The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in Mullanpur is set to host its first men’s international match, and all eyes are on how the surface will behave under December fog and smog. The game will be played under lights, which adds another layer of uncertainty.
The pitch here has an unpredictable history. In the IPL, it has produced both 200 plus totals and slow, low-scoring games. Teams expect a surface similar to Cuttack, where timing the ball was tricky and shot-making needed patience.
Dew is likely to be a major factor. Conditions are expected to get heavy and hazy later in the evening, which may make gripping the ball difficult for bowlers. Fielding could also become challenging. Because of this, the chasing side might enjoy a slight advantage even though past IPL numbers tilt toward teams batting first.
The square in Mullanpur tends to hold a bit of moisture early on. Pacers should get some assistance with the new ball, while spinners may come into play once the surface gets drier. If dew settles in strongly, the ball could skid on and make batting easier in the second innings.
With a fresh international wicket and winter conditions around, teams will walk in prepared for surprises. A balanced score may sit around 165 to 175, but adaptability will matter more than averages on a venue hosting its first big game.