The Cape Town pitch used for the second Test between India and South Africa at Newlands has been deemed ‘unsatisfactory’ by the International Cricket Council (ICC). This verdict follows the completion of the Test, which became the shortest in the history of the format, spanning only 107 overs and breaking a 92-year-old record set in 1932.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has a 14-day window to appeal the sanction. The ‘unsatisfactory’ rating has resulted in the allocation of one demerit point to the venue. If a venue accumulates six demerit points, it faces a 12-month ban from hosting international cricket.
Additionally, a total of 12 demerit points results in a 24-month suspension. Match Referee Chris Broad, in his report, highlighted the extreme difficulty faced by batsmen on the Newlands pitch due to inconsistent bounce.
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Chris Broad stated, “The pitch in Newlands was very difficult to bat on. The ball bounced quickly and sometimes alarmingly throughout the match, making it difficult to play shots. Several batters were hit on the gloves, and many wickets also fell due to the awkward bounce.”
The recently concluded shortest-ever Test in Cape Town has received an ICC pitch rating 👀#WTC25 | #SAvINDhttps://t.co/rkK47P8Y58
— ICC (@ICC) January 9, 2024
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In the Test, South Africa, after winning the toss, was bowled out for 55 within the first session of the opening day, with Mohammed Siraj taking 6 wickets for 15 runs. India, in response, secured a 98-run lead after being dismissed for 153. However, their innings crumbled from 153 for 4 to losing the last 6 wickets for no additional runs in just 11 balls.
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During the Proteas’ second innings, they posted a total of 176, setting India a target of 79 runs to chase. Jasprit Bumrah shone with the ball, claiming 6 wickets for 61 runs. Aiden Markram was South Africa’s standout performer, scoring 106 runs off 103 balls. India successfully chased down the target in 12 overs, winning the match by 7 wickets.
