The Kingsmead Cricket Stadium is one of the most scenically beautiful cricket grounds in South Africa. Located just on the beach in Kwazulu Natal region’s metropolitan city, Durban, the Kingsmead Stadium has witnessed numerous historical events in the history of cricket, and one of the most iconic of them is Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes in Stuart Broad over in a 2007 T20 World Cup match.
The Kingsmead is known as the pacer’s paradise because of its proximity to the beach; the tidal winds affect the aerodynamics such as air density and wind direction in this cricket ground, which aid seamers in the humid conditions. The Kingsmead Cricket Ground is a historical venue in South African cricketing history, hosting its first international match on January 18, 1923, played between England and South Africa.
An Overview of the Kingsmead Cricket Stadium
| Venue Name | Kingsmead Cricket Stadium |
| Opened | 1923 |
| Location | Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa |
| Seating Capacity | 25,000 |
| Pitch Behavior | Assist fast-bowlers |
| Shortest Boundary Distance | 58 meters |
| Longest Boundary Distance | 68 meters |
| Bowling Ends | Umgeni End, Old Fort End |
| Floodlights | Yes |
Kingsmead Cricket Stadium Pitch Behaviour
Traditionally, the pitch at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban is known as the pacer’s paradise. The surface at Kingsmead offers a little bit of extra bounce and pace compared to a usual wicket. The location of this venue is also a factor that makes it challenging for batters to bat against fast bowlers. The closeness to the beach aids pacers here, with the tidal winds and moisture in the air, which construct an ideal environment for swing bowling. However, in recent years, the Kingsmead emerged as a flat batting track, especially in white-ball matches.
In Tests, the pitch at this venue still helps fast bowlers. However, if batsmen showed some persistence and applied themselves, the surface would run. Spinners generally struggle here.
Read More: Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Behavior || Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Pitch Behavior
Kingsmead Cricket Stadium Records & Stats
So far, Kingsmead Stadium hosted 110 international cricket matches; the top individual score at this ground belongs to Garry Kirsten, who scored 275 runs against England in a test match. Hugh Tayfield holds the record for best bowling figures at Kingsmead, taking 8 wickets for 69 runs against England in a test match.
| Total Matches | 110 |
| Average 1st Inning Score | 301 in Tests, 231 in ODIs, 136 in T20Is |
| Highest Total Recorded | 658/9d by South Africa vs West Indies in Tests 372/6 by South Africa vs Australia in ODIs 226/6 by Australia vs South Africa in T20Is |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 53 by Bangladesh vs South Africa in Tests 91 by India vs South Africa in ODIs 73 by Kenya vs New Zealand in T20Is |
| Highest Score Chased | 340/5 by South Africa vs Australia in Tests 372/6 by South Africa vs Australia in ODIs 191/5 by Australia vs South Africa in T20Is |
| Highest Individual Score | 275 by Garry Kirsten for South Africa vs England in Tests 128 by Brian Lara for West Indies vs South Africa in ODIs 114* by Morne van Wyk for South Africa vs West Indies in T20Is |
| Best Bowling Performance | 8/69 by Hugh Tayfield for South Africa vs England in Tests 6/23 by Ashish Nehra for India vs England in ODIs 5/23 by David Wiese for South Africa vs West Indies in T20Is |
South Africa Record at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium
South Africa has played 95 matches at Kingsmead, winning 42 of them and losing 33 matches, drawing 14, one ended in a tie, and five ended without a result.
| Played | 95 |
| Won | 42 |
| Lost | 33 |
| Tied | 1 |
| Draw | 14 |
| No Result | 5 |
South Africa Test Record at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium
South Africa has played 45 test matches at Kingsmead Stadium, winning 15 of them, losing 16, and drawing 14.
| Played | 45 |
| Won | 15 |
| Lost | 16 |
| Tied | 0 |
| Draw | 14 |
| No Result | 0 |
South Africa ODI Record at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium
Kingsmead hosted 39 ODI matches for South Africa so far, 22 of which went in South Africa’s favor and 11 in the opposition’s favor; one has been a tie and five without results.
| Played | 39 |
| Won | 22 |
| Lost | 11 |
| Tied | 1 |
| Draw | 0 |
| No Result | 5 |
South Africa T20I Record at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium
South Africa has won 5 of the 11 T20I matches at Kingsmead and lost the remaining six matches.
| Played | 11 |
| Won | 5 |
| Lost | 6 |
| Tied | 0 |
| Draw | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
Kingsmead Cricket Stadium Photos
Kingsmead Cricket Stadium Boundary Length
The smallest boundary at Kingsmead Stadium is 58 meters, while the longest is up to 68 meters.
Kingsmead Cricket Stadium Capacity
The Kingsmead Stadium has a maximum capacity of 25,000 guests.
Kingsmead Cricket Stadium Map & Location
2 Kingsmead Way, Stamford Hill, Durban, 4000, South Africa
Also Read: Dubai International Cricket Stadium Pitch Behavior || Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium Pitch Behavior
FAQs
What is the name of the cricket stadium in Durban?
The Cricket stadium in Durban is called Kingsmead Cricket Ground.
How big is Kingsmead Durban?
The Kingsmead stadium in Durban can accommodate up to 25,000 people to its fullest capacity.
What is the highest score in the Durban pitch t20?
The highest score in T20Is at Kingsmead is registered in the name of Australia, who scored 226/6 against South Africa on 30 Aug 2023.
Is Kingsmead batting or bowling pitch?
The wicket at Kingsmead is a bowling-friendly surface that assists the Pacers the most.
