ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium (Twitter)
The ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, located in the heart of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, is not just a cricket ground but a symbol of sporting excellence and architectural beauty. Officially known as the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, it's a landmark stadium with the cultural richness of Visakhapatnam. Since its inauguration in 2003, the stadium has been a crucible of cricketing events, hosting numerous domestic and international matches, and becoming a celebrated venue in the cricketing world.
Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam: The Basics
This illustrious stadium, managed by the Andhra Cricket Association, was designed with a vision to provide top-notch facilities for both players and spectators. The ground features a pitch known for its fair play, offering a balanced advantage to both bowlers and batsmen. The outfield is meticulously maintained, ensuring high standards for international matches. The stadium's architecture complements Visakhapatnam's natural beauty, with its structure harmoniously combining with the surrounding landscapes.
Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam Capacity: Seating Capacity
The ACA-VDCA Stadium stands out with its impressive seating capacity. Capable of accommodating approximately 27,500 spectators, it offers a vibrant atmosphere during matches. The seating is strategically designed to provide unobstructed views of the field from all angles, ensuring a fulfilling experience for cricket fans. The stadium also features VIP enclosures, corporate boxes, and ample facilities for the comfort of its visitors.
The Legacy of Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Over the years, the ACA-VDCA Stadium has etched its name in cricketing history. It has hosted several memorable matches, including high-profile international games like ODIs and T20Is. The stadium is not just a venue for showcasing cricketing skills but also a nurturing ground for budding talent. It has been instrumental in promoting cricket at the grassroots level, contributing significantly to the development of the sport in Andhra Pradesh.
History of Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
The Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, with its rich history and significant milestones, has been an integral part of India's cricketing landscape.
Inception and First ODI
First ODI - Dhoni's Maiden Century: The stadium announced its arrival on the international stage in spectacular fashion. Hosting its first ODI in April 2005 against Pakistan, the match became iconic as it witnessed Mahendra Singh Dhoni's blistering maiden ODI century. Dhoni smashed 148, a performance that propelled him into the limelight and marked the beginning of a legendary career.
Test Status and First Test Match
First Test Match - India vs England, 2016: After being awarded Test status, the stadium hosted its inaugural Test in November 2016 between India and England. The match was a display of India's dominance in home conditions, winning by a substantial margin of 246 runs.
Debut in T20I
First T20I - India vs Sri Lanka, 2016: The venue's first T20 International was held in February 2016, featuring India and Sri Lanka. This match is remembered for Ravichandran Ashwin's exceptional bowling spell, where he took 4 wickets for just 8 runs in 4 overs, leading to Sri Lanka being bundled out for a mere 83 runs.
IPL Matches and Home Ground Status
IPL Venue: The ACA-VDCA Stadium also played a significant role in the Indian Premier League (IPL). It served as the home ground for the Deccan Chargers in 2012, Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2015, and hosted matches for Rising Pune Supergiants and Mumbai Indians in 2016.
IPL 2019 - Host of Eliminator and Qualifier 2: Although it did not host any group stage matches during the 2019 IPL season, the stadium was chosen as the venue for the crucial Eliminator and Qualifier 2 matches.
Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam: Test Records
India vs England, 2016
The ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam hosted its inaugural Test match from November 17 to 21, 2016, between India and England. This match was a significant event, marking the stadium's debut as a Test venue.
Match Highlights
- India's First Innings: India batted first, setting a formidable tone for the match. Indian captain, Virat Kohli played a magnificent innings, scoring a brilliant 167. His performance was well-supported by Cheteshwar Pujara, who scored a resilient 119. Their partnership was a key element in India posting a substantial total of 455.
- England's First Innings: In response, England struggled against India's spin attack, with Ravichandran Ashwin leading the charge. England was bowled out for 255, with Ashwin taking five wickets. Ben Stokes was the top scorer for England with 70 runs, offering some resistance against the Indian bowlers.
- India's Second Innings: In the second innings, India further consolidated their position, with Kohli scoring another century (81 runs). The Indian team declared at 204/6, setting a challenging target for England.
- England's Second Innings: Chasing a target of 405, England succumbed to the pressure and the skill of India's bowlers, especially Ashwin and Jayant Yadav. They were bowled out for 158, with Ashwin again taking five wickets. India won the match by 246 runs.
India vs South Africa, 2019
The second Test match at the ACA-VDCA Stadium was played from October 2 to 6, 2019, between India and South Africa. This match was part of the ICC World Test Championship 2019-21.
Match Highlights
- India's First Innings: India, batting first, amassed a huge total of 502/7 declared. The innings was highlighted by two centuries - one by Mayank Agarwal (215) and the other by Rohit Sharma (176). Their record-breaking opening partnership set the tone for the match.
- South Africa's First Innings: South Africa, in reply, scored 431, with Dean Elgar scoring 160 and Quinton de Kock contributing 111. Despite their efforts, they trailed by a significant margin.
- India's Second Innings: India declared for 323/4 with Rohit scoring another ton (127).
- South Africa's Second Innings: Facing a mammoth target, South Africa crumbled under the pressure of India's bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja. They were bowled out for 191, handing India a comprehensive 203-run victory.
Both these matches at the ACA-VDCA Stadium showcased India's dominance in home conditions, especially in the spin department. The stadium, with its pitch conducive to spin, played a vital role in these memorable victories for India.
