India has already taken a 1-0 lead in the T20I series against Australia. Virat Kohli-led team India won the 1st T20I by 9 wickets in Ranchi. Rain threats loomed large over the 1st T20I match but the weather eventually held up. It seems the repeat is on the cards. There are high possibilities of rain interrupting the 2nd T20I at the Barsapara stadium in Guwahati. For Australia, nothing less than a win can keep them afloat, whereas for India it is a chance to whitewash Australia and claim number 1 spot in T20Is.
But it seems rain could play spoilsport in the Assamese city. If that is the case, whichever team wins the toss will look to bat first. According to a report on AccuWeather, thunderstorms will hit the city in the afternoon but the sky is likely to clear by evening. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 pm, but the AccuWeather report says the rainshower is likely to end by then.
“While the city of Guwahati will witness some isolated showers during the afternoon hours, the night time will remain pleasant and rain free. Spectators will be able to enjoy the show without weather gods providing any hindrance,” the report said.
However, pitch curator Mukut Kalita who has overlooked the stadium since its construction says, “We only cover the wicket in case it rains. But that’s enough, as the high sand content facilitates drainage in no time.”
As per a report in The Assam Sentinel, all 27,000 tickets for the match were sold out and rains over the last couple of days haven’t dampened the enthusiasm of the crowd.
#TeamIndia could not train at the beautiful Barsapara Cricket Ground in Guwahati due to rain and wet outfield, but made use of the __. pic.twitter.com/FuzlBwi2Qu
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 9, 2017
Fans would dearly be hoping to see their superstars play right in front of them. This is the first time a T20I will be played at this venue. Also, this is the first time in over 7 years that an international cricket match is going to be played in Guwahati.
