Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium (Source:@82OF53,x.com)
The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota is not just an architectural delight but also a symbol of Sri Lanka's strategic vision to decentralize urban hubs and foster sports development. As balls fly high and cheers echo across its stands, this stadium typifies Sri Lanka's commitment to embracing progress and celebrating its rich sporting culture.
The inception of the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium at Sooriyawewa, Hambantota stems from a deliberate governmental plan aimed at developing sports' influence in Sri Lanka's Southern Province.
Situated in Hambantota, a city famous for its immaculate beaches and exuberant green scenery, the stadium stands as a figure of modern Sri Lankan architecture.
Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium​ Capacity
.jpg?type=mq)
Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium​ Capacity (Source:@madahmerafridi,x.com)
The design of the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium caters to a massive crowd which has a capacity to comfortably accommodate approximately 35,000 spectators. Every seat promises a great view of the action on the field, ensuring that no moment is missed.
The spacious galleries, modern amenities, and strategic lighting make sure that both daytime and nighttime matches offer a rich experience. Moreover, the roar of the crowd, the thrill of the game, and the mesmerizing atmosphere makes every match memorable.
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report​
.jpg?type=mq)
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report​ (Source:@etonscorer,x.com)
The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, has long been recognized as a venue where bowlers, particularly spinners, thrive.The surface at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium is known for being tacky and sticky, especially during the early stages of a match.
This unique texture on the wicket offers substantial grip, making it an ideal battleground for spin bowlers. As the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, further amplifying the role of spin.
While there is some assistance for batters, especially when the ball is hard and new, it is the bowlers, more specifically spinners, who dominate proceedings.
Is Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium Pitch Batting Or Bowling Friendly?
The Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium is bowling-friendly, with a particular bias toward spin bowlers. While it does offer a fair contest between bat and ball, it’s the spinners who usually walk away with the bigger share of the spoils.
Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium Boundary Length
It is important to note that the ground dimensions of Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium is 50 M square boundary and 50 M straight boundary.
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium ODI Records​
| ODI Records | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 26 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 10 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 13 |
| Matches With No Result | 3 |
| Highest Individual Innings | 151 by Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Pakistan |
| Best Bowling Figures | 5/16 by Shahid Afridi vs Kenya |
| Highest Total | 368/4 by Sri Lanka vs Pakistan |
| Lowest Total | 59/10 by Afghanistan vs Pakistan |
| Highest Run-Chase | 312/2 by Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka |
| Average Score Batting First | 249 |
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Records​
| Category | Records (T20) | Records (ODI) |
| Avg First Inning Score | 127 | 249 |
| Highest Score | 182/4 (Sri Lanka) VS ZIM | 182/4 (20 Ovs) By SL vs ZIM |
| Highest Chase |
164/4 (18.1 Ovs) By SL vs RSA | 164/4 (18.1 Ovs) By SL vs RSA |
| Highest Score by Individual | 85 (Faf du Plessis) | 151 by Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Pakistan |
| Most Wickets in a Match | 6/8 Ajantha Mendis | 5/16 by Shahid Afridi vs Kenya |
FAQs: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium
Q.1. Where is the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium located?
Answer: The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium is situated in Hambantota, a city in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka.
Q.2. What is the seating capacity of the stadium?
Answer: The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium has the capacity to comfortably accommodate approximately 35,000 spectators.
Q.3. What significant matches and tournaments have been hosted at this venue?
Answer: The stadium has played host to numerous international matches since its inauguration. Notably, it was a venue for World Cup 2011, with the inaugural international match being played between Sri Lanka and Canada.
Q.4. How does the local weather impact matches at the stadium?
Answer: Hambantota's changing climate can be a significant factor during matches. Sunny days can lead to hard pitches favourable for batting, while occasional rainfall might slow down the outfield.
