5 Most Popular Cricket Stadiums in New Zealand

Cricket Stadiums in New Zealand

Most commonly known as the Blackcaps, New Zealand cricket was the fifth nation to feature in the elite list of nations playing Test cricket. New Zealand became a test playing cricket nation in 1930, playing their first test match against England in Christchurch.  

Though it took more than 26 years for them to clinch their first test victory, New Zealand, today, has become one of the forces to reckon with international cricket.

Apart from producing world-class players in international, New Zealand also boasts of producing some of the most picturesque venues for watching cricket. Here’s a look at five most popular cricket stadiums in New Zealand: 

 

#1. Hagley Oval 

Built in- 1851

Built in 1851, the first International one-day international match, however, was played in 2014. Hagley Oval cricket stadium in New Zealand has a seating capacity of 18000 people. It became the eight test venue in New Zealand when staged a test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka on the Boxing Day in 2014. New Zealand won that game comfortably by 8 wickets. 

It is the same ground where Brendon McCullum scored the fastest hundred in a test match innings, smacking a century in just 54 deliveries. 

 

#2. Seddon Park

Built in- 1950

Located in Hamilton, Seddon Park comes as one of the most picturesque venues for watching cricket. Built in 1950, Seddon Park cricket stadium in New Zealand can accommodate 10,000 spectators in a cricket match. 

The first-ever test match played here was between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in 1991. Both teams fought well as it ended in a tie, whereas the first ODI at Seddon Park stadium was fought between New Zealand and India back in 1981.  

The ground is also used organising events of other sports such as Hockey and Rugby. 

Kane Williamson holds the record for scoring highest individual test score, i.e., 200 not out, while Ross Taylor has scored the most runs (908) at this ground in Tests.

Having played hosts in all three formats, Seddon Park cricket stadium in New Zealand has so far staged 13 T20s, 34 one-day internationals and 25 Test matches.

 

#3. Basin Reserve 

Built in- 1866

The oldest cricket stadium in New Zealand, Basin Reserve was established in 1866. The first ever cricket match at Basin Reserve was played between Wellington Volunteers and HMS Falcon crew in 1868. 

Basin Reserve cricket stadium in New Zealand has a seating capacity of 11,600 and is the home ground of Wellington Firebirds.

The stadium host matches of all three format and is considered to be the most historic ground in New Zealand.

The first international Test match was played here between New Zealand and England in 1930, while the first ODI took place in 1975 between the same sides. 

 

#4. Eden Park 

Built in- 1900

The Eden Park ground in New Zealand is famous for producing New Zealand’s first test victory against West Indies in 1955. 

One of the prominent cricket stadiums in New Zealand, Eden Park was established in 1900 and has a seating capacity of 41,000 spectators. 

The first test match played here was between New Zealand and England in1930, while the stadium staged the first ODI in 1976 between New Zealand and India. 

A day which no New Zealander would want to remember, it was at this ground where the Blackcaps fell for just 26 against England in 1955-the lowest ever test score in tests. 

 

#5. Westpac Stadium 

Built in- 1999

Established in 1999, Westpac Stadium is one of the largest grounds in New Zealand. It has a seating capacity of 34,500 spectators. The ground is also used from hosting football and rugby matches apart from cricket. 

The first test match at Westpac cricket Stadium in New Zealand was played between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in December 2018, while the first ODI here was played between New Zealand and West Indies in the year 2000. 

The Westpac Stadiums is mostly famous for hosting matches of 2011 Rugby World Cup and 2015 Cricket World Cup.