T20 WC Dew Cure at Chepauk: India are presented with a must-win situation against Zimbabwe in the Super Eight rounds of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as they lock horns with the Zimbabweans at the historic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai tonight.
India are under pressure as they come to Chepauk after being thrashed by South Africa in their last Super Eight match, losing by 76 runs. This defeat has left Suryakumar Yadav and his men with no room for error. They have to win their remaining two matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies and also hope for some favorable outcomes in other matches. Otherwise, their title defense will come to a premature end.
The match will be played under lights, which has a tendency to have a major say in the outcome at Chepauk. The humidity levels in Chennai are high during this time of the year, resulting in a lot of dew being formed in the second innings. The dew not only helps the batsmen but also proves to be a serious concern for the bowlers, especially the spinners and the fast bowlers who depend on the grip of the ball.
To overcome this age-old problem and ensure equal conditions for both teams, the Chepauk authorities have taken a proactive measure by employing an imported chemical called ‘Dew Cure’. As reported by The Indian Express, this chemical has been imported from the United States and is being used exclusively to counter the effects of dew during the night matches.
According to the same report, ‘Dew Cure’ has been sprayed on the outfield on Tuesday and Wednesday, and another session is scheduled for Thursday afternoon before the India-Zimbabwe match. The aim is to ensure that the moisture content on the grass does not accumulate much once the temperature drops, thus preventing the ball from becoming soaked as the match progresses.
The weather forecast suggests that the humidity levels during the match may remain between 80 and 90 percent. In such circumstances, the outfield is expected to become smooth, and the ball may become damp by the time the second innings reaches the halfway mark. A damp ball tends to skid onto the bat, making it easier to strike and rendering the bowlers ineffective, particularly those who attempt to bowl slower deliveries or yorkers.
Historically speaking, Chepauk has been known as a ground where spinners have the upper hand. The wicket has always been known to provide grip, turn, and unpredictable bounce, making it a challenge for batsmen to handle. However, once the dew sets in, this advantage becomes null and void. The wicket becomes quicker, mis-timed shots go for sixes, and bowlers are left with little room for error.
As such, the toss is no longer a mere ritual in Chennai night matches. Captains would always want to bowl first if dew is expected to set in heavily, as defending a total with a wet ball is regarded as one of the most difficult tasks in limited-overs cricket. Grip is no longer a certainty, fielding becomes difficult, and bowlers find it hard to hold on to the ball.
Both India and Zimbabwe have had disappointing Super Eight experiences. While India were thoroughly outplayed by South Africa, Zimbabwe fared even worse, losing to West Indies by 107 runs.
With a spot in the tournament at stake and the weather expected to be a factor, Thursday’s match at Chepauk is expected to be a high-pressure contest. Even with the ‘Dew Cure’ in place, the contest between bat and ball, and the toss that follows, may well hold the key to India’s fortunes in the tournament.
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