RAJKOT, Nov 3: The Indian and New Zealand teams arrived here on Wednesday for the first One-day international match on Friday. Both teams arrived from Ahmedabad, where the third and final Test match ended in a draw on Tuesday. While the Indians opted to rest in their hotel rooms, a depleted visiting squad had light nets at the Race Course Ground, the venue for the first of the five-match series.Indian coach Kapil Dev, skipper Sachin Tendulkar and Ajay Jadeja were expected to arrive late in the evening to inspect the pitch.
The Kiwis, who arrived early this morning, headed straight to the Saurashtra Cricket Association ground where a fresh wicket was laid recently.
The sitting arrangement in the stands is nearing completion and is expected to play host to more than 21,000 spectators for the tie that evokes fresh interest due to the visitors' acknowledged competence in the shorter version of the game.
The Transworld International (TWI) team, which will cover the series for television, also arrived inthe city. The TWI will press about 17 cameras into action to give widest possible telecast.
The SCA has spruced up the media centre near the pavilion, while the association said tickets for the match are selling at a brisk pace. The SCA expects a near-capacity crowd and early trends are positive.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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