IND vs NZ 2nd ODI Rajkot Stadium Pitch Report: Can India make the most of batting belter in Rajkot?

IND vs NZ 2nd ODI Niranjan Shah Stadium Rajkot Pitch Report: The opening game witnessed scores nudging the 300-run mark, but that could soar even higher when India and New Zealand engage on the Niranjan Shah Stadium’s flatbed pitches in the second ODI on Wednesday. 

The venue has been known for high-scoring games even in domestic encounters over the years and things could be no different as India return to play their first ODI game at the venue since September 2023.

ALSO READ | Why Harshit Rana’s 29 matters for India’s ODI balance

Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot Pitch Report

The pitch at the Rajkot stadium has always been regarded as a belter of a pitch, always favouring the batters. The four ODIs played here poses an interesting trend  in that the team batting first has gone on to win each of the four matches played since the first in 2013. Interestingly, in three of the four occasions, the team batting first has posted a 300-plus run total, with the lowest first-innings score being South Africa’s 270/7 against India in 2015. Standing true to the trend, the last ODI played here before the 2023 World Cup had Australia pile on a venue-high 352/7 as they proceeded to beat the hosts by 66 runs.