Barabati Stadium in Cuttack is fully geared up for the much-awaited India vs South Africa T20 International scheduled for December 9. Ahead of the match, both teams will hold separate practice sessions today as preparations enter their final stage.
According to official reports, Team India is expected to reach Cuttack this afternoon and will practise between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The South African team will train under floodlights, holding a three-hour net session from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Galleries Open for Fans
The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) announced that Galleries 6 and 7 will be open to spectators who wish to watch the practice sessions. Cricket fans are anticipated to gather in large numbers as excitement builds for the high-profile clash.
Meanwhile, the BCCI pitch curator inspected the surface on Monday as the stadium prepares to host its first T20 match on a fully red-soil pitch. The wicket is expected to favour batters and could result in a high-scoring contest.
Security Tightened: 50 Platoons Deployed
To ensure smooth conduct of the event, the Commissionerate Police has ramped up security around the stadium. Officials confirmed that 50 platoons of police force and nearly 300 officers will be deployed in and around the venue.
Traffic restrictions are now in place for both the practice sessions and the match day. Authorities emphasised that the safe and uninterrupted movement of players will remain a priority.
Teams Arrive in Bhubaneswar
Both India and South Africa arrived in Bhubaneswar on Sunday via chartered flights before heading to their hotel in a secure convoy. The teams received a traditional welcome featuring tribal performances and drum beats, drawing enthusiastic crowds along the route.
Some members of the South African squad who were not part of the ODI series reached earlier, while the remaining players joined the group yesterday. Officials confirmed that the first T20 of the five-match series will be played tomorrow.
With high expectations from fans and a pitch likely to support big totals, the stage is set for an exciting encounter at Barabati Stadium.
