Overview of R.Premadasa Stadium
Situated in the bustling city of Colombo, the R.Premadasa Stadium stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s cricketing prowess. As the venue for the Asia Cup 2023 Super Fours, it’s crucial for teams to understand the nuances of the pitch and conditions.
Batting Highlights at R.Premadasa
- Highest Team Score: A mammoth 375/5 was achieved by India against the home side, Sri Lanka, in 2017. This score is a testament to the batting-friendly conditions that can sometimes prevail here.
- Lowest Team Score: The Netherlands were skittled out for a mere 88 against Sri Lanka in 2002, indicating that the pitch can also offer assistance to the bowlers.
- Average Score Batting First: Teams batting first have, on average, posted a total of 225 runs, suggesting a balanced contest between bat and ball.
- Highest Chase: Australia showcased their batting might by successfully chasing down 292/4 against Sri Lanka in 2022.
Total Matches
- Matches won batting first: Out of 139 matches, teams that chose to bat first have emerged victorious in 76 matches, accounting for 54.67% of the games.
- Matches won batting second: Batting second has led to victories in 55 matches, making up 39.56% of the games.
- No Result: 8 matches, or 5.77%, ended without a result, possibly due to weather interruptions or other unforeseen circumstances.
Pitch Characteristics
The R.Premadasa Stadium pitch is known for its balanced nature. While batsmen can score big if they settle in, bowlers, especially spinners, can extract turn and bounce as the game progresses. The dew factor in the evening can also play a significant role, making the toss a crucial aspect of the game.
About R.Premadasa Stadium
The R. Premadasa International Stadium, originally called Khetterama Cricket Stadium until June 1994, is Sri Lanka’s largest stadium with a seating capacity of 35,000. It was inaugurated on February 2, 1986, and its first one-day international match took place on April 5, 1986, featuring Sri Lanka and New Zealand. On August 28, 1992, it hosted its first Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia.
One of its most memorable moments was in 1997-98 when Sri Lanka set a world record for the highest Test total – 952 for 6 against India. This match featured Sanath Jayasuriya‘s remarkable 340 and Roshan Mahanama‘s 225, resulting in a record-breaking partnership of 576 runs for the second wicket.
In addition to its cricketing history, the stadium has expanded to include a training center with 16 practice pitches and dormitories for the Academy, established in 2003. The R. Premadasa International Stadium is a symbol of Sri Lanka’s cricketing excellence.
Conclusion
Teams competing in the Asia Cup 2023 Super Fours at the R.Premadasa Stadium will need to strategize effectively, considering both the historical data and the current pitch conditions. With its rich history and balanced pitch, the stadium promises thrilling contests in the upcoming matches.
