ODI World Cup: Expect runs aplenty at Chinnaswamy

Over the years, the M Chinnaswamy stadium has witnessed some stirring cricket battles. Cricket's legends have made a lasting impact at the stadium where dreams were formed, superstars emerged and history was made.
The venue which has staged matches at all World Cups hosted in the country since 1987, is being decked up with fineries and necessities with a week to go before the first match here - between Australia and Pakistan.
While many venues across the country have been sweating over rain, the Chinnaswamy stadium, which can accommodate 34,000 spectators, has covered all the bases. While the state-of-art Sub-Air drainage system has always ensured quick restarts, a layer of jamkhanas (handwoven rugs) has been laid below the covers to ensure that the three centre pitches are neither affected by rain or 'sweating', which may happen if the covers are left on the surface for too long.
"For the five matches, the ICC delegation identified three pitches which have been prepared accordingly. While the outfield is taken care of by our state-of-art technology, we have ensured the pitches too are unaffected by rain," KSCA president Raghuram Bhat told TOI.
The red-soil pitches at KSCA have over the years delighted the batters. Be it Rohit Sharma's magnificent ODI double hundred (209) against Australia in 2013 or Chris Gayle's astonishing 66-ball unbeaten 175 for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League the same year, runs have come in torrents.
"Matches across formats have mostly been high-scoring and competitive here and this World Cup won't be any different," added Bhat.
The stadium has also had a makeover. "The roofs have been replaced and to ensure a better stadium experience for the fans, all public washrooms have been upgraded. The dressing rooms have also been renovated," added Bhat.
The association is keen on showcasing its eco-friendly initiatives like the sewage treatment plant (STP), rainwater harvesting and plastic-bottle shredding during the event, he said.
Bhat said preparations - which began after 33 matches of the Maharaja Trophy T20 tournament were played at the venue - have not been affected despite bandhs, government holidays and rain.
"Be it the workers, the KSCA staff or office bearers, all stakeholders have worked day and night to ensure the KSCA lives up to the tradition of being known as a great host on and off the field," said Bhat.
CHINNASWAMY AT A GLANCE
Highest score
India 383/6 vs Australia in 2013
Lowest score
India 168 vs Pakistan in 1999
Highest individual score
209
Rohit Sharma vs Australia in 2013
Best bowling
5/31
Yuvraj Singh vs Ireland in 2011
WORLD CUP MATCHES @ CHINNASWAMY
Oct 14, 1987: India beat New Zealand by 16 runs
Mar 8, 1996: India beat Pakistan by 39 runs
Feb 27, 2011: India vs England; Match tied.
Marc 2, 2011: England lost to Ireland by 3 wkts
Mar 5, 2011: India beat Ireland by 5 wkts
Mar 13, 2011: Australia beat Kenya by 60 runs
Mar 16, 2011: Australia beat Canada by 7 wkts
LAST THREE ODIs
Nov 13, 2013
India (383/6) bt Australia (326 all out)
Sept 28, 2017
Australia (334/5) bt India (313/8)
Jan 19, 2020
Australia (286/9) lost to India (289/3)