Niranjan Shah Stadium, also known as Khandheri Cricket Stadium and formerly the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, is located in Rajkot, India. It is notable for being Gujarat’s first solar-powered stadium. The stadium made its international debut in 2013, hosting its first match that year. It also witnessed its inaugural T20I between India and Australia, where India emerged victorious by six wickets. In 2016, the stadium hosted its first Test match between India and England, which ended in a draw.
Niranjan Shah Stadium Pitch Report
- Full Name: Niranjan Shah Stadium
- Former names: SCA Khandheri Stadium
- Location: Rajkot, Gujarat, India
- Operator: Saurashtra Cricket Association
- Seating Capacity: 28,000
- Field size: 82 mtr x 64 mtr
- Surface: Grass
- Floodlights: Yes
- End names: Pavilion End
- Home team: Gujarat Lions
- Construction Architect(Contractor): ZEDO Group of Architects
- Boundary Length (Dimension): 89 yards x 69 yards
- Also known as: SCA Khandheri Stadium
Niranjan Shah Ground Dimensions
You can check the boundary lengths for various directions at Niranjan Shah Stadium by referring to the ground maps. Typically, the lengths vary based on the direction, with straight boundaries being longer than those to the square. For precise measurements, official grounds or cricket boards generally provide accurate details on their websites.
- Leg Side Boundary Length: 28 mtr
- Off Side Boundary Length: 36 mtr
- Straight Boundary Length: 50 mtr
- Back Side Boundary Length: 32 mtr
Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium Records and Venue Stats: T20, T10, ODI, Test
T20 Stats
- Total Matches: 5
- Matches won batting first: 3
- Matches won bowling first: 2
- Average 1st innings Score: 189
- Average 2nd innings Score: 147
- Highest total recorded: 228
- Lowest total recorded: 87
- Highest score chased: 202
- Lowest score defended: 196
- Tie: 0
ODI Stats
- Total Matches: 7
- Matches won batting first: 6
- Matches won bowling first: 1
- Average 1st innings Score: 332
- Average 2nd innings Score: 254
- Highest total recorded: 435
- Lowest total recorded: 131
- Highest score chased: 241
- Lowest score defended: 270
- Tie: 0
Test Stats
- Total Matches: 3
- Matches won batting first: 2
- Matches won bowling first: 0
- Average 1st innings Score: 543
- Average 2nd innings Score: 329
- Average 3rd innings Score: 295
- Average 4th innings Score: 147
- Highest total recorded: 649
- Lowest total recorded: 122
- Highest score chased: 0
- Lowest score defended: 122
- Tie: 1
Niranjan Shah Stadium Is Batting Pitch Or Bowling Pitch?
Niranjan Shah Stadium is a Batting Pitch.
At Niranjan Shah Stadium, the pitch offers solid support for batters, making it ideal for setting a high total. However, while chasing can seem appealing, it becomes increasingly difficult as the match progresses. The conditions tend to favor teams that bat first, allowing them to put up a challenging target, with the chasing team often facing difficulty in the latter stages of the game. This trend highlights the advantage of posting a strong total early on rather than relying on chasing a target.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss is likely to opt to bat first.
At Niranjan Shah Stadium, winning the toss holds considerable importance, as the pitch typically favors the team batting first. Teams opting to bat first are in a strong position to set a challenging total, which becomes difficult for the chasing team, especially when conditions remain favorable for batting. Captains winning the toss will likely choose to bat first, maximizing the benefits of the surface’s favorable conditions and putting pressure on the opposition to chase a competitive target.
Who Will Win / Match Winner Prediction
Looking at the pitch conditions and historical trends, the team batting first at Niranjan Shah Stadium holds a clear advantage. The surface provides excellent opportunities for batting, and posting a strong total early on puts significant pressure on the chasing side. While the match is expected to be competitive, the team that sets a solid score in the first innings is likely to gain the upper hand in this high-scoring environment. With a batting win percentage of 70% compared to just 30% for bowling, batting first is key to success at this venue.
Dream 11 Team Prediction
When selecting your Fantasy Team for matches at Niranjan Shah Stadium, it’s crucial to focus on players who can capitalize on the favorable batting conditions. Here are some key tips:
- Choose 1 wicketkeeper who can provide an all-round contribution in both batting and keeping.
- Choose 4 top-order batsmen who can take advantage of the pitch’s early support for batting and score big.
- Include 2 all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball, offering flexibility and balance to your team.
- Opt for 4 Bowlers as they may find some movement early in the game, but also include spinners who can play a role as the match progresses.
- Captain and Vice-Captain: Select players in form, preferably a key batsman and an all-rounder, to make a significant impact.
This combination will help you optimize your chances of success in Fantasy cricket at Niranjan Shah Stadium.
Niranjan Shah Cricket Ground: Venue Stats
Niranjan Shah Stadium is renowned for being a batting-friendly pitch, offering consistent support to batters throughout the innings. Teams batting first have often thrived here, using the conditions to set imposing totals. However, chasing under lights tends to become challenging as the pitch slows down, making stroke play harder. The stats reflect a clear edge for teams opting to bat first and capitalize on the favorable batting conditions early in the game.
Where To Watch Live Match
Indian viewers can enjoy all the thrilling Ireland Womens Tour Of India Match action live on the Star Sports Network, available on Star Sports 2SD and Star Sports 2HD channels. For those who prefer streaming, the matches will be available live on the Disney+ Hotstar app with a subscription, ensuring you don’t miss any of the excitement, right at your fingertips.
Type Of Pitch
Niranjan Shah Stadium, renowned for its flat and hard surface, offers a pitch that heavily favors batsmen. With consistent bounce and good pace, it provides the perfect setting for high-scoring games and aggressive stroke play. While conditions may evolve due to factors like weather or pitch wear, the surface generally remains ideal for batting. Teams aiming to set large totals or chase challenging targets must adjust their strategies to make the most of the favorable conditions at this venue.
For a detailed breakdown of the different pitch types in cricket, check out our Types of Cricket Pitches article.
Niranjan Shah Ground: Head to Head
Matches at Niranjan Shah Stadium have been closely contested, with both teams experiencing their share of victories. While teams batting first have found success on several occasions, the chasing side has also capitalized on the conditions in the second innings. The ground presents a balanced challenge, where the outcome often hinges on the batsmen’s ability to set or chase a formidable total. Teams will need to quickly adapt to the pitch conditions to gain the upper hand and secure victory.
Weather Report & Forecast
Rajkot experiences a warm climate throughout the year, with hot summers, pleasant winters, and a monsoon season. Summer temperatures can soar above 40°C, while winters are mild and enjoyable, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 25°C. The monsoon season brings moderate rainfall, providing relief from the summer heat and contributing to the city’s greenery. Overall, Rajkot’s weather is ideal for outdoor activities, especially during the cooler months.
