IND vs ENG 3rd T20I: Niranjan Shah Stadium Pitch Report, Playing Conditions, And Dimensions of Rajkot Stadium

IND vs ENG 3rd T20I: With already leading the series 2-0, hosts India are all set to take on England in the third T20I of the five-match T20I series. The Third T20I of the series is slated to be played at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot on 28th January. 

India clinched a nail-biting victory against England in the second T20I, successfully chasing a target of 166 with only two wickets to spare. The standout performer was Tilak Varma, who played a crucial role with an unbeaten 72 off 55 balls. His calm and steady innings helped India overcome tricky situations and secure the win.  

England’s fast bowlers, including Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, put up a strong fight, but Archer had an off day, conceding a costly 60 runs in his four-over spell. This turned the game in India’s favor and proved to be a decisive factor in the outcome.  

As the teams prepare for the next match, India will aim to carry forward their momentum and clinch the series, while England looks to sharpen their execution, especially in the bowling department. With the spotlight on the Niranjan Shah Stadium pitch and its history, both sides are set for an exciting showdown.

Let's take a look at the Niranjan Shah Stadium Pitch Report, Ground Details and Playing Conditions:

Niranjan Shah Stadium Ground Details

Niranjan Shah Stadium, formerly known as Saurashtra Cricket Stadium, at Rajkot is set to host the third T20I of the IND vs ENG series. Also known as Khandheri Cricket Stadium, this stadium hosted the last T20I two years ago on 7th January 2023.

Ground's Name- Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot (Gujarat)
Establishment- 2008
Capacity- 28,000
Dimentions- 70 meters (straight) 65 meters (side)

First Test- 9–13 November 2016 (India v England)
Last Test-15–18 February 2024 (India v England)
First ODI- 11 January 2013 (India v England)
Last ODI- 27 September 2023 (India v Australia)
First T20I- 10 October 2013 (India v Australia)
Last T20I- 7 January 2023 (India v Sri Lanka)

T20Is Played- 5
India won- 4
India lost- 1
Team Winning Batting First: 3
Team Winning Batting Second: 2

Niranjan Shah Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch at Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium in Rajkot is well-known for being a paradise for batters, thanks to its flat surface, consistent bounce, and good pace. These conditions make it ideal for stroke play and high-scoring matches.  

Early in the game, pacers will need to depend on clever variations like slower balls and cutters to keep the batters in check. As the match progresses, spinners are expected to come into play, with the surface offering some turn and bounce, adding an extra challenge for batters.  

Historically, teams batting first have had the upper hand at this venue. The flat pitch makes it easier to pile up big scores initially, while chasing tends to get trickier as conditions change in the second innings. This makes the toss a critical factor, with captains likely opting to bat first and take full advantage of the batting-friendly conditions early on.