India vs New Zealand 1st T20I: Early dew likely to minimise toss advantage in Jaipur

Heavy dew, which will minimise toss advant, has been predicted for India's opening T20I against New Zealand as Jaipur gears up to host its first international match in eight years on Wednesday.

winter chill can be experienced moment you arrive in pink city.

Officials and ground staff at Rajasthan Cricket Association told PTI that in last two days, dew has been setting around 7 pm, start time of first-ever T20 International to be played at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

dew factor proved to be a massive one at recently concluded T20 World Cup in UAE where teams preferred to chase in better batting conditions.

"Here in Jaipur, re could be dew in first innings itself going by last two days which minimises toss advant to a certain extent. Since it is a T20, one has to expect lots of runs from this surface," said an official.

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"We will use anti-dew spray on match day but we have all seen its effect is very limited."

In last ODI held here in 2013, India chased down Australia's 359 in just 43.3 overs with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli scoring a century each.

Jaipur was robbed of international cricket over past decade mainly due to administrative crisis in Rajasthan cricket. It will also be hosting an ODI in February.

With restrictions on number of spectators, a packed crowd is expected at 25,000 capacity stadium.

Around 8,000 tickets were sold in first three hours after y were put up for sale online last week, said RCA secretary Mahendra Verma.

He is inundated with requests for complimentary passes which he feels is impossible to deal with.

" excitement is palpable with international cricket returning after a long time. What has also fuelled demand for tickets is that people are keen to watch a big event after staying indoors for most part of last 8 months due to COVID-19," said Sharma.

game also marks return of international cricket to India since IPL had to suspended in May due to a devastating second wave that swept through nation.

It is critical for BCCI to organise home series smoothly as it aims to organise IPL at home next year.

Though RCA has assured that all COVID-19 guidelines will be followed on match day, most of its in-house and outsourced staff were seen without masks on Monday. Some of BCCI broadcast production members were also roaming around without masks.

One has to be at least partially vaccinated to enter stadium on Wednesday and n-vaccinated individuals can only enter with proof of a negative RT-PCR test.

(Im: AP)