IND vs SL, IS Bindra Stadium: Pitch report and stats
India and Sri Lanka are set to clash in the two-match Test series, starting March 4. The Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali will host the first Test. Over the years, the iconic venue has produced several classics. It last played host to a Test in November 2016. Let us have a look at the pitch report and stats of this stadium.
How does the pitch play?
The wicket at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium is known for its lively nature. It was one of the fastest tracks in India, however, it has slowed down in recent times. The surface here duly favors the batters as they can play on the up. While seamers garner swing in the initial overs, spin comes into play eventually.
A look at the stats
The IS Bindra stadium has hosted a total of 13 Tests, with the teams batting first winning just three. Average scores at this venue - 1st innings: 355, 2nd innings: 379, 3rd innings: 270, 4th innings: 129. New Zealand recorded the highest total here (630/6 vs India, 2003). The lowest total here was recorded by India in 1999 (83 vs New Zealand).
The IS Bindra Stadium last hosted a Test in 2016
The IS Bindra Stadium last hosted a Test in 2016. India defeated England by eight wickets in that match. They chased down 103, with Parthiv Patel anchoring the run-chase. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was the Player of the Match (90, 2/59, 2/62).
Sachin Tendulkar is the highest run-score in Mohali
Sachin Tendulkar is the highest run-scorer at this venue. He racked up 767 runs from 11 Tests at an average of 47.93 here. The likes of Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Gautam Gambhir, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman averaged over 50 in Mohali. On the other hand, Anil Kumble has most wickets here (36). Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin have 18 and 16 wickets, respectively.
Here are the interesting facts
In December 2017, Rohit Sharma slammed his third ODI double-century at the IS Bindra Stadium. He smashed an unbeaten 208 (153) in the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka. This venue in Mohali has played host to four 50-over World Cup games (Australia vs West Indies in 1996, South Africa vs Netherlands in 2011, West Indies vs Ireland in 2011, India vs Pakistan in 2011).
