The International Cricket Council (ICC) delivered its verdict on Sunday, March 20, on the Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch used for the pink-ball Test between India and Sri Lanka.
The Chinnaswamy pitch received a below-average rating in the report filed by the game’s ICC Match Referee, Javagal Srinath. As a result, the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process will award the venue one demerit.
In the report, Srinath said: “The pitch offered a lot of turn on the first day itself and though it improved with every session, in my view, it was not an even contest between bat and ball.”
According to the updated ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, venues with pitches rated below average by match referees earn one demerit point, while venues with pitches judged bad or unsuitable receive three and five demerits points, respectively. Demerit points are valid for a five-year period, and if it accumulates five or more, it is barred from hosting any international cricket for a period of 12 months.
India managed to wrap up the second Test against Sri Lanka within three days. Bowlers dominated proceedings on the first day of the Test, with a total of 16 wickets falling on an opening day, nine of which were picked up by the spinners. At the end of the day, Sri Lanka were 86/6 after bowling India out for 252.
They were eventually bowled out for 109 early on day two and were then set a target of 447. The visitors showed a better display in the final innings, with Dimuth Karunaratne leading the way with a century. However, they were bowled out for 208, losing the match by 238 runs.
With the win, India completed a 2-0 whitewash and jumped to No.4 in the ICC World Test Championship Standings. On the other hand, Sri Lanka is sitting on the fifth spot in the standings.
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