India Uses New Chemical ‘Dew Cure’ to Counter Night Dew at Chennai Stadium

For the high-stakes India vs. Zimbabwe T20 World Cup match, the pitch at Chennai’s iconic M. A. Chidambaram Stadium is being treated with a newly imported chemical called ‘Dew Cure’, sourced from the United States. The application, scheduled in the evening, is intended to minimize the impact of dew, which can make the outfield damp and affect play during night matches. Rising temperatures in Chennai over the week raised concerns that dew could favor the opposition in this must-win encounter for India.

The match, part of Super 8 Group 1, will see India face Zimbabwe at 7:30 PM Bangladesh Standard Time. With semifinal qualification on the line, India must secure a win to stay in contention.

Dew Cure: How It Works

The chemical was imported by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association while relaying the outfield ahead of the T20 World Cup. In the United States, Dew Cure is widely used in Major League Baseball stadiums to prevent moisture accumulation.

Ground staff have been spraying a water-based Dew Cure solution on the outfield in the afternoons over the past Tuesday and Wednesday, ensuring the grass dries quickly and stays free of surface moisture. According to sources familiar with the process, the chemical prevents dew from settling on the grass; any moisture is absorbed immediately, allowing the field to remain fast and playable.

Indian players tested the outfield during practice sessions and reportedly found the conditions satisfactory, with little concern over dew affecting play.

Looking Ahead

Dew Cure is also expected to be used for the semifinals and final of the T20 World Cup, though official confirmation is still pending. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is reportedly considering making its use mandatory across all venues during the upcoming IPL season.

Since the match is scheduled at night, dew is expected to settle more heavily during the second innings, making batting easier but challenging bowling conditions. India’s path to the semifinals will depend not only on winning their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies but also on the outcomes of other games in the group.