The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is ready to witness the opening clash of the five-match T20I series between India and West Indies. After an engaging ODI leg of the tour, the two sides will now turn their attention to the shortest format. India, led by Shreyas Iyer, boast an intriguing combination of experience and youthful energy, with teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi and express pacer Mayank Yadav among the players attracting attention. The hosts will aim to start the series on a winning note and establish an early advantage.
West Indies, meanwhile, will be captained by Shai Hope and have plenty of firepower in their ranks. The likes of Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell add considerable power to the Caribbean batting lineup, while their spin options could also play an important role on the Lucknow surface. After a competitive ODI contest, the visitors will be keen to carry that momentum into the T20I series and spring a surprise against the hosts.
Ekana Cricket Stadium T20I Record
The Ekana Cricket Stadium has traditionally offered a surface where both pacers and spinners can make an impact, particularly as the pitch slows down during the course of a game. This makes the toss an important factor, with captains likely to consider the possibility of dew in the second innings alongside the challenges of batting first on a relatively demanding surface.
The numbers suggest a marginal advantage for teams setting a target at this venue. Of the nine men’s T20Is played at Ekana, teams batting first have won five matches, while chasing sides have emerged victorious on four occasions. The venue has produced an average first-innings score of 151, whereas the average second-innings total stands at 126, highlighting how difficult chasing can become.
Highest T20I Total at Ekana Stadium
India hold the record for the highest men’s T20I total at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, having posted 199/2 in 20 overs against Sri Lanka. The score remains evidence of the batting potential available at the venue when a team gets its combinations and shot-making right.
At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan successfully defended 156/8 against the West Indies, underlining how competitive a score in the mid-150s can be at this ground. With both teams possessing aggressive batters and quality bowling options, the Lucknow opener could once again provide an intriguing contest between bat and ball.
Ekana Cricket Stadium T20I stats and record
- Total Matches: 9
- Matches won batting first: 5
- Matches won bowling first: 4
- Average 1st innings Score: 151
- Average 2nd innings Score: 126
- Highest total recorded: 199/2 (20 Ovs) By IND vs SL
- Lowest total recorded: 99/8 (20 Ovs) By NZ vs IND
- Highest score chased: 159/4 (20 Ovs) By RSAW vs INDW
- Lowest score defended: 156/8 (20 Ovs) By AFG vs WI
