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 on Wednesday. The match will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune at 2:00 PM IST.

New Zealand are currently 3rd in the points table with four wins and two losses in six matches. They have lost both of their last two matches, including a five-run defeat to Australia in their previous fixture. The Blackcaps will try to avoid further slip-ups and look to return to winning ways.

On the other hand, barring a loss to Netherlands, South Africa have played flawless cricket. Their win over Pakistan in the last game will give them a lot of confidence. The Proteas will look to seal the semifinal spot with another win.

In this post, we will take a look at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Pitch, Venue Stats, Record, and Average Score ahead of the World Cup clash between New Zealand and South Africa.

Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Pitch Report

It is a fantastic wicket to bat on. The surface will offer even pace and bounce and the batters could play their shots through the line. The boundaries are on the shorter side and the batters could clear them on will. While there might be some help for the spinners during the daytime, the surface will get better under the lights. Expect a high-scoring game between two quality sides.

Is Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium batting or bowling pitch?

Last Three Results at the Venue:

Sri Lanka (241/10 in 49.3 overs) lost to Afghanistan (242/3 in 45.2 overs) by 7 wickets – 30 October 2023
Bangladesh (256/8 in 50 overs) lost to India (261/3 in 41.3 overs) by 7 wickets – 19 October 2023
India (329/10 in 48.2 overs) defeated England (322/9 in 50 overs) by 7 runs – 28 March 2021

It is a batting surface. It has always been a high-scoring venue courtesy of the hard surface. Furthermore, the quick outfield alongside the short boundaries makes it an ideal venue for the batters.

New Zealand ODI record in Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium

The Blackcaps have played one one-day game here. They lost that game.

New Zealand’s Highest Total at the venue: 230/9 in 50 overs vs India in 2017
New Zealand’s Lowest Total at the venue: N/A

South Africa ODI record in Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium

South Africa are yet to play an ODI game at this venue.

South Africa’s Highest Total at the venue: N/A
South Africa’s Lowest Total at the venue: N/A

Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Ground Info

Seating Capacity: 45000
Number of matches hosted: 2 Tests, 9 ODIs, and 4 T20Is

Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium ODI Stats and Records

Total Matches Played: 9
Home Team (India) Won: 5
Visiting Team Won: 3
Neutral Side Won: 1
No Result: 0
Match Tied: 0

Average 1st Innings Score: 294
Matches Won Batting 1st: 4
Matches Won Batting 2nd: 5
Highest Team Total: 356/7 by India vs England in 2017
Lowest Team Total: 232/10 by India vs Australia in 2013
Highest Run Chase: 356/7 by India vs England in 2017

Highest Individual Score: 124 by Jonny Bairstow (England) vs India in 2021
Best Bowling Figures: 4/34 by Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan) vs Sri Lanka in 2023
Most Runs: Virat Kohli (India) – 551 runs in 8 matches
Most Wickets: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India) – 10 wickets in 6 matches
Most Sixes in ODIs at this venue: Ben Stokes (England) – 16 Sixes