Pat Cummins clicking images of the wicket had gone viral on social media a day ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Mitch Santner didn't resort to any such theatrics at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday afternoon as New Zealand batters focused on an intense nets session. The batters will have a field day, which means another tall-scoring match can be expected on Sunday. India had played their Super Eight opener on a black-soil pitch and suffered a 76-run loss as South Africa successfully defended 187. The Indians don't want a repeat of the 2023 episode and the mixed-soil pitch should serve their purpose.

Source: The Telegraph March 07, 2026 23:36 UTC