The 2009 IPL Venues

South Africa

Stadium: Wanderers

Where: Johannesburg

Verdict: It has one of the bounciest pitches in the world. However, a quick outfield and the high altitude, where the ball travels further, generally aid batting.

Stadium: Kingsmead

Where: Durban

Verdict: Packed crowds are expected at the stadium where India's Yuvraj Singh hit six sixes in an over. The pitch is fast and pace bowler-friendly.

Stadium: Newlands

Where: Cape Town

Verdict: A good batting wicket, which also provides decent assistance to seamers. Strong winds blowing across the ground assist lofted shots.

Stadium: SuperSport Park

Where: Centurion

Verdict: A fast bowler's paradise, with seam and carry. The tight boundaries are too small to protect any length errors though.

Stadium: St George's Park

Where: Port Elizabeth

Verdict: One of the few pitches in South Africa that favours spin-bowling. The weather can also become pretty blustery at times.

Stadium: Buffalo Park

Where: East London

Verdict: Expect runs and more runs. The ground is tiny, the pitch slow and the Indian players will feel at home in these conditions.

Stadium: OUTsurance Oval

Where: Bloemfontein

Verdict: Another small ground that is conducive to big-hitting, but will host only two matches.

Stadium: De Beers Diamond Oval

Where: Kimberly

Verdict: A dry and hard pitch with decent bounce. Overall, it is a good batting strip with runs to be had.

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