Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium
Rohit Sharma & Dinesh Karthik at the Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium (Twitter)
Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, situated in Lauderhill, Florida, has established itself as a significant cricketing destination in the United States. Officially opened on November 9, 2007, the magnificent stadium was built with an investment of $70 million.
It stands out as one of just two stadiums in the U.S. specifically dedicated to cricket which makes it an ideal venue for hosting major international cricket matches. Managed by Broward County, the stadium has exceptional facilities that cater to a large audience. It has a substantial seating capacity, accommodating up to 20,000 spectators—5,000 seated within the stadium itself and an additional 15,000 on the grassy berms encircling it.
The stadium is also equipped with advanced lighting systems suitable for night matches and offers a luxury viewing experience that enhances its appeal as a premier location for cricket fans and players alike.
Exploring Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium
A. Unveiling Memorable Moments
Iconic Matches at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium
a. Noteworthy Performances
The stadium has seen a range of international teams and legendary players. It hosted its first international T20I series in 2010 featuring New Zealand and Sri Lanka and welcomed teams from across the globe in various tournaments.
Among the star-studded events, the MAQ T20 International Cricket Tournament in May 2008 stands out with cricket legends like Mohammed Azharuddin, Javed Miandad, and Richie Richardson gracing the field
b. Record-breaking Achievements
- KL Rahul’s unbeaten 110 against the West Indies in 2016 marks the highest individual innings in a T20I at this venue.
- The T20I record also boasts the highest team innings by the West Indies (245/6 against India in 2016) and the lowest team innings by New Zealand (81 against Sri Lanka in 2010).
- Sunil Narine’s 4/12 against New Zealand in 2012 is noted as the best bowling performance in T20Is at this stadium.
2. Impactful Contributions to the Sporting Legacy
- The venue has significantly contributed to the growth of cricket in the U.S., hosting the country’s first-ever ODI series in September 2019.
- In ODIs, Jean-Pierre Kotze’s 136 against the United States in 2019 is the highest individual innings, and Z Groenewald’s 5/20 against the United States in the same match is the best bowling figure.
- The ODI record highlights Namibia's highest team innings (287/8 against the United States in 2019) and Papua New Guinea's lowest team innings (115 against the United States in 2019).
B. Weather at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium
The Floridian weather, typically warm with occasional rain, significantly influences match conditions. The stadium has experienced weather-related disruptions, including matches affected by rain and technical delays.
Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium Infrastructure
Pitch Report for Batting or Bowling
1. Analyzing the Playing Surface
a. Key Characteristics of the Pitch
The pitch presents a balanced contest between bat and ball. It is known for its grassy surface and circular shape, approximately 153 meters in diameter. Despite its high-quality facilities, lighting issues have occasionally affected night matches.
b. Challenges Faced by Players
Players often encounter varied pitch conditions influenced by Florida's humid and occasionally wet climate, impacting ball behaviour and playing strategies.
Image - Twitter
2. How Pitch Conditions Affect the Game
a. Strategies Employed by Teams
Teams playing at this venue adapt their strategies based on pitch and weather conditions. The pitch's nature can fluctuate, favouring either batsmen or bowlers, particularly spinners, on different occasions. However, teams generally batting first here have had the upper hand.
b. Notable Matches Altered by Pitch Conditions
The T20I series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in 2010 and various other matches have been significantly influenced by the pitch and weather conditions, leading to diverse scoring patterns and match outcomes.
Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, with its rich history of hosting international cricket, continues to play a crucial role in promoting and nurturing cricket in the United States. Its state-of-the-art facilities along with the memorable matches and records set on its ground contribute to its growing reputation as a cricketing hub in the region.
Cricket Highlights at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium
A. Spotlight on Cricket
1. Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium's Role in Cricket
Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium has been a crucial venue for cricket in the United States, significantly contributing to the sport's growth. As one of the few ICC-certified cricket venues in the U.S., it has been crucial in introducing international cricket to the country.
The stadium's advanced facilities and capacity to host large-scale cricketing events have established it as a key destination for fans, particularly in a region like Florida, which has a strong cricket fan base.
2. Historical Cricket Matches
- International T20 Series (2010): Marking a landmark event in U.S. cricket history, the stadium hosted its first international T20 series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
- India vs. West Indies T20 Series (2016): This series saw India playing its first-ever cricket matches on American soil, highlighted by high-scoring games and notable individual performances.
- ODI Series (2019): Hosting the first-ever ODI matches in the U.S., including the national team's inaugural ODI win, this series was a historic moment for American cricket.
Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium T20I Stats
| First T20I Match | 22/05/2010 |
|---|---|
| Last T20I Match | 13/08/2023 |
| Matches Played | 16 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 11 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 4 |
| No Result | 1 |
| Highest Individual Innings | 110* by KL Rahul vs West Indies (2016) |
| Best Bowling Figures | 4/12 by Sunil Narine vs New Zealand 2012 |
| Highest Team Innings | 245/6 (West Indies) vs India (2016) |
| Lowest Team Innings | 81 (New Zealand) vs Sri Lanka (2010) |
| Highest Successful Run Chase | 179/1 (India) v West Indies (2023) |
Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium ODI Stats
| First ODI Match | 13/09/2019 |
|---|---|
| Last ODI Match | 04/04/2020 |
| Matches Played | 6 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 4 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 2 |
| Highest Individual Innings | 136 by Jean-Pierre Kotze vs United States (2019) |
| Best Bowling Figures | 5/20 by Z Groenewald vs United States 2019 |
| Highest Team Innings | 287/8 (Namibia) vs United States (2019) |
| Lowest Team Innings | 115 (Papua New Guinea) vs United States (2019) |
| Highest Successful Run Chase | 222/6 (Namibia) vs Papua New Guinea (2019) |
The Central Broward Park Stadium will also host matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. It is one of the 3 stadiums that will host the WC games.
Frequently Answered Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. What are the Most Famous Moments in Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium's History?
Answer: The most famous moments include KL Rahul's record-breaking T20I century in 2016, Sunil Narine's exceptional bowling performance in 2012, and hosting the United States' first-ever ODI series in 2019. These events have not only set records but also significantly impacted the growth of cricket in the region.
Q.2. How Does Weather Impact Sporting Events at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium?
Answer: Florida’s unpredictable weather, characterized by occasional rain and humidity, can impact cricket matches at the stadium. Rain has led to match delays and even cancellations, while the humidity can affect the pitch conditions, influencing the game's outcome.
Q.3. Can You Provide Insights into the Pitch Conditions for Batting or Bowling at the Stadium?
Answer: The pitch at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium is known for being balanced, offering a fair contest between bat and ball. However, weather conditions like humidity and rain can make the pitch more favourable for bowlers, especially spinners. Batsmen often enjoy the pitch on sunny days when it tends to be flatter and more predictable.
Q.4. Tell Me More About Cricket at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium.
Answer: Cricket at this stadium has evolved significantly over the years. It has hosted various forms of the game, including T20Is, ODIs, and local tournaments. The venue is celebrated for bringing international cricket to the U.S. and has seen participation from cricketing nations around the world, enhancing its reputation as a global cricketing venue.
Q.5. Are There Any Upcoming Events or Matches Scheduled at the Stadium?
Answer: One of the most anticipated upcoming events at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium is the T20 World Cup 2024. Scheduled from June 4 to June 30, 2024, this tournament will be the first ICC World Cup event to feature matches played in the United States. The tournament, expanding to 20 teams, will also utilize other venues across the U.S., including Church Street Park in Morrisville, North Carolina; Grand Prairie Stadium near Dallas, Texas; and Van Cortlandt Park in New York City.
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