City Oval, also known as Alexandra Park, is a historic cricket stadium in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, with a seating capacity of 12,000. Home to the KwaZulu-Natal Inland and Dolphins teams, it has hosted major events, including two 2003 Cricket World Cup matches. Unique among cricket venues, City Oval features a tree within its boundary, one of only three such grounds globally. Players achieving a century or five-wicket haul here are honored by planting a tree, adding to the stadium’s charm and tradition.
City Oval Stadium Pitch Report
- Full Name: City Oval
- Former names: Alexandra Park
- Location: Pietermaritzburg
- Operator:
- Seating Capacity: 12,000
- Field size:
- Surface:
- Floodlights: Yes
- End names: Duzi End
Hulett End - Home team:
- Construction Architect (Contractor):
- Boundary Length (Dimension):
- Also known as: Pietermaritzburg Oval
City Oval Ground Dimensions
At the City Oval, you can explore the boundary lengths in various directions by referring to the ground maps. Typically, the boundary distances may vary depending on the orientation, with straight boundaries often being longer than those on the square. For accurate measurements, it is recommended to consult the official resources or websites provided by the ground management or relevant cricket boards. These sources offer precise and detailed information to help teams and fans understand the specifics of the ground layout.
- Leg Side Boundary Length:
- Off Side Boundary
- Straight Boundary:
- Back Side Boundary:
City Oval Cricket Stadium Records and Venue Stats: T20, T10, ODI, Test
T20 Stats
- Total Matches: 2
- Matches won batting first: 0
- Matches won bowling first: 2
- Average 1st innings Score: 133
- Average 2nd innings Score: 134
- Highest total recorded: 139
- Lowest total recorded: 0
- Highest score chased: 1
- Tie: 0
ODI Stats
- Total Matches: 3
- Matches won batting first: 1
- Matches won bowling first: 2
- Average 1st innings Score: 229
- Average 2nd innings Score: 171
- Highest total recorded: 311
- Lowest total recorded: 124
- Highest score chased: 257
- Lowest score defended: 311
- Tie: 0
T20I Stats
- Total Match Played: 0
- Batting First Won: 0
- Batting Second Won: 0
- Tie: 0
- Avg. Score in 1st bat: 0
- Highest Score:
- Lowest Score:
- Scoring Pattern
- Below Score 150: 0
- Score between 150 and 169: 0
- Score between 170 and 189: 0
- Above Score 190: 0
City Oval Stadium Is Batting Pitch Or Bowling Pitch?
City Oval is Batting friendly pitch.
City Oval (Pietermaritzburg) is a batting-friendly pitch, where the surface tends to favor the batters, especially early on. The pitch offers good value for shots, and scoring runs is relatively easier compared to bowling. With an average first-innings score of 185, the pitch provides ample opportunities for batters to build partnerships and set competitive totals. While there may be some assistance for bowlers, particularly later in the game, overall, it’s a ground that typically supports aggressive batting.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss is likely to opt to bowl first.
City Oval (Pietermaritzburg), the team winning the toss is likely to choose to bowl first. This is because, in the only recorded match, the team batting second won, indicating that chasing a target here is a viable option. While the pitch is batting-friendly, the team chasing might find it easier to adapt to the conditions and set their target accordingly. However, given the average first innings score of 185, teams may still consider batting first if they feel they can post a challenging total.
Who Will Win / Match Winner Prediction
City Oval (Pietermaritzburg), the team batting second has the advantage, as they won the only recorded match at the venue. With a batting-friendly pitch that supports aggressive play, teams chasing a target seem to have the upper hand. However, if the team batting first can post a strong total, they still stand a good chance of securing victory. Match Prediction: Chasing teams have a slight edge here, but a competitive total could make batting first a viable option.
Dream 11 Team Prediction
When it comes to Fantasy Tips and Dream11 Team prediction for matches at City Oval (Pietermaritzburg), it’s crucial to pick players based on the pitch conditions. Since the pitch favors batting and there is a higher chance of success for the team chasing, here are some key suggestions for a balanced Fantasy Team:
- Opt for 1 wicketkeeper who is capable of excelling in both batting and wicketkeeping.
- Include 4 Batters: The pitch offers good opportunities for batters to score runs, especially in the early stages of the game.
- Opt for 2 All-rounders: Players who can contribute both with the bat and the ball are crucial, as they provide flexibility in your team, especially in a chase.
- Choose 4 Bowlers: While the pitch supports batting, picking bowlers, especially those with variations or capable of getting breakthroughs, will give you an edge.
- Select Captain and Vice-Captain: Pick in-form players, ideally a top batter or an all-rounder, who can make a significant impact on the match.
City Oval Cricket Ground: Venue Stats
City Oval in Pietermaritzburg is renowned for its batting-friendly conditions, offering a surface that favors batters, particularly in the early stages of the game. The pitch allows for free stroke play, with an average first-innings score of 185, encouraging teams to post competitive totals. While bowlers may find some assistance as the match progresses, the venue generally supports aggressive batting, making it a haven for run-scorers and a stage for high-scoring encounters.
Where To Watch Live Match
Cricket enthusiasts in India can enjoy all the exciting matches live on the Star Sports Network. The coverage is available on Star Sports 2SD and Star Sports 2HD, ensuring high-quality broadcasts for viewers. For those who prefer streaming, the matches will also be accessible on Disney+ Hotstar, providing a smooth and convenient viewing experience on various devices with a subscription. Make sure you don’t miss any of the action from the BBL season!
Type Of Pitch
The City Oval is known for its robust and dynamic surface, offering a variety of pitch types that greatly influence the style of play. The pitches here tend to favor fast bowlers, providing consistent bounce and pace, which creates an exciting atmosphere for competitive matches. However, as with any cricket ground, the playing conditions can vary depending on several factors such as moisture levels, weather changes, and the wear and tear over time. Teams need to closely analyze the specific characteristics of the pitches at City Oval to devise effective strategies for their games.
For a comprehensive overview of various pitch types in cricket, be sure to check out our Types of Cricket Pitches article.
City Oval Ground: Head to Head
In the only recorded match at City Oval, the team batting second emerged victorious, highlighting the advantage for teams chasing a target at this venue. The match saw the Dolphins post a score of 185/4, which was successfully chased down by the team batting second. This suggests that while the pitch favors batting, chasing a total is more successful on this ground.
Weather Report & Forecast
Pietermaritzburg, located in the eastern part of South Africa, experiences a subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures typically range from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, especially from November to March. Winter temperatures are cooler, ranging from 5°C (41°F) to 20°C (68°F), and it rarely experiences frost. The city receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, with the highest rainfall occurring in the summer months. The generally mild and pleasant weather in Pietermaritzburg makes it an attractive destination year-round.