Ricky Ponting expressed his surprise and concern over the decision to use a brand-new pitch for the semi-final match between Afghanistan and South Africa at the T20 World Cup. The pitch at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, which had been prepared only a week and a half before the game, played a significant role in Afghanistan's downfall as they posted their lowest-ever T20I total.
Ponting found it strange that a completely new wicket, with unknown playing characteristics, was used for such a crucial match. He emphasised the importance of understanding how a pitch behaves, especially in high-stakes games.
The pitch not only offered seam movement but also had unpredictable bounce, which made it challenging for batsmen. Ponting was particularly critical of the uneven bounce, noting that it added an element of unpredictability that was unfair to the players.
The conditions favoured South Africa's seamers, with bowlers like Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada exploiting the movement and bounce. Anrich Nortje's deliveries demonstrated extreme variations, with some climbing excessively and others staying low, causing significant problems for the Afghan batsmen.
Ponting compared the situation to an earlier match in the tournament between West Indies and New Zealand, where at least the teams had some knowledge of the pitch's behaviour. He suggested that experimenting with an untested pitch in a semi-final was a risky decision by the groundsman.
The uneven bounce and seam movement were evident throughout the game. Afghanistan struggled against the conditions, with Rashid Khan’s leg-breaks also shooting low at times.
South Africa, led by their pace attack, capitalised on the pitch conditions, securing their first-ever World Cup final appearance.
Afghanistan’s captain, Rashid Khan, acknowledged the tough conditions but emphasised the team’s need to adapt mentally to any situation. Despite their struggles, he highlighted the positives of reaching the semi-finals.
Ponting’s criticism highlights the broader issue of pitch preparation in high-stakes matches. His concerns reflect the challenges teams face when playing on unfamiliar and unpredictable surfaces. The decision to use a brand-new pitch in the semi-final raised questions about fairness and the role of pitch conditions in determining the outcome of crucial games.