India and Australia national cricket team will clash for the coveted prize - the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 champions title on Sunday in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. The battle between the top two teams is going to be mouth-watering. And for that, the world's largest cricket stadium with a capacity of 1,32,000 spectators, is ready to rumble. (Scorecard | Streaming | Full Coverage)
The Narendra Modi Stadium, also known as Motera Stadium stands on the same plot where the Sardar Patel Stadium was present from 1982 to 2015, until its demolition and renovation in 2006. The stadium is not just the world's biggest stadium, but it also possesses some records of its own. The stadium's total area is 63 acres, which includes enormous parking lots, a cricket ground, stands, and practice fields.
If there are any major cricket matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium, like as a World Cup match or a final, expect politicians and actors to be present. The stadium contains 76 air-conditioned corporate boxes, each of which can accommodate 25 people. Because the stadium anticipates a large number of visitors, it features a vast parking area that can accommodate 3,000 automobiles and 10,000 two-wheelers.
Earlier, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was the biggest cricket stadium with a capacity of 1,00,024 seats. But, after the makeover, Narendra Modi Stadium has overtaken the Australian cricket stadium and can hold 1,32,000 people at one time. Four matches, including the highly anticipated India versus Pakistan match in this World Cup, have been played at this venue and on three occasions, the team batting second won the match with only one game being an exception, Australia and England, where Australia won the game after batting first. The Aussies put up 286 on the board. In response, the English side were bundled out for 253.
While the makeover is new and exciting, Narendra Modi Stadium has a rich history. Sunil Gavaskar scored his 10,000th Test run here in 1986-87, Kapil Dev took his 432nd Test wicket in 1994, AB de Villiers smashed a Test double-ton in 2008, India defeated Australia in the 2011 ODI World Cup quarterfinals, and Sachin Tendulkar became the first batter to score 30,000 international runs, among others. Recently, India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in the group-stage encounter at the very same venue.
The outfielders will not have to worry about the ball slipping off the practice pitches at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The stadium has two distinct practice grounds with 9 pitches and plenty of nets for players to practise together.
Apart from being the largest cricket stadium in the world, it also boasts a full-fledged cricket academy, multiple indoor fields, and a variety of facilities for other sports like football, hockey, basketball etc.
The Narendra Modi Stadium was also the first stadium in India to have LED lighting installed.
The stadium also contains a food court at practically in every stand, which is unusual in Indian stadiums. It also houses a clubhouse with A-level workout facilities for both teams' players.
Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team will certaintly look to lift the 2023 World Cup title given the legendary status of the Narendra Modi stadium and moreover, give the Men In Blue their first ICC trophy after 10 years.
