Mahinda Rajapaksa International cricket stadium in Hambantota, Sri Lanka was constructed in 2011 and also known as Sooriyawewa international cricket stadium. The stadium has been the venue for many domestic and international matches along with warm up matches such as ICC cricket world cup. The first ODI of the stadium was held on 20th February 2011 and the first T20 on 1st June 2012.
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Pitch Overview
In this stadium, the average runs per wicket is 19.48, the average runs per over is 6.84, and the average score batting is 131. Matches won by a toss are 4. Matches won by losing tosses are 3. The pitch at this stadium is typically characterized as dry and dusty, which favors spin bowlers.
| Pitch name | Hambantota pitch |
| Established | 2009 |
| Capacity | 35,000 |
| End names | Thanamalwila End, Sooriyawewa End |
| Location | Hambantota, Sri lanka |
| Map link | Click here |
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The Hambantota pitch usually favors spin bowlers. The surface offers significant turn and bounce, making it challenging for batters, especially against skilled spinners. Fast bowlers may find it difficult to generate much pace or movement due to the lack of grass on the stadium’s pitch. As the match progresses, the pitch also gives the advantage to spin bowlers.
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| Pitch type | Dry and dusty |
| For pacers | Challenging |
| For spinners | Spin-friendly |
| Toss | 14 (53.85%) |
| For batsmen | Challenging |
What is the seating capacity of Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium?
The seating capacity of the Hambantota Stadium is 35,000. The stadium features state-of-the-art facilities and some other facilities to ensure fans and players comfort. In the stadium, various matches are hosted. The stadium also hosts events such as concerts, cultural performances, and national celebrations. The Hambantota stadium was one of the best stadiums of Sri Lanka.
What is the boundary distance of the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium?
The boundary distance at Hambantota stadium –
- The large boundary is around : 70-75
- The small boundary is around :60-65
These dimensions help both players to fairly show their strength.
What is the highest total at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium?
In Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, the highest team total was 368/4 by Sri Lanka. The match was held on 26 July 2015 between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at Hambantota Stadium. In T20 matches the highest total scored by Sri Lanka was 182/4 in the first innings, against Zimbabwe on 18 September 2012. In that match, Sri Lanka won by 82 runs. The highest player in the game was Ajantha Mendis.
| Type | Highest total | Team | Against | Date |
| Test | No records found | – | – | – |
| T20 | 182/4 | Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe | 18th September 2012 |
| ODI | 368/4 | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | 26th July 2015 |
What is the lowest total at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium?
Afghanistan scored the lowest team total at this stadium, scoring 59 runs in the second innings against Pakistan, in which Pakistan won by 142 runs. Imam-ul-Haq scored 61 runs. Haris Rauf was the player in that match; he did a lovely bowling. In T20 matches, Zimbabwe scored 93/8 in the first innings, in 20.0 overs, against South Africa on 20 September 2012.
| Type | Lowest total | Team | Against | Date |
| Test | No records found | – | – | – |
| T20 | 93/8 | Zimbabwe | South Africa | 20th September 2012 |
| ODI | 59 | Afghanistan | Pakistan | 22nd August 2023 |
Who scored the most runs at Hambantota Stadium?
In T20 international matches, TM Dilshan from Sri Lanka scored 136 runs in the fifth innings at Hambantota stadium. In ODI matches, KC Sangakkara from Sri Lanka scored 721 runs in 13 innings, a total of 15 matches played, and the highest winning score was 133; the batting average was 65.54 in that match. Sangakkara also registered six half-centuries and a hundred ODI’s on this ground.
| Type | Player | Most runs | Batting Average | No. of matches |
| Test | No records | – | – | – |
| T20 | TM Dilshan (Sri Lanka) | 136 | 34 | 5 |
| ODI | KC Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) | 721 | 65.54 | 15 |
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Who took the most wickets at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium?
Thisara Perera from Sri Lanka scored 384 balls in 10 innings and 64.0 overs. In T20 matches, KMDN Kulasekara from Sri Lanka took eight wickets and made his place on this record, with averages of 13.75 and 5.78 econ. In the women’s ODI, K Sciver Brunt from England took three wickets with an average of 8 wickets and 3.42 econ in the first innings.
| Type | Player | Wickets | Bowling Average | No. of matches |
| Test | No records | – | – | – |
| T20 | KMDN Kulasekara (SL) | 8 | 13.75 | 6 |
| ODI | NLTC Perera (SL) | 18 | 17.22 | 12 |
What are the best bowling figures in an inning at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium?
Their best bowling figures in innings at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium was BAW Mendis; he took six wickets, 4.0 overs, and two econ against Zimbabwe on 18 September 2012, in a T20 match. In the women’s ODI in this stadium, K Sciver Brunt took three wickets in 3.42 econ from England in opposition to Sri Lanka in the game held on 16 March 2019.
| Type | Player | Best bowling figure | Against | Match Date |
| Test | No records | – | – | – |
| T20 | BAW Mendis (SL) | 6/8 | Zimbabwe | 18th September 2012 |
| ODI | Shahid Afridi (PAK) | 5/16 | Kenya | 23th February 2011 |
What are the best bowling figures in a match at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium?
The best bowling figure in a match at this stadium was Shahid Afridi; he took five wickets, 16 runs, 8.0 overs, and 2.00 econ; the ODI match was between Pakistan and Kenya, held on 23 February 2011. BAW Mendis was also the best bowling figure in the game. He took six wickets and made a place in this record.
| Type | Player | Best bowling figure | Against | Match Date |
| Test | No records | – | – | – |
| T20 | BAW Mendis (SL) | 6/8 | Zimbabwe | 18th September 2012 |
| ODI | Shahid Afridi (PAK) | 5/16 | Kenya | 23th February 2011 |
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What are the highest partnerships at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium?
In the ODI, the highest partnership record was set by N Dickwella and MD Gunathilaka in ODI matches; they took 229 runs on 1st wicket. V Sehwag and Virat Kohli are also the highest partners in ODI matches. They took 173 runs on the 2nd wicket. In the t20 matches, RE Levi and HM Amla were the highest partners; they secured 94 runs on 1st wicket at this stage. Q de Kock and F du Plessis are the 2nd highest partners at this stadium; they scored 45 runs on the 2nd wicket from South Africa.
Conclusion
This is all about Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium. If you want to know anything about this stadium, visit our website.
