Bellerive Oval (Hobart) – Pitch Report
Bellerive Oval Hobart Pitch Report
Bellerive Oval, currently known as Ninja Stadium due to sponsorship naming rights, is located in Bellerive, Hobart, Tasmania. With a seating capacity of around 20,000, it is one of Tasmania's premier sporting venues.
The ground hosts international cricket, Sheffield Shield matches, and Big Bash League (BBL) games. It is the home venue of the Tasmanian Tigers and the Hobart Hurricanes.
The stadium has been hosting ODIs since 1988 and Test matches since 1989. Its coastal location near the River Derwent plays an important role in match conditions, particularly with wind movement and seam assistance for fast bowlers.
Bellerive Oval Stadium Pitch Report
| Full Name: | Bellerive Oval |
| Former names: | Blundstone Arena |
| Location: | Bellerive, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
| Operator: | Cricket Tasmania |
| Seating Capacity: | 20,000 |
| Field size: | 175 m x 135 m |
| Surface: | Grass |
| Floodlights: | Yes |
| End names: | Church Street End , River End |
| Home team: | Tasmanian Tigers , Hobart Hurricanes |
| Construction Architect (Contractor): | Various redevelopment phases |
| Boundary Length (Dimension): | 191 yd x 147 yd |
| Also known as: | Ninja Stadium |
Bellerive Oval Ground Dimensions
The playing area is relatively large compared to many Australian grounds, especially straight down the ground. However, square boundaries are shorter, encouraging cross-batted strokes.
| Leg Side Boundary Length: | 63 meters |
| Off Side Boundary Length: | 72 meters |
| Straight Boundary Length: | 96 meters |
| Back Side Boundary Length: | 79 meters |
The long straight boundary makes lofted drives risky, while square shots and pull shots are more productive scoring options.
Bellerive Oval Cricket Records and Venue Stats: T20, ODI, Test
T20 Stats
| Total Matches Played: | 21 |
| Matches Won Batting First: | 9 |
| Matches Won Bowling First: | 11 |
| Average Score in 1st Innings: | 149 |
| Average Score in 2nd Innings: | 140 |
| Highest Total Recorded: | 213 |
| Lowest Total Recorded: | 117 |
| Highest Score Chased: | 188 |
| Lowest Score Defended: | 117 |
| Tie: | 1 |
ODI Stats
| Total Matches Played: | 42 |
| Matches Won Batting First: | 22 |
| Matches Won Bowling First: | 19 |
| Average Score in 1st Innings: | 242 |
| Average Score in 2nd Innings: | 212 |
| Highest Total Recorded: | 363 |
| Lowest Total Recorded: | 120 |
| Highest Score Chased: | 321 |
| Lowest Score Defended: | 174 |
| Tie: | 1 |
Test Stats
| Total Matches Played: | 14 |
| Matches Won Batting First: | 9 |
| Matches Won Bowling First: | 3 |
| Average Score in 1st Innings: | 356 |
| Average Score in 2nd Innings: | 248 |
| Average Score in 3rd Innings: | 249 |
| Average Score in 4th Innings: | 246 |
| Highest Total Recorded: | 583 |
| Lowest Total Recorded: | 85 |
| Highest Score Chased: | 369 |
| Lowest Score Defended: | 233 |
| Tie: | 2 |
Bellerive Oval Stadium Is Batting Pitch Or Bowling Pitch?
Statistical Analysis
- In T20s, bowling-first teams have a slight edge (11 wins vs 9).
- In ODIs, batting-first teams hold a marginal advantage.
- In Tests, batting first has been clearly more successful (9 wins vs 3).
The average T20 first-innings score of 149 suggests it is not a flat high-scoring surface. Meanwhile, the strong Test first-innings average (356) indicates good batting conditions early on in longer formats.
Pitch Verdict
Bellerive Oval is a balanced surface with early assistance for fast bowlers, especially under cool Hobart conditions. The pitch often provides seam movement in the morning due to moisture and coastal breeze.
As the game progresses, batting becomes easier, particularly in Test matches.
It is not purely batting-friendly nor bowling-dominant — conditions vary depending on weather and match timing.
Match Timing Impact
Morning Match (Day Game)
Fresh pitch and cool air assist seamers early. Batting improves later.
| Batting First Win %: | 52% |
| Chasing Win %: | 48% |
Evening Match (Day–Night)
Balanced contest. The ball can move under lights, especially in pink-ball Tests.
| Batting First Win %: | 55% |
| Chasing Win %: | 45% |
Night Match
Surface may slow slightly, making chasing tricky.
| Batting First Win %: | 58% |
| Chasing Win %: | 42% |
Toss Prediction
At Bellerive Oval, teams winning the toss often prefer to bowl first, especially in limited-overs cricket, to take advantage of early seam movement.
However, in Test matches, batting first has historically produced better results due to scoreboard pressure and surface wear over time.
Who Will Win / Match Winner Prediction
Based on historical trends and format variations:
| Batting: | 44% |
| Bowling: | 56% |
Teams with strong pace attacks and disciplined new-ball bowling units generally perform well here.
Dream 11 Team Prediction
For Fantasy cricket at Bellerive Oval:
- Pick 2 wicketkeepers, preferably top-order players.
- Select 4 technically sound batters who can handle seam movement.
- Choose 2 all-rounders for balance.
- Include 3 fast bowlers, as pace dominates here.
- One quality spinner can be useful in longer matches.
- Captain choice should ideally be a strike pacer or consistent top-order batter.
Bellerive Oval Cricket Ground: Venue Stats
| Average First Innings Score (T20): | 149 |
| Average First Innings Score (Test): | 356 |
| Pitch Type: | Seamer-friendly early, balanced later |
| Highest Total Recorded: | 583 (Test) |
| Toss Advantage: | Slight preference to bowl first (white-ball formats) |
Where To Watch Live Match
Cricket fans in India can watch live coverage on Star Sports 2SD and Star Sports 2HD. Streaming is available on Disney+ Hotstar with a subscription.
Type Of Pitch
Bellerive Oval typically offers good carry and bounce for fast bowlers. The cool Tasmanian climate and wind from the River Derwent enhance swing movement.
As the pitch settles, batters can score freely, particularly in Tests.
The venue rewards technically strong batters and disciplined seam bowlers.
Bellerive Oval Ground: Head to Head
Historically, teams batting first have had a slight advantage overall, particularly in longer formats. Posting competitive totals above the average first-innings score significantly improves winning chances.
Weather Report & Forecast
BELLERIVE WEATHER
Hobart experiences cool and sometimes unpredictable weather. Temperatures are generally moderate, but wind from the River Derwent can influence swing and seam movement.
Occasional rain interruptions are possible, and overcast conditions often favor fast bowlers.