Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Pallekele) – Pitch Report
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, found near Kandy in Sri Lanka, is a famous international cricket ground. It's known for offering pretty balanced playing conditions. This stadium was built in 2009, just before the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. It can seat about 35,000 people and regularly hosts Test, ODI, and T20 matches.
The pitch at Pallekele usually helps fast bowlers early on, especially with the new ball. As the game goes on, spinners start to find some help from the surface. In limited-overs games, batters can hit freely once the ball stops moving around. This often leads to competitive first-innings totals. Overall, it's a fair fight between bat and ball, making games here exciting.
Pallekele International Stadium Details
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 Explained
Boundary measurements at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium change based on direction. Typically, straight boundaries are a bit longer than the square ones. For exact figures, official stadium guides give the best and most up-to-date info.
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
These are the general ground dimensions to keep in mind.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Records and Venue Stats: T20, ODI, Test
T20 Stats at Pallekele
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 32 |
| Matches won batting first | 16 |
| Matches won bowling first | 13 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 167 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 147 |
| Highest total recorded | 263 |
| Lowest total recorded | 88 |
| Highest score chased | 184 |
| Lowest score defended | 133 |
| Tie | 0 |
ODI Stats at Pallekele
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Lowest total recorded | 70 |
| Highest score chased | 314 |
| Lowest score defended | 112 |
| Tie | 0 |
Test Stats at Pallekele
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Lowest total recorded | 117 |
| Highest score chased | 382 |
| Lowest score defended | 161 |
| Tie | 0 |
Is Pallekele International Stadium a Batting Pitch or Bowling Pitch?
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is generally considered a batting pitch. The surface helps batters because it has true bounce and consistent pace. This lets stroke-makers play with confidence.
While fast bowlers might find some early movement, the wicket soon settles down. It then becomes much better for batting. Later in the match, spinners can also get some help. In evening games, dew can make chasing targets easier. Overall, strong batting lineups usually do very well at this venue.
Toss Prediction at Pallekele
The team winning the toss at Pallekele will probably choose to bat first. The pitch here usually offers reliable bounce and a steady pace. This encourages teams to score big runs early.
Even though fast bowlers might get a little movement at the start, conditions quickly become good for hitting. Dew in night games might help chasing sides, but batting first is often seen as the safer and smarter choice.
Who Will Win / Match Winner Prediction at Pallekele Stadium
Morning Match Conditions (Day Game)
In day matches, the pitch might offer early bounce and seam movement for pacers. Teams bowling first have won around 55% of matches. Teams batting first have won about 45%. Because of this, captains often prefer to bowl first after winning the toss.
Evening Match Conditions (Day–Night Start)
In day–night games, the surface tends to help batters a bit more. This is due to settled conditions and possible dew. Both teams have pretty equal winning chances, often a 50% – 50% split. Toss decisions here usually depend on the team's players and match situation.
Batting: 50%
Bowling: 50%
Dream11 Team Prediction for Pallekele Matches
When picking a Fantasy Team for matches at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, remember the pitch is balanced. A good combination would be:
- Wicketkeeper: This position is key for extra points from dismissals and batting.
- Batters: Include 4 batters, as the pitch becomes great for stroke play after the early overs.
- All-Rounders: Choose 2 all-rounders. They can help with both bat and ball, maximizing your points.
- Bowlers: Pick 4 bowlers. Mix pacers and spinners to use both early seam and later spin.
- Captain & Vice-Captain: Select in-form players who can make a big impact on the match.
This balanced setup boosts your chances of good returns in your Dream11 fantasy lineup at Pallekele.
Pallekele International Ground: Key Venue Stats
At this ground, first-innings totals are generally competitive. However, the second innings can get a little tough. This is because the surface slows down and dew can play a part.
The highest and lowest totals recorded here show how conditions can change. Teams winning the toss often choose to bat first. They aim to use the initial batting-friendly phase to their advantage.
Where To Watch Live Matches from Pallekele
Cricket fans in India can watch live international cricket matches. Tune into the Star Sports Network, on channels like Star Sports 2SD and Star Sports 2HD.
Live streaming is also available through Disney+ Hotstar for subscribers. This ensures you get uninterrupted coverage across all your devices.
What Type of Pitch is Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is known for its well-prepared and balanced surfaces. The pitch usually provides an even contest. It helps fast bowlers early on and spinners later in the game.
Things like moisture, weather, and how the surface wears can also affect performance. Understanding these elements helps teams plan their strategies. They can then adapt to changing match situations effectively.
For a complete guide to different cricket pitch types, check out our Types of Cricket Pitches article.
Pallekele International Ground: Head-to-Head Match Impact
In head-to-head games at this venue, winning the toss is often important. Teams aim to make the most of good first-innings conditions. The average first-innings score is around 245. The second innings average is closer to 204. This drop is due to the pitch slowing down and the effect of dew. As matches go on, spinners become more effective. Captains use them strategically to keep control of the game.
Kandy Weather Report & Forecast for Match Days
Kandy Weather
Kandy, located in central Sri Lanka, has a tropical climate. It sees clear wet and dry seasons each year. Temperatures usually stay between 22°C and 30°C throughout the year.
The southwest monsoon, from May to September, brings a lot of rain. This often happens in the afternoons, increasing humidity. However, from December to March, it's generally drier. These months offer pleasant temperatures and sunny conditions. They are usually better for cricket matches and outdoor activities.