The Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram, Bangladesh, is one of the country’s most iconic cricket venues. Known for its balanced playing surface and scenic surroundings, the stadium has witnessed many memorable cricketing moments over the years. Earlier known as Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium and Bir Shrestha Shahid Ruhul Amin Stadium, it was renamed in March 2025 to honor Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman, one of Bangladesh’s greatest war heroes.
This venue continues to be a crucial ground for Bangladesh’s international matches, hosting Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) games for the Chattogram Challengers.
Stadium Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Chattogram, Bangladesh |
| Former Names | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong Divisional Stadium |
| Opened (as international venue) | 2006 |
| Capacity | 20,000 – 22,000 |
| Ends | Isphani End, UCB End |
| Floodlights Installed | 2011 |
| Home Teams | Bangladesh National Team, Chattogram Division, Chattogram Challengers (BPL) |
| Time Zone | UTC +06:00 |
| Named After | Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman |
| Next Matches | Bangladesh vs West Indies (Oct 31, 2025), Bangladesh vs Ireland (Nov 27, 29, 2025) |
History & Significance
Located about half an hour from Chattogram city center, the stadium was built ahead of the 2004 Under-19 World Cup and received full international status in 2006. It gained global recognition after hosting matches during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Over the years, it has witnessed some remarkable cricketing records:
- West Indies successfully chased 395 runs here in 2021 — the highest-ever chase in Asia and fifth-highest in Test history.
- Mominul Haque became the first Bangladeshi to score centuries in both innings of a Test (vs Sri Lanka, 2018).
- Shakib Al Hasan took his 200th Test wicket at this venue, achieving the rare double of 3,000 runs and 200 wickets faster than any player in history.
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Weather Conditions in Chattogram
The weather in Chattogram is generally warm and humid, with a low chance of rain. For upcoming matches, expect:
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Temperature | Around 30°C |
| Night Temperature | Around 26°C |
| Humidity | ~70% |
| Rain Chance | Low (10%) |
| Impact on Game | Dew may help chasing teams in evening T20 matches |
Pitch Report – Balanced but Strategic
The Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium pitch offers a balanced battle between bat and ball. Early in the innings, pacers get movement, especially under lights, while spinners dominate as the surface wears down.
Pitch Behaviour Summary:
| Aspect | Performance |
|---|---|
| New Ball (Pacers) | Offers mild swing and seam movement early on |
| Middle Overs (Spinners) | Provides turn and bounce, aiding spin bowlers |
| Batting Conditions | True bounce early, slows down later |
| Average 1st Innings Total (T20) | 145–155 |
| Best Strategy | Bat first and defend with spin in 2nd innings |
In short, it’s a bat-first pitch, where totals around 160+ in T20Is and 270+ in ODIs are competitive.
Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium Stats by Format
Test Records
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 26 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 11 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 8 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 381 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 328 |
| Average 3rd Innings Score | 222 |
| Average 4th Innings Score | 226 |
| Highest Total | 713/9 (SL vs BAN) |
| Lowest Total | 111 (ZIM vs BAN) |
| Highest Successful Chase | 395/7 (WI vs BAN, 2021) |
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ODI Records
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 31 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 11 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 20 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 226 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 191 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 409/8 (IND vs BAN) |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 44 (ZIM vs BAN) |
| Highest Run Chase | 288/3 (BAN vs ZIM) |
| Lowest Defended Total | 169/9 (BAN vs AFG) |
T20I Records
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 32 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 17 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 15 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 146 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 126 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 207/5 (BAN vs IRE) |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 39/10 (NED vs SL) |
| Highest Run Chase | 190/4 (ENG vs SL) |
| Lowest Total Defended | 120/6 (BANW vs PAKW) |
Stadium Facts
- Floodlights installed in 2011, making it a major venue for day-night matches.
- Known for balanced wickets – neither fully batting-friendly nor spin-dominant.
- Scenic location surrounded by agricultural lands and hills near the port city.
- Hosted 2011 World Cup and several BPL finals.
Key Takeaways
- Ideal for spinners and stroke players who can adapt to slower pitches.
- Dew factor plays a role in night games — chasing teams often get an edge.
- Expected scores:
- T20I: 150–170
- ODI: 250–280
- Test 1st Innings: 350+
Read more:
Conclusion
The Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium stands as a symbol of Bangladesh’s cricketing growth — a venue that balances tradition with modern excellence. From record-breaking Test chases to thrilling T20 encounters, it remains one of the most versatile and iconic cricket grounds in South Asia.
As Bangladesh prepares for the upcoming matches against West Indies and Ireland, fans can expect competitive contests where both batters and bowlers will have their moments to shine.
