The controversial pitch at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York, produced another low-scoring encounter. South Africa suffered a batting collapse before David Miller’s gritty unbeaten fifty led his side over the line in the run chase of 104 against the Netherlands. Despite the collapse, skipper Aiden Markram and Miller said that the wicket played better than their previous game against Sri Lanka where Wanindu Hasaranga’s side was bowled out for 77.
“Wicket played a bit better than the first game but it was still going around. Credit to the Netherlands guys who hit their areas well,” Miller who was adjudged ‘Player of the match’ said in the post-match presentation.
Markram was dismissed for a three-ball duck but he also felt that the wicket player better.
“If compared to the first game, I think the wicket played well today. It was better than the first game,” he said.
Earlier, the ICC admitted after India’s clash with Ireland that the drop-in pitches have not been inadequate.
Rohit's comments on New York pitch
On the eve of the clash against Pakistan, skipper Rohit Sharma in the pre-match press conference went on to say that the even the curator will be confused about how the pitch has behaved.
"New York is not our home ground. We have played two matches here but we don't have much awareness about its nature. It behaves differently on different days, so even the curator is confused," Rohit said at the pre-match press conference.
"So, you can imagine the kind of thinking we need to put in. We don't know on which pitch we are playing (against Pakistan), so, whoever plays better cricket will win the match," he added.
India's performance in New York so far
India have played two games at the venue so far. In the warm-up game against Bangladesh, Rishabh Pant scored a half-century. Against Ireland, in the run chase of 97, Rohit scored a 37-ball 52 before he was retired hurt.
Rohit also talked about the slow outfield at the venue.
"The outfield is slow. Some shots get lot of bounce on the field, and some others do not roll on the field. So running between the wickets is important. We need to play as per conditions," said the 36-year-old.
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