List of Smallest Cricket Grounds in the World

smallest cricket ground

Top 3 Smallest Cricket Grounds in the World

Cricket ground size has doozies effects on the matches. While the large grounds require a batsman to muster up greater strength to smash fours and sixes to increase the scorecard of the team, smaller grounds make it fairly easier to amass runs. Consequently, it helps both the teams to spurt out more and more runs. The fireworks of this run piling display give the match a thrilling touch.

In this article, we present to you the list of the smallest cricket grounds which host the international matches of the game.


#3. Holkar Cricket Stadium, India

Holkar Cricket Stadium is one of the smallest cricket grounds

Capacity– 30,000 spectators
Owner: Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association
Built
– 2003

Construction Cost– INR 44.26 crores
End names- GAIL- Madhav Rao Scindia End, Pavilion End
First Test- India v New Zealand on Oct 8-11, 2016
First ODI – India v England on Apr 15, 2006
First T20I – India v Sri Lanka on Dec 22, 2017

Initially known as Maharani Usharaje Trust Cricket Ground, the Holkar Cricket Stadium gets its name from the Holkar dynasty of the Marathas who encouraged the sport in the state. It is situated in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Established in 1990, the ground hosted its introductory ODI match on 15th April 2006. It was a match against India and England. It has so far hosted 5 ODIs, 2 Test series, 2 T20Is, and a total of 9 IPL face-offs.

Speaking of cricket ground dimensions, its straight boundaries are limited to 68 meters, and the square boundaries do not exceed 56 meters. Owing to the boundary limitations, the ground is considered one of the smallest cricket grounds in the world. Particularly favourable for batsmen, the ground has witnessed several cricketers raising the bats to their centuries. Some memorable innings in the ground include the legendary Virendra Sehwag‘s terrific 219 off 149 balls versus West Indies on 8th December 2011, leading India to a stunning victory and Rohit Sharma‘s breathtaking T20 inning of 118 runs in 43 balls against Sri Lanka in 2017.

Also Check: Top 5 Biggest Cricket Stadiums in the World


#2. Wanderers Stadium, South Africa

Wanderers Stadium, South Africa

Capacity– 34,000 spectators
Built– 1956
Construction Cost– N/A
End names– Corlett Drive End, Golf Course End
First Test- South Africa v England on Dec 24-29, 1956
First ODI- South Africa v India on Dec 13, 1992
First T20I- South Africa v New Zealand on Oct 21, 2005

More correctly known as the Imperial Wanderers Stadium, it is popular by the name of ‘Bullring’ stadium considering its tense and pressurizing atmosphere. It is located in the Johannesburg suburb of Illovo. The stadium was built to replace the Old Wanderers Stadium. The ground hosted its first Test match in 1956. The Cricket ground size accounts for a straight boundary of just 65 meters which makes it easier to shoot fours and sixes. This makes it one of the smallest cricket stadium in the world.

The cricket ground has staged overs hundred ODIs, Test and T20I matches cumulatively over the decades. The iconic match between South Africa and Australia during the 2003 World Cup Tournament was held here. Australia had set up a monumental target of 434 runs which was successfully chased by the Proteas, a seemingly inaccessible record. South Africa cricket teams heartthrob AB de Villiers has scored a record 732 runs in 49 matches in this renowned ground.

Apart from cricket, it is also a stage for other sports notably Rugby.

Also Check: Oldest Cricket Grounds in the World


#1. Eden Park, New Zealand

Eden Park, New Zealand

Capacity– 42,000 spectators
Built– 1900
Construction Cost– $256 million
End names– Broadcasting End, Terraces End
First Test- New Zealand v England on Feb 14-17, 1930
First ODI- New Zealand v India on Feb 22, 1976
First T20I- New Zealand v Australia on Feb 17, 2005

The home of Auckland Cricket, Eden Park is New Zealand’s most prominent sports ground. The ground is also among the smallest cricket ground in the world. It is located in central Auckland. It has a constraint of 52 to 55 meters in the square boundary. Eden Park hosted its first Test match way back in 1930 which was played between New Zealand and England. The cricket ground has onlooker New Zealand rise to glory.

One of the most remarkable matches of South Africa was played on this ground. It was the one in which the South African team had built a score of 621/5 against the Kiwis in the Test series between them dated on 27 February 1999. Eminent cricketers namely Richard Hadlee and Chris Crains have stumped record wickets of 45 and 35 respectively, the most on this ground. This ground is also where the legendary Sachin Tendulkar made his epochal debut.