418 during IPL game, a pointer to run-fest in opener

Over 400 runs (418 to be precise) were scored in 40 overs when Kings XI Punjab had met Chennai Super Kings here in the IPL.

Ajinkya Rahane’s form would be crucial in the early powerplay overs. (Source: PTI)

The Barabati Stadium, where the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played on Sunday, has a capacity of 45,000 but with two days to go 20,000 tickets (priced between Rs 200 and 8,000) have been sold.

“Absence of star players like (MS) Dhoni and (Lasith) Malinga is a factor. But I still believe the stadium would be packed to capacity on Sunday,” Orissa Cricket Association (OCA) secretary Ashirwad Behera said. This is a virgin wicket but OCA chief curator Pankaj Patnaik assured that it will be batting friendly.

“This wicket has bounce and the stroke-players will enjoy it,” he said. Over 400 runs (418 to be precise) were scored in 40 overs when Kings XI Punjab had met Chennai Super Kings here in the IPL.

“That pitch had a little more bounce. We had prepared it that way because foreign players were involved. Batsmen from the sub-continent are more comfortable when the pitch becomes a little slower. Both India and Sri Lanka would like to play on this surface. Dew factor, however, will come into play in the second half,” he added.

Saha declared fit, ready for selection

Wriddhiman Saha has been declared fit as the Indian team (except Dhawal Kulkarni, who played the tour game on Thursday) attended a full net session here at the Barabati Stadium on Friday. The Bengal wicketkeeper had sustained a finger injury during the Duleep Trophy game against South Zone and it put a question mark over his participation in the ODIs against Sri Lanka.

Fitness tests were conducted on Thursday and Friday following, which he has been given the go-ahead. “Saha is fit and available for selection,” said a member of the team management. In MS Dhoni’s absence, rested for the first three ODIs, this is a good opportunity for the 30-year-old to make his mark in limited-overs international.

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