New Delhi: The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad which hosted the World Cup final between India and Australia last month has been rated "average" by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
ICC match referee and former Zimbabwe batter Andy Pycroft, however, rated the outfield as "very good". Australia won the World Cup final beating India by six wickets on a pitch which was slow and sluggish.
Put in to bat, India could score just 240 in 50 overs with Australia achieving the target in 43 overs. Opener Travis Head's 120-ball 137 was the highlight of the Australian chase.
The pitches used in India's league matches against South Africa, England, Pakistan and Australia in Kolkata, Lucknow, Ahmedabad and Chennai respectively were also rated as 'average' by the ICC.
However, the Wankhede Stadium pitch on which India faced New Zealand in the semifinals received a 'good' rating. There were media reports ahead of that match, suggesting that the hosts had switched pitch, offering a used surface instead of a fresh one.
The ICC gave an "average" rating to the Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata which hosted the second semifinal between Australia and South Africa.
It turned out to be a low-scoring match where Australia dismissed South Africa for 212 in 49.4 overs. Australia then managed to overhaul the target in 47.2 overs, losing seven wickets.
ICC match referee and former India pacer Javagal Srinath, however, gave a "very good" rating to the outfield at Eden Gardens.
