What’s in store for IPL 2020 – Venue-wise analysis of UAE
Although the IPL schedule is still under the covers, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah are in contention to host the upcoming 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Many have raised questions over the slow nature of UAE tracks and feared the league to lose charm like the ongoing CPL. The scoring rates during the IPL 2014 do confirm the fears where only one match witnessed 200+ total. However, if we look at some other leagues played in UAE, we might see some really big totals mainly because of the boundary ropes being pulled in.
Here are the recent records of the three venues likely to host the Indian Premier League 2020:
Sheikh Zayed Stadium – Abu Dhabi
Average first-innings total: 132 (T20Is since 2017 between top teams)
Record of chasing teams: Won – 2, Lost – 2
Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium is one of the cricket grounds with the largest playing field. The venue, in general, has slow tracks but they tend to be better for the batsmen under the lights. However, the long boundaries here are not ideal for the batsmen. Even if the boundary ropes are dragged in by a few meters here, the lengths will be little longer than an average Indian ground hosting IPL.
Dubai Sports City Stadium – Dubai
Average first-innings total: 143 (During PSL 2019)
Record of chasing teams: Won – 12, Lost – 2
The picturesque Dubai Sports City Stadium stood host for all the matches India played during the 2018 Asia Cup. From there, we can conclude that the pitch will get better under the lights with dew factor coming. The outfield, in general, is quick similar to the Indian grounds. But the average first-innings totals during the 2019 PSL was only 143. The teams batting second tend to win more as 12 of the 14 games here were won by chasing teams in that T20 tournament.
Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium – Sharjah
Average first-innings total: 156 (During PSL 2019)
Record of chasing teams: Won – 9, Lost – 3
The Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium has a rich history when it comes to the ODI format. However, during the T20s, the venue provides pitches which might not be consistent all the time. During the 2019 PSL, a team managed to chase down a target over 200 at this venue while another team defended totals around 150. However, this venue is the shortest of all the three proposed venues to be hosting the IPL 2020. The ball is often seen travelling out of the ground at this venue.
