It is crucial to emphasise that hosting a World Cup should not be used as an opportunity to test out a new stadium, particularly during an event as thrilling as the T20 World Cup.
Unfortunately, this is currently the case. As previously mentioned, Nassau Stadium in New York City, USA, is not conducive to cricket and would be better suited for baseball.
We urge the relevant authorities to consider these factors in future venue selections to ensure the integrity of the game and the well-being of the players.
The hasty construction of Nassau Stadium for the T20 World Cup did not allow for a proper assessment of its appropriateness for cricket matches.
Nonetheless, a practice match between India and Bangladesh was held at the stadium. It quickly became evident during the match that this stadium was not conducive to batting.
The uneven bounce of the ball, the slow pace of the pitch, and the lack of grip for the fielders were some of the challenges that the players had to contend with.
First international match
Following the practice match between India and Bangladesh, a crucial encounter occurred between Sri Lanka and South Africa, competing in Group D of the World Cup.
This international T20 match was officially hosted at Nassau Stadium, and it was significant for both teams. Group D is very competitive, with four out of the five countries being formidable opponents. Therefore, the stakes were high, and a decisive match was vital to secure a spot in the Super Eight round.
However, despite the significance of the match, the playing conditions at Nassau Stadium seemed to disadvantage the teams.
The stadium’s challenging nature made it feel like the teams were facing an uphill battle. It was like playing on a different planet. The ball was not coming onto the bat, and it was extremely difficult to time shots.
Regrettably, Sri Lanka faced South Africa in this challenging setting and suffered a defeat. It was a heart-wrenching loss as they ended up with the lowest total in the history of T20 cricket, amplifying the disappointment of the match’s outcome.
It is not the Sri Lankan team’s fault
The Sri Lankan players should not be held responsible for the situation. The fundamental error lies in the decision to have the match in an unsuitable stadium.
Despite winning the toss, Captain Hasaranga’s decision to bat first with great confidence did not yield the expected results.
It became evident that the Sri Lankan batters failed to gauge the conditions of the wicket, as they seemed unaware of the implications of the practice match between India and Bangladesh.
One would expect the experienced Sri Lankan team to better understand how the wicket would behave during the match. However, the opening batsmen, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, both seasoned players, seemed to struggle with the unfamiliar conditions of the stadium.
Their lack of adaptability became apparent as they continued to play aggressive shots despite the stadium’s characteristics being more suited to a cautious approach. This risky style of play, which was not limited to Kusal Mendis alone, ultimately led to the downfall of all the Sri Lankan batters.
120 is a good total
In the hypothetical scenario where the Sri Lanka batted first and scored 120 runs in the match, it was believed that they would have put up a more competitive performance.
However, due to the large size of the stadium and the nature of the pitch, it was essential for the team to focus on scoring consistent runs rather than relying on big hits and sixes.
It was suggested that the Sri Lanka should have prioritised taking quick singles and doubles to steadily increase the scoreboard total.
In contrast, the Sri Lankan batter’s approach did not yield favourable results, as they only scored 77 runs. This was deemed insufficient for securing a victory in a T20 match.
The South African bowlers, particularly Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada, demonstrated remarkable performance by taking wickets on the challenging pitch.
During the reply innings, the South African batters demonstrated astute awareness of the pitch conditions, opting for a cautious approach to avoid unnecessary risks.
Recognising the formidable presence of the Sri Lankan bowlers, they focused on accumulating runs steadily. Their strategic approach paid off as they patiently built their innings, ultimately securing a victory with a total score of 80 runs after 16 overs.
A very tough match
This match was incredibly tough, with the biggest challenge not being the bowlers but the weak, dead turf the batters had to defend themselves on. Both teams grappled with this issue, as the ball didn’t reach the batters well, and even the wicketkeeper had a hard time.
After landing on the field, the ball threw up soil about a foot high, an unprecedented condition in any stadium. The Sri Lankan batters’ struggle was compounded by the South Africans’ ability to take wickets, while the Sri Lankan bowlers found it difficult and only managed to take four wickets.
Despite this, the Sri Lankan team fought valiantly and managed to hold on for 16 overs in the South African innings.
Sri Lanka is lucky
In one aspect, the Sri Lankan is in a fortunate position as they have concluded their matches at Nassau Stadium, while the South Africa still has two matches remaining. Additionally, India will be playing three matches, and Pakistan has two matches left to play.
The upcoming match between India and Pakistan at this stadium is of paramount importance. Unfortunately, the deteriorating condition of the stadium may have a significant impact on the outcome of that match.
Seven more matches are scheduled to take place in the stadium over eight days, posing a substantial challenge.
The implications of the scorching sun on the stadium’s condition in the upcoming days are unknown. Yet, it’s imperative to recognize the unfortunate circumstances faced by the teams playing in this venue.
