Argus News - Red-Soil Pitch for India-South Africa T20! Barabati Stadium Ready for High-Octane Encounter

Cuttack, Dec 6: The countdown has begun for the high-voltage T20 showdown between India and South Africa at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium on December 9. With just two days left, preparations are in full swing to host over 45,000 spectators for the much-anticipated encounter.

Adding to the excitement, Barabati will host its first-ever match on a red-soil pitch. Special practice pitches have been prepared with red soil near the iconic clock tower to help players acclimatize.

OCA’s chief pitch curator Anjan Khuntia confirmed that both practice and match pitches have been readied to international standards.

South Africa’s squad has already begun arriving, with five players reaching Bhubaneswar on Friday. They are expected to train at Barabati ahead of the clash. Meanwhile, ticket sales have concluded, with fans eagerly awaiting match day. The stadium is receiving final touches to ensure a smooth experience for the massive crowd.

Also read: Surya & Co to Arrive in Bhubaneswar Today as Barabati T20 Fever Grips Odisha

To ensure safety, Director General of Fire Services Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi inspected the stadium’s fire safety arrangements.

During the match, 350 fire personnel will be deployed across the venue. Seven temporary fire stations, 21 fire tenders, two advanced control rooms, and water pumps will be in place to tackle any emergency.

The fire department has assured complete readiness, promising full protection for players, spectators, and the stadium infrastructure.

With fire safety, crowd management, and pitch preparation all in place, Barabati Stadium is set to witness a thrilling contest between two cricketing giants.