As the Men in Blue arrive in Raipur with a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, anticipation is at an all-time high. A victory in the second ODI on December 3 would not only secure the series for India but also assert their dominance at home. While modern cricket often favours batsmen, the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium has a habit of telling a different story, one that might just decide the fate of this series.
History at this venue drops a big hint: don't expect a run-fest. If past international encounters are anything to go by, fans should brace themselves for a gritty contest where bowlers call the shots. The venue has hosted just two international matches so far, and both have been low-scoring affairs that India won comfortably.
Also Read: Why Rishabh Pant should be preferred over Ruturaj Gaikwad in 2nd ODI vs South Africa
The most telling "hint" comes from the solitary ODI played here in January 2023 against New Zealand. On that day, the pitch offered sharp seam movement that the Indian pacers, led by Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, exploited ruthlessly. The Kiwis were skittled out for a mere 108, and the hosts chased it down with eight wickets in hand and nearly 30 overs to spare.
Even the T20 format, usually a batter’s paradise, hasn't seen huge totals here. In the only T20I played at this ground in December 2023, India posted a modest 174/9 against Australia. It wasn't a high-scoring highway, but India’s bowlers defended the total successfully, winning by 20 runs.
So, what does this mean for the crucial second ODI that India will play against South Africa? It suggests that the "sealing" of the series might come down to which bowling unit adapts better. With the pitch historically assisting seamers and keeping scores in check, India’s current attack will be licking its lips. If the trend holds, we likely won't see a 350-run thriller like in the 1st ODI.
Instead, the path to a series win might be paved with disciplined bowling and smart, tactical batting. As both teams gear up for the showdown, the stats are clear: Raipur rewards the side that respects its conditions. India has done it twice before; doing it a third time will hand them the trophy. So will history repeat itself? We'll have to wait and watch.