Upcoming Test Match at Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam: India vs England, February 2023
The Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam is set to host another high-profile cricket encounter – the second Test match of the five-match series between India and England in February 2023. This match is eagerly anticipated as both teams have a rich history of engaging encounters and competitive cricket.
| First Test Match | 16/11/2016 |
|---|---|
| Last Test Match | 02/10/2019 |
| Matches Played | 2 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 2 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 0 |
| Highest Team Innings | 502/7 dec by India vs South Africa (2/10/19) |
| Lowest Team Innings | 158/10 by England vs India (16/11/16) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 215 by Mayank Agarwal vs South Africa (02/10/2019) |
| Best Bowling (Innings) | 7/145 by R Ashwin vs South Africa (02/10/2019) |
| Average Score Batting First | 479 |
Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam: ODI Records
The ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam has a fascinating history in the One Day International (ODI) format. In the 10 ODIs played here, the outcomes have generally favoured the team batting second, highlighting the pitch's nature which seems to ease out as the game progresses.
- Wins Batting First: Out of the 10 ODIs, only three have been won by teams batting first. This suggests that setting a total on this pitch might be challenging, especially against the backdrop of dew in the latter part of the game or the pitch easing out.
- Wins Batting Second: Teams batting second have enjoyed considerable success, winning six matches. This trend points towards the pitch's behaviour becoming more favourable for batting in the second innings.
- Tied Match: One match has ended in a tie, adding to the drama and excitement characteristic of ODIs at this venue.
- Highest Team Score: India's massive 387/5 against West Indies on December 18, 2019, stands as the highest ODI score at the ACA-VDCA Stadium.
- Lowest Team Score: The lowest score recorded at this venue was by New Zealand, who were bundled out for just 79 runs against India on October 29, 2016.
| First ODI Match | 05/04/2005 |
|---|---|
| Last ODI Match | 19/03/2023 |
| Matches Played | 10 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 3 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 6 |
| Matches Tied | 1 |
| Highest Team Innings | 387/5 by India vs West Indies (18/12/2019) |
| Lowest Team Innings | 79 by New Zealand vs India (29/10/2016) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 159 by Rohit Sharma vs West Indies (18/12/2019) |
| Best Bowling | 5/18 by Amit Mishra vs New Zealand (29/10/2016) |
| Average Score Batting First | 252 |
Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam: T20I Records
The ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam has hosted a relatively small number of T20 International matches, but each game has contributed to the ground's growing reputation in the shortest format of the game.
- Team Batting First Wins: Out of the 4 T20I matches played, only one has been won by the team batting first. This suggests that chasing teams have found more success at this venue, possibly due to factors like dew or the pitch playing better in the second innings.
- Team Batting Second Wins: Teams batting second have won three matches, indicating a trend that favours teams chasing targets.
- Highest T20I Team Score: India set the record for the highest T20I score at this ground with 209/8 against Australia on November 23, 2023.
- Lowest T20I Team Score: The lowest score at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in T20Is was recorded by Sri Lanka, who were restricted to just 82 runs against India on February 14, 2016.
| First T20I Match | 14/02/2016 |
|---|---|
| Last T20I Match | 23/11/2023 |
| Matches Played | 4 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 1 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 3 |
| Highest Team Innings | 209/8 by India vs Australia (23/11/2023) |
| Lowest Team Innings | 82 by Sri Lanka vs India (14/02/2016) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 110 by Josh Inglis vs India (23/11/2023) |
| Best Bowling | 4/8 by Ravichandran Ashwin vs Sri Lanka (14/02/2016) |
| Average Score Batting First | 119 |
Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam: Prominent Milestones & Records
The ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam has been a stage for numerous remarkable achievements and records in the world of cricket, across all formats of the game.
Pivotal ODI Milestones
- In 2005, against Pakistan, MS Dhoni scored a scintillating 148, marking his first ODI century. This innings was a turning point in Dhoni's career, establishing him as a formidable force in international cricket.
- Rohit Sharma's 159 off 138 balls against West Indies on December 18, 2019, stands as the highest individual ODI score at this venue. His innings, filled with 17 fours and 5 sixes, was a display of dominance and skill.
- In the same ODI on December 18, 2019, both team captains – Virat Kohli of India and Kieron Pollard of West Indies – were dismissed for a first-ball duck. This was the first instance of such an occurrence in an ODI.
- Kuldeep Yadav etched his name in the records by achieving his second ODI hat-trick at this ground in 2019 against West Indies, showcasing his spin bowling skills.
- India's 387/5 against West Indies in 2019 is the highest ODI team score at the venue, highlighting the ground's potential for high-scoring encounters.
- Rohit Sharma and K.L. Rahul's Partnership: The duo recorded a 227-run opening stand against West Indies in 2019.
Test Match Records
- Rohit Sharma's Dual Centuries: In October 2019, Rohit Sharma scored centuries in both innings of a Test match against South Africa, including 13 sixes, a record for the most sixes by an individual in a Test match. This was also his debut Test as an opener.
- Mayank Agarwal's Double Century: Mayank Agarwal recorded his first Test century at this ground in 2019, which he converted into a double hundred (215). This remains the highest individual Test score at the stadium.
T20I Records
- In a match between India and Australia in 2023, Josh Inglis scored his maiden T20I century, amassing 110 runs off just 50 balls. This explosive innings is the highest individual T20I score at the ACA-VDCA Stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Q.1. What does ACA-VDCA stand for?
Answer: ACA-VDCA stands for Andhra Cricket Association-Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association.
Q.2. When was the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium established?
Answer: The stadium was established in 2003.
Q.3. What is the seating capacity of the ACA-VDCA Stadium?
Answer: The stadium can accommodate approximately 27,500 spectators.
Q.4. Which was the first international match hosted by the ACA-VDCA Stadium?
Answer: The first international match was an ODI between India and Pakistan in April 2005.
Q.5. Has the ACA-VDCA Stadium hosted any IPL matches?
Answer: Yes, it has hosted IPL matches and served as the home ground for teams like Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rising Pune Supergiants, and Mumbai Indians in various years.
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