On November 2, India’s fast bowling triad of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami decimated Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium with a stunning new-ball performance.
Sri Lanka’s batting performance resembled their performance in the Asia Cup final in September, when they were bowled for 50 runs. They could only muster a few more runs this time, falling at 55 and suffering a humiliating 302-run defeat. India’s sixth successive victory guaranteed them a place in the semifinals.
If India maintains this pace, they should stay table toppers and, as such, will play in the semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium unless their opponent is Pakistan (in which case they will play in the Eden Gardens). This is one place that might present a problem to the hosts, therefore they must exercise extreme caution.
Here are three reasons why Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium might challenge India in the semi-finals:
3. A batting beauty
Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai has one of the greatest surfaces in India and would test Indian bowlers if they have to bowl early in the heat. They could go the distance because the bounce and carry is so strong in Wankhede Stadium.
Even if India’s bowling unit has been among the best in the competition, they will be scrutinized in this final encounter, which may not be ideal for Rohit Sharma as captain.
If Hardik Pandya is ruled out of the semi-final, India will go with a lengthy tail, with Mohammed Shami coming in at six down. since a result, the top and middle-order batters will have to be cautious, since they cannot afford to burst free from the start.
2. Movement under lights
The Indian bowlers were unstoppable under lights against Sri Lanka, finding plenty of seam and swing. The sea breeze will make the first 20 overs under lights in the second innings difficult for the batsmen.
This is where the Indian hitters will be tested, especially if they are required to chase down a large target in the semi-final. The Indian squad has always struggled in knockout matches, and scoreboard pressure paired with seam and swing can represent a major concern.
1. How will spin play?
This is one surface in India which does not favor spinners too much. If pacers do not provide early breakthroughs, the onus will be on the spinners. As has been pointed out earlier, the pitches at the Wankhede Stadium are red soil-based which provide true bounce and carry. This is where spinners will have to rely on their own variations since they will not find much assistance from the pitch.
Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja have combined well, but they have not been put to test under lights in the World Cup and this could be the case in the semi-final match.
