The ongoing New Zealand tour of India 2026 has already delivered exciting limited-overs cricket, and all eyes are now on the decisive 3rd ODI between India and New Zealand, scheduled to be played at the iconic Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.
With the ODI series level at 1–1, the Indore clash becomes a virtual series final. India clinched the opening ODI in Vadodara with a successful chase, while New Zealand bounced back strongly in Rajkot with a commanding seven-wicket win. The third ODI promises a high-intensity contest as both teams look to seal the series.
The Holkar Cricket Stadium, known for its batting-friendly surface and short boundaries, is expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome. With several in-form batters on both sides and dew likely to be a factor