Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad Pitch Report & Weather Forecast for PAK vs NED, 2nd ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Match

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Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad is all set to host it's first-ever ODI World Cup match in the form of the second match in the ICC World Cup 2023 between Pakistan and Netherlands on Friday (October 6).

Babar Azam's Pakistan come into the match on the back of two defeats in the warm up matches, while the Scott Edwards-led Dutch side head into the match without any real warm up action, but have got some games under their belt during their camp in Bengaluru.

Pakistan played both their warm up matches at the venue in Hyderabad, where they first lost to New Zealand despite setting a target of 346 and followed that by falling 15 runs short of a target of 352 set by Australia. Babar and Co came into the tournament on the back of a disappointing Asia Cup.

Netherlands, on the other hand, were rescued by rain when on the brink of defeat in their truncated first warm up match against Australia. The second warm up match against India was a wash out. However, the Dutch will take confidence, having come through a tough qualifier.

Now, with the action taking place in Hyderabad and some parts of India witnessing showers, here is a look at the weather forecast and the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium pitch report for PAK vs NED 1st ICC World Cup match:

Hyderabad Weather Forecast on October 6

Like Ahmedabad, there is no threat of rain in Hyderabad at least on Friday (October 6), when there is forecast for a partly sunny and cloudy day with a maximum temperature of 33° C in the day, but the temperature is expected to reduce to 25° C in the night.

Unlike most venues in India, there is no threat of dew in Hyderabad. Dew plays an important factor when teams are trying to defend a score and that would not be a worry in this match. But, how is the wicket going to play?

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium pitch report for PAK vs NED World Cup match

Like most of the venues, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad too has used three kinds of pitches black soil, red soil and a mixture of red and black soil over the years.

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.

In the two warm up matches hosted at the venue, we have seen close to 1500 runs being scored, providing high-scoring entertaining matches. So, expect nothing different at the venue, which is known for it's batting-friendly flat tracks.

It will be a nightmare for bowlers, especially part-timers, if similar wicket is used for the Pakistan vs Netherlands match. The pace bowlers can use bouncers and slower deliveries to keep the run flow in check.

In the 7 official ODIs played at this venue, the team batting first has had a slight edge, but the teams chasing too have come close in those matches, especially the most recent one, earlier this year in January, when New Zealand almost chased down a target of 350 set by India.