MOHALI, Oct 27: For the first time in cricket history, a chemical was sprayed at Mohali stadium to control heavy dew on ground during second innings of match.

That it did not make much of a difference is another matter reflected in number of times ground had to be wiped during Pakistan- New Zealand encounter of ICC Champions trophy on Wednesday.

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer was guarded in his response to effect of chemical – Apsa-80 – on ground dew.

“If organisers insist on having day-night matches in places that get dew, this chemical definitely has future in cricket,” he said.

Meanwhile, after chemical spray experiment met with limited success, ICC, in its efforts to minimise dew factor, has decided to reduce interval time between two innings from 45 to 30 minutes for all matches in Mohali.

However, ICC remains adamant that spraying chemicals on the pitch did help in preventing outfield from getting damp and brushed aside New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming's complain his bowlers had to bowl with a 'bar of soap' against Pakistan.

“Interval of all Mohali matches reduced from 45 to 30 minutes,” read a statement from ICC, which goes on to assert that governing body's efforts to check dew factor has met with success.—Agencies