The University of Otago Oval, located at Logan Park in Dunedin, New Zealand, is a historic sports venue owned by the Dunedin City Council. Originally opened on 5 April 1930 by Sir Louis Barnett, the ground was initially owned by the University of Otago but was transferred to the city council following a redevelopment in the early 2000s. It serves as the home ground for both the Otago Cricket Association and the University of Otago Rugby Football Club, and is also used as a training base for the Highlanders Rugby Football team. The ground made history by hosting the first official use of the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) in 2009, following a test run in Sri Lanka. In addition to cricket, the University Oval has hosted international rugby league teams, including two matches in 1953 and 1954, where touring Australian and Great Britain teams defeated the South Island rugby league team.
University Oval Stadium Pitch Report
- Full Name:Â University ovalÂ
- Former names:Â University of Otago
- Location: Dunedin , New Zeland
- Operator:Â The Dunedin City Council
- Seating Capacity: 6,000
- Field size: 145m X 120m
- Surface: Grass
- Floodlights:Â Yes
- End names:Â Southern End Northern End
- Home team:Â Otago Cricket Association and the University of Otago Rugby Football Club
- Construction Architect (Contractor):Â Logan Park
- Boundary Length (Dimension): 158 yd x 131 Yd
- Also known as: University of Otago Oval
University Oval Cricket Ground Dimensions
The University Oval in Dunedin, New Zealand, has a rectangular-shaped cricket ground with unique dimensions that cater to both bowlers and batsmen. The boundary lengths vary, with the straight boundaries measuring around 70 meters and the back boundaries ranging from 54 meters. The pitch is known for its good bounce and carries, providing an even contest between bat and ball. The oval’s compact nature offers an exciting atmosphere for both players and spectators alike.
- Leg Side Boundary Length: 56 meters
- Off Side Boundary Length: 64 meters
- Straight Boundary Length: 81 meters
- Back Side Boundary Length: 64 meters
University Oval Ground Records and Venue Stats: T20, T10, ODI, Test
T20 Stats
- Total Matches: 7
- Matches won batting first: 5
- Matches won bowling first: 2
- Average 1st innings score: 165
- Average 2nd innings score: 149
- Highest total recorded: 224
- Lowest total recorded: 141
- Highest score chased: 146
- Lowest score defended: 137
- Tie: 0
ODI Stats
- Total Matches: 17
- Matches won batting first: 8
- Matches won bowling first: 9
- Average 1st innings score: 233
- Average 2nd innings score: 195
- Highest total recorded: 360
- Lowest total recorded: 74
- Highest score chased: 339
- Lowest score defended: 225
- Tie: 0
Test Stats
- Total Matches: 8
- Matches won batting first: 2
- Matches won bowling first: 1
- Average 1st innings score: 335
- Average 2nd innings score: 326
- Average 3rd innings score: 288
- Average 4th innings score: 151
- Highest total recorded: 609
- Lowest total recorded: 137
- Highest score chased: 39
- Lowest score defended: 218
- Tie: 5
University Oval Ground Is Batting Pitch Or Bowling Pitch?
University Oval Ground is batting pitch.
he University Oval in Dunedin, New Zealand, is generally considered a batting-friendly pitch. Historically, it has favored batsmen, with high scores being a common occurrence. The pitch often offers good bounce and carry, making it easier for batsmen to score runs. However, it’s important to note that pitch conditions can vary depending on factors like weather and the time of year.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss is likely to opt to Bowl first.
At University Oval, the team winning the toss generally prefers to bowl second due to the chasing advantage. While the pitch offers good batting conditions throughout the match, dew can sometimes play a role, making it harder for the bowlers to grip the ball in the second innings. Teams often look to set a target after assessing the conditions at the start of the game. It’s important to keep an eye on weather conditions, as they can influence the decision to bowl first or second.
Who Will Win / Match Winner Prediction
Considering the statistics and pitch conditions, the team batting second is more likely to have the upper hand at University Oval. Historically, the chasing side has won more often, and the conditions generally favor batting in the second innings. With an average first innings score of 167, chasing down totals in the second innings becomes more achievable. The team batting second has a higher chance of winning, and with proper execution, they can successfully chase any target. The bowling percentage of win is 29%, while the batting percentage of win stands at 71%.
Dream 11 Team Prediction
Certainly, here’s the revised Dream11 team prediction for matches at University Oval, incorporating the suggestions and the requirement of 11 players:
Dream11 Team Prediction for University Oval:
- 2 Wicketkeeper: Choose a wicketkeeper known for his batting prowess, as they can capitalize on the batting-friendly conditions.
- 4 Batters: Include 3 top-order or middle-order batsmen who have a good track record at the venue or are in excellent current form.
- 2 All-rounders: Select all-rounders who can contribute significantly with both bat and ball. This provides valuable flexibility in your team composition.
- 3 Bowlers: Include a mix of pacers who can exploit the bounce and carry of the pitch, along with a couple of spinners to handle different batting styles and conditions.
- Captain: Choose a player expected to score heavily, considering their form and past performances at the venue.
- Vice-Captain: Select a player who is likely to contribute significantly and can act as a backup captain if your primary choice doesn’t perform as expected.
University Oval Ground: Venue Stats
Looking at the stats for University Oval, 71% of matches have been won by the team batting second, while only 29% of matches have been won by the team batting first. This indicates that the pitch tends to favor the chasing side, particularly when the target is manageable. The average first innings score is around 167, and teams generally set totals in the range of 150-170. The pitch is well-suited for aggressive batting, making it a great venue for high-scoring games. Weather conditions are generally dry and temperate, aiding consistent play throughout the match.
Where To Watch Live Match
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Type Of Pitch
The pitch at University Oval in Dunedin, New Zealand, offers a balanced surface that supports both batsmen and bowlers. The pitch is made of Kakanui clay and grass, providing a low and slow playing surface. The average score in the first innings of One Day Internationals (ODIs) at this venue is around 249. There isn’t a significant toss advantage, as both teams have had equal success regardless of whether they bat first or chase, with batting-first teams winning 5 out of 11 ODIs and chasing teams winning 6. The conditions generally allow for an exciting contest between bat and ball.
For a detailed breakdown of the different pitch types in cricket, check out our Types of Cricket Pitches article.
University Oval Ground: Head to Head
In terms of head-to-head matchups, University Oval has witnessed its fair share of close contests, with both teams having their moments of dominance. The venue’s balance between bat and ball keeps both teams on their toes, and the matches tend to be highly competitive. Regardless of the toss, both teams will need to perform under pressure, with the batting side aiming to set a strong total while the bowling side focuses on restricting the opposition early on. The team that executes their game plan effectively is likely to come out on top.
Weather Report & Forecast
Dunedin, located on the southeast coast of New Zealand, experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild and variable weather throughout the year. Summers (December to February) are relatively warm, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 19°C (54°F to 66°F), while winters (June to August) are cool, with temperatures between 4°C and 10°C (39°F to 50°F). The city receives moderate rainfall spread across the year, with the wettest months being winter.