The T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand in Ahmedabad is set to be played on a similar-natured pitch to the one used in the semi-final in Mumbai. A greenish-tinged pitch in Mumbai initially raised eyebrows ahead of the semi-final, but a record 499 runs were eventually scored. The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday is expected to take minimal turn, but will facilitate good pace and bounce.
ESPNcricinfo has learned that the centre pitch for the T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand will be a mix of red and black soil. Just like the Wankhede pitch on Thursday, the final pitch, too, is likely to have good bounce and be seamer-friendly. The par score is likely to be around 200.
This pitch is as good as fresh, having hosted just one match in this T20 World Cup - the Canada vs South Africa game, played nearly a month ago on February 9. It was an evening match, which South Africa won by 53 runs after scoring 213 on being put in to bat.
While New Zealand have played only one match in Ahmedabad in this tournament, India have played two. In a group match on February 14, played on a red-soil pitch, South Africa chased down 177 with 17 balls to spare against New Zealand, and defeated them by seven wickets.
Four days later, in India's final group fixture, they beat Netherlands by 17 runs after posting 193 on opting to bat. On February 22, in the Super Eight match between India and South Africa played on a black-soil pitch, India suffered a 76-run defeat as South Africa successfully defended 187.
India will have their training on Saturday. New Zealand, meanwhile, reached Ahmedabad on Thursday and had their first training session the same evening. This is the second time in one year that the teams will meet in the final of a global tournament after India beat New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy final in Dubai.