What is the US chemical at Chepauk for Ind vs Zim? Everything you need to know about anti-dew spray
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has deployed a specialised chemical imported from the United States to combat evening moisture at the MA Chidambaram Stadium ahead of Thursday’s critical T20 World Cup clash between India and Zimbabwe.
Groundskeepers have applied "Dew Cure," a moisture-control agent manufactured by U.S.-based Mitchell Products, to the Chepauk outfield in anticipation of the 7 p.m. IST Super 8 fixture. The treatment is part of a high-stakes effort to ensure that heavy dew does not unfairly influence a match that serves as a must-win for both nations.
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A Specialised Shield
Commonly utilised on Major League Baseball fields and American golf courses, Dew Cure works by creating a water-resistant film on grass blades. According to the manufacturer, this barrier prevents the buildup of surface moisture from dew, frost, and guttation, while also accelerating drying times after irrigation.
Following Wednesday’s practice, members of the Indian coaching staff reportedly monitored the outfield conditions and expressed satisfaction with the chemical's performance.
While the application is a first for this venue during this tournament, such measures have a history in international cricket:
- 2006: The ICC used APSA-80 in Mohali during the Champions Trophy.
- 2020 & 2023: Similar sprays were utilised in Indore and for the ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad.
- 2022: The Pakistan Cricket Board imported moisture-control agents from Dubai for the PSL in Lahore.
The Humidity Factor
With humidity levels in Chennai often surging past 80% after sunset, dew frequently makes the ball difficult to grip and softens the impact of spin bowlers who usually find success on Chepauk’s dry surfaces.
In the two evening matches played at the venue so far this World Cup, teams batting first have successfully defended totals of 196 and 200. The TNCA is betting that the Dew Cure treatment will provide more equitable conditions for the side bowling second on Thursday.
Tournament Survival at Stake
Both teams enter the contest under immense pressure following lopsided losses in their Super 8 openers. India suffered a 76-run defeat to South Africa in Ahmedabad, while Zimbabwe fell to the West Indies by 107 runs in Mumbai.
With net run rate expected to play a decisive role in semifinal qualification, neither side can afford a slip-up in a match that may hinge as much on the turf conditions as on the players' performance.