Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, located near Kandy in Sri Lanka, is a popular international venue known for its balanced playing conditions. Opened in 2009 ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, the stadium has a seating capacity of around 35,000 and regularly hosts Tests, ODIs, and T20 matches. The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium pitch report suggests that the surface generally offers early assistance to fast bowlers, while spinners become effective as the match progresses. In limited-overs formats, the pitch supports fluent stroke play, leading to competitive first-innings totals. Overall, the ground provides a fair contest between bat and ball, making it an exciting venue for high-quality cricket.
Pallekele International Stadium Pitch Report
- Full Name: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
- Former Names: None (No officially recorded former name)
- Location: Pallekele, Kandy, Sri Lanka
- Operator: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC)
- Seating Capacity: 35,000
- Field Size: Medium to Large-sized outfield
- Surface: Grass pitch (Balanced surface – assists pacers early, spinners later)
- Floodlights: Yes
- End Names: Hunnasgiriya End, Rikillagaskada End
- Home Team: Sri Lanka National Cricket Team, Kandy-based domestic teams
- Construction Architect (Contractor): Sanken Construction (Sri Lanka)
- Boundary Length (Dimension): Approx. 65–75 meters (varies by direction)
- Also Known As: Pallekele Stadium, Kandy International Cricket Stadium
Pallekele International Ground Dimensions
You can explore the boundary lengths for various directions at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium by consulting ground maps. Generally, the boundary lengths may differ depending on the direction, with straight boundaries often being longer than those to the square. For precise measurements, official ground resources or cricket boards typically offer detailed and accurate information on their websites.
- Leg Side Boundary Length: 65–70 meters
- Off Side Boundary Length: 68–72 meters
- Straight Boundary Length: 75–78 meters
- Back Side Boundary Length: 70–73 meters
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Records and Venue Stats: T20, T10, ODI, Test
T20 Stats
- Total Matches: 29
- Matches won batting first: 14
- Matches won bowling first: 12
- Average 1st innings Score: 167
- Average 2nd innings Score: 147
- Highest total recorded: 263/3 (20 Ovs) by AUS vs SL
- Lowest total recorded: 88/10 (16 Ovs) by NZ vs SL
- Highest score chased: 178/2 (18.4 Ovs) by PAK vs BAN
- Lowest score defended: 133/10 (16.2 Ovs) by SL vs ENG
ODI Stats
- Total Matches: 48
- Matches won batting first: 18
- Matches won bowling first: 27
- Average 1st innings Score: 245
- Average 2nd innings Score: 204
- Highest total recorded: 381/3 (50 Ovs) by SL vs AFG
- Lowest total recorded: 70/10 (24.4 Ovs) by ZIM vs SL
- Highest score chased: 314/6 (49.4 Ovs) by SL vs AFG
- Lowest score defended: 112/1 (21 Ovs) by NZ vs SL
- Tie: 0
Test Stats
- Total Matches: 9
- Matches won batting first: 4
- Matches won bowling first: 1
- Average 1st innings Score: 323
- Average 2nd innings Score: 317
- Average 3rd innings Score: 273
- Average 4th innings Score: 241
- Highest total recorded: 648/8 (179 Ovs) by SL vs BAN
- Lowest total recorded: 117/10 (34.2 Ovs) by SL vs AUS
- Highest score chased: 382/3 (103.1 Ovs) by PAK vs SL
- Lowest score defended: 161/10 (88.3 Ovs) by AUS vs SL
- Tie: 0
Pallekele International Stadium Is Batting Pitch Or Bowling Pitch?
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is a batting pitch.
The pitch generally favors batters because it is true and consistent, allowing stroke play from the start. Pacers may get some early movement in the first few overs, but as the match progresses, the surface tends to slow slightly, giving spinners a chance to contribute. Dew in evening games further aids batting, making it easier for teams chasing totals under lights. Overall, the conditions encourage high-scoring games and put the emphasis on strong batting lineups.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss is likely to opt to bat first.
