It’s going to be a super Saturday for runs

Curator Praveen Hingnikar has promised a run-fest when India and South Africa clash here today. Both captains praised the surface as well, and expected a good contest between bat and ball

It's going to be a super Saturday for runs

Curator Praveen Hingnikar has promised a run-fest when India and South Africa clash here today. Both captains praised the surface as well, and expected a good contest between bat and ball.

The pitch at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Jamtha Stadium looks like a batting paradise and batsmen from both the sides would love to bat on it as it also offers even bounce.

"It's a sporting wicket which offers help to both batsmen and bowlers. The dry weather means new ball bowlers won't get too much assistance. However, the bounce will be true, bowlers will get something out of it while batsmen will enjoy shot-making. A total of 300 is par score on this surface," Hingnikar told MiD DAY.

"Also you can expect spinners to get into the game a little later. The temperatures have been high (around 38 degree celsius) and that has made the surface dryer," he added. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has a personal record to die for at this ground, was excited after looking at the surface.

"In Delhi, the wicket was slow and low. But here, there will be bounce for quick bowlers. We could think of a third pacer because of that. I expect the pitch to last for 100 overs," he said yesterday. His counterpart Graeme Smith said the absence of due would negate the importance of the toss.u00a0 "The outfield is lush. There won't be any due because of the high temperature.

"The pitch is looking really good. We know this surface really well, having won a Test match here before," said Smith. Although Saturday's encounter will be the fourth World Cup match here, the wicket that will be used for today's game hasn't been used since December. "That doesn't make a difference. The amount of rolling that has gone on will ensure it's a flat wicket," saidu00a0 Hingnikar.