Pallekele International Cricket Stadium stands as one of the most picturesque cricket venues globally. Located in Kandy, a city renowned for its stunning landscapes in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, the stadium is enveloped by natural beauty. Established on November 27, 2009, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium was constructed for the 2011 ODI World Cup, which was co-hosted by Sri Lanka, India, and Bangladesh.
Also referred to as the Muttiah Muralitharan International Cricket Stadium, this name has not yet been officially adopted. The stadium is among the largest in Sri Lanka, with a seating capacity of 35,000. The shortest boundary at Pallekele is 65 meters, while the longest stretches to 74 meters. Although initially lacking floodlights, these were installed in 2010, enhancing the stadium’s capability to host day-night matches. The current pitch curator at Pallekele is Asitha Wijesinghe.
An Overview of the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
| Venue Name | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium |
| Also Known as | Muttiah Muralitharan International Cricket Stadium |
| Established | 27 November 2009 |
| Location | Pallekele, Kandy, Sri Lanka |
| Seating Capacity | 35,000 |
| Shortest Boundary Distance | 65 meters |
| Longest Boundary Distance | 74 meters |
| Bowling Ends | Hunnasgiriya End, Rikillagaskada End |
| Flood Lights | Yes |
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at Pallekele Cricket Stadium is known for its balanced nature, offering opportunities for both batsmen and bowlers. Fast bowlers benefit from early swing due to the freshness of the wicket, making the initial overs challenging for batsmen. However, as the ball loses its shine, scoring becomes easier for the batsmen. As the match progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, bringing spinners into play and making it challenging for batsmen to score freely. This dual nature of the pitch makes for exciting and competitive cricket.
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Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Stats & Records
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Test Stats & Records
Pallekele has hosted nine Test matches, with varying results for teams opting to bat or bowl first. Here are some key statistics:
| Total Matches | 9 |
| Matches won batting first | 4 |
| Matches won bowling first | 1 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 323 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 317 |
| Average 3rd innings Score | 273 |
| Average 4th innings Score | 241 |
| Highest total recorded | 648/8 (179 Ovs) By SL vs BAN |
| Lowest total recorded | 117/10 (34.2 Ovs) By SL vs AUS |
| Highest score chased | 382/3 (103.1 Ovs) By PAK vs SL |
| Lowest score defended | 161/10 (88.3 Ovs) By AUS vs SL |
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium ODI Stats & Records
The stadium has seen 42 ODIs, with a significant number of matches won by teams bowling first. Key statistics include:
| Total Matches | 42 |
| Matches won batting first | 17 |
| Matches won bowling first | 23 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 253 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 204 |
| Highest total recorded | 381/3 (50 Ovs) By SL vs AFG |
| Lowest total recorded | 70/10 (24.4 Ovs) By ZIM vs SL |
| Highest score chased | 314/6 (49.4 Ovs) By SL vs AFG |
| Lowest score defended | 206/9 (36 Ovs) By WI vs SL |
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium T20 Stats & Records
Pallekele has hosted 23 T20I matches, with a notable record for teams batting first. Key statistics include:
| Total Matches | 23 |
| Matches won batting first | 12 |
| Matches won bowling first | 8 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 168 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 149 |
| Highest total recorded | 263/3 (20 Ovs) By AUS vs SL |
| Lowest total recorded | 88/10 (16 Ovs) By NZ vs SL |
| Highest score chased | 178/2 (18.4 Ovs) By PAK vs BAN |
| Lowest score defended | 125/8 (20 Ovs) By SL vs NZ |
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Sri Lanka’s Record at Pallekele Cricket Stadium
Sri Lanka has played a total of 62 international matches at Pallekele, with mixed results. Here’s a breakdown of their performance across different formats:
Sri Lanka Test Record at Pallekele Cricket Stadium
| Played | 9 |
| Won | 2 |
| Lost | 3 |
| Drawn | 4 |
Sri Lanka ODI Record at Pallekele Cricket Stadium
| Played | 36 |
| Won | 19 |
| Lost | 16 |
| Drawn/ No Result | 1 |
Sri Lanka T20I Record at Pallekele Cricket Stadium
| Played | 17 |
| Won | 9 |
| Lost | 6 |
| Drawn/ No Result | 1 |
| Tied | 1 |
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is a modern and well-equipped venue that has quickly become a favorite among cricket fans and players alike. With its picturesque location, balanced pitch, and excellent facilities, it continues to be a key venue for international cricket in Sri Lanka.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many seats are in Pallekele Stadium?
Ans: Pallekele Cricket Stadium has a seating capacity of 35,000.
2. Which country is Pallekele Cricket Stadium located in?
Ans: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is situated in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
3. Is Pallekele Stadium a batting or bowling pitch?
Ans: The pitch at Pallekele Cricket Stadium offers early swing for fast bowlers due to the fresh wicket, making it initially challenging for batsmen. As the ball loses its shine, batting becomes easier, while spinners gain an advantage as the pitch slows down.
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