Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad Pitch Report & Weather Forecast for SA vs AFG ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Match 42

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Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will stage it's fourth match of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 on Friday (November 10) when South Africa face semifinal hopefuls Afghanistan in match 42 of the show-piece tournament.

South Africa led by Temba Bavuma come into the match on the back of their second defeat of the campaign, while Hashmatullah Shahidi's Afghanistan, who are still in the race to finish in the top four, are fresh from their fourth defeat of the tournament.

In the recent outing, South Africa were humbled by hosts India as they folded for 83 in the run chase of 326 on a testing surface at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, while Afghanistan failed to defend 291 despite reducing Australia to 91 for 7 at the batting friendly Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Now, the two sides are set to play their first match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in the ongoing World Cup. The pitches in the Ahmedabad venue have been a treat for the batters, but has also assisted some disciplined bowling, especially the new ball bowlers and spinners in the middle overs.

Weather has not interrupted any of the matches at the venue in Ahmedabad so far, but one of South Africa's game earlier in the season at a different venue has been affected by rain. Plus, a match in Bengaluru also has resulted in a truncated match.

The Ahmedabad venue has seen mixed results recently. And the heat in the afternoon could play a factor. So, how will the weather and pitch conditions be for SA vs AFG clash in Ahmedabad? Will rain or any other weather condition play spoilsport? Will dew be a factor in the match?

With some parts of India witnessing showers due to the retreating monsoon, here is a look at the Ahmedabad weather forecast and the Narendra Modi Stadium pitch report for SA vs AFG 42nd ICC World Cup 2023 match:

Ahmedabad Weather Forecast on November 10

There is no threat of rain in Ahmedabad on Friday (November 10). In fact, it is going to be a day of hazy sunshine and moonlight. The temperatures are expected to touch 36° C in the afternoon, reducing to 28° C in the closing stages of the match. So, weather is unlikely to play spoilsport.

Like many other venues, dew is likely to have an impact in the games in Ahmedabad, meaning the team chasing could have an extra advantage in the closing stages of the game. Then, how is the Ahmedabad wicket going to play?

Narendra Modi Stadium pitch report for SA vs AFG World Cup 2023 match

There are 11 pitches at the Narendra Modi Stadium - 5 black soil and 5 a mixture of three types of soil, while the other is a mixed of two types of soil. The black soil pitches are known to produce more bounce, allowing free run-scoring opportunities.

Red soil pitches, on the other hand, are known to dry up soon and assist the slower bowlers or spinners as the match progresses. The one with the mixture of both is expected to be even. The one used in the opening game, remained good for batting for the most part of the match.

The second match, however, saw the team batting first collapse after decent start, while the team chasing, eased to the target. In the most recent match, the team chasing failed to reach a target that was above the average first innings of 243 score at the venue.

The team batting first has the edge of 15-14 against the teams chasing at the venue. With dew expected later in the night, captain may opt to chase on the batting friendly pitches in Ahmedabad.

However, if there is no sign of dew, the plan will be to put runs on the board and add pressure with the good bowling attack, which favours Afghanistan with their spinners as South Africa has struggled in chases.