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium pitch is generally batting-friendly, offering true bounce and consistent pace. Fast bowlers may get some early movement with the new ball, but the surface quickly becomes conducive for stroke play. Spinners can come into play in the middle overs, but overall, the pitch supports high scores. Dew in evening games may slightly favor the chasing team, but batting first is generally considered the safer option at this ground.
Who Will Win / Match Winner Prediction
Morning Match Conditions (Day Game)
In morning matches at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, the pitch offers some early assistance to fast bowlers with bounce and movement in the first few overs. Teams bowling first have a slightly better chance of success, winning around 55% of matches, while teams batting first win about 45%. Winning the toss and opting to bowl is often the preferred strategy.
Evening Match Conditions (Day–Night Start)
During evening or day–night matches, the pitch tends to favor batters slightly due to settling conditions and possible dew. Both teams have almost equal chances, with winning ratios close to 50% – 50%. Toss decisions usually depend on team combination and the match situation.
Dream 11 Team Prediction
When it comes to Fantasy Tips and Dream 11 Team prediction for matches at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, it’s important to select players according to the pitch conditions. For a balanced Fantasy Team, consider these suggestions:
Wicketkeeper: This role is vital for earning extra points through catches and stumpings.
Batters: Include 4 batters, as the Pallekele pitch is generally batting-friendly, especially after the first few overs settle.
All-Rounders: Opt for 2 all-rounders who can make an impact with both bat and ball, maximizing points throughout the match.
Bowlers: Choose 4 bowlers, combining pacers and spinners, as they can exploit early seam movement and assist in the middle overs.
Captain & Vice-Captain: Pick in-form players for these roles, as they are expected to influence the game significantly.
This lineup strategy gives you the best chance of scoring big in your Dream11 Fantasy setup at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Pallekele International Ground: Venue Stats
At this venue, the first innings usually sees competitive totals, while the second innings can be slightly tricky due to pitch slowdown and dew factor. The highest total recorded here highlights the batting-friendly nature of the surface, whereas the lowest total shows how early seam or spin can trouble batters. Teams winning the toss often prefer to bat first, as the pitch generally favors run-scoring, especially after the initial overs settle.
Where To Watch Live Match
Cricket fans in India can catch all the thrilling international cricket action live on the Star Sports Network, with coverage available on both Star Sports 2SD and Star Sports 2HD channels. For those who prefer streaming, the matches will also be available on Disney+ Hotstar, offering a seamless viewing experience on your devices with a subscription. Don’t miss any of the live action from your favorite cricket tournaments.
Type Of Pitch
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, known for its well-maintained surface, features a variety of pitch types that influence the overall dynamics of the game. The pitches at this venue generally offer a balanced contest between bat and ball, providing an excellent environment for exciting and competitive cricket. However, as with any ground, the conditions can vary due to factors such as moisture levels, weather patterns, and the amount of wear over time. Understanding the unique characteristics of the pitches at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is crucial for teams to develop their strategies and optimize their performance on match day.
For a comprehensive overview of various pitch types in cricket, be sure to check out our Types of Cricket Pitches article.
Pallekele International Ground: Head to Head
When it comes to head-to-head matchups, both teams will be eager to win the toss. The pitch at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium generally favors batters in the first innings, where teams aim to post competitive totals. The average first-innings score here is around 245, while the second innings can be slightly slower, averaging near 204 due to pitch slowdown and dew factor. As the game progresses, spinners get more assistance, so captains will look to use their spin attack effectively to control the match.
Weather Report & Forecast
Kandy, located in the central hills of Sri Lanka, experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The city has mild temperatures throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging between 22°C and 30°C. The weather can be quite humid, particularly during the rainy season, which lasts from May to September, influenced by the southwest monsoon. This period brings heavy rainfall, especially in the afternoons, contributing to the lush greenery of the region. The dry season, from December to March, is characterized by lower humidity and more pleasant, sunny weather, making it a popular time for tourists to visit.
