Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi Pitch Report & Weather Forecast for BAN vs SL ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Match 38

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Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi will stage it's fifth and final match of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 on Monday (November 6) when Asian rivals play for pride as Bangladesh take on Sri Lanka in match 38 of the tournament.

Shakib Al Hasan-led Bangladesh, who are on a five match losing streak, head into Monday's match on the back of a defeat to Pakistan on a wicket that assisted the quicks at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Kusal Mendis' Sri Lanka, who have lost five matches in seven, are fresh from another demoralising defeat to the tournament hosts India after they folded for just 55 in the run chase of 358 on a batting friendly wicket that assisted the quicks under lights at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

None of Bangladesh's matches have been affected by weather so far, but one of Sri Lanka's match against Australia in Lucknow was interrupted by rain. However, the rain did not do much harm to the contest at the Ekana Stadium.

Now, the two sides will be playing on a batting friendly wicket at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, where there is cloud over whether the match will be on due to the poor air quality in the city.

With some parts of India witnessing showers due to the retreating monsoon season, here is a look at the Delhi weather forecast and the Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch report for BAN vs SL 38th ICC World Cup 2023 match:

Delhi Weather Forecast on November 6

There is no chance of rain in Delhi on Monday (November 6). However, the biggest concern heading into the match is the poor air quality, which has been consistently crossing the 400-mark on a scale of 500 since Thursday (November 3).

The 'Air Quality Early Warning System' suggests it is likely to remain in the 'severe' category until Tuesday (November 7). On Sunday (November 4) morning, the AQI was 457 according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

So, this has led to some uncertainty over the match taking place. But any decision on the match being called off will be made only on the day of the match when officials assess the air quality on Monday (November 6), International Cricket Council (ICC) has clarified.

Article 2.8 of ICC's playing conditions, says "If at any time the umpires together agree that the conditions of ground, weather or light, or any other circumstances are dangerous or unreasonable, they shall immediately suspend play, or not allow play to start or to recommence."

"The decision as to whether conditions are so bad as to warrant such action is one for the umpires alone to make, following consultation with the ICC Match Referee." If the match does take place, dew factor is another concern. Then, how is the Delhi wicket going to play?

Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch report for BAN vs SL World Cup match

The pitches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, were known to be on the slower side, providing assistance to slower bowlers or spinners as the match progresses. However, after the freshly laid pitches, which have been prepared using black soil, the wickets seem to have favoured the batting side.

In the four matches at the venue so far, South Africa posted the highest total in ODI World Cup history and Sri Lanka also scored 326 in 44.5 overs in their response in the opener, while India chased down a target of 273 set by Afghanistan with 90 balls to spare in the second game.

In the third match, the old nature of the Delhi track returned as Afghanistan's spinner came to the fore and successfully defended a total of 284 by bundling out defending champions England for 215. In the fourth match, Australia smashed 399 before bowling out Netherlands for 90.

The average first innings score is 245. Plus, the overall record suggests that the teams batting first have had the edge of 15-14 in the 30 matches at the venue with one match ending in No Result. With dew likely to set in the later stages of the match, the captain may be tempted to chase if the match does take place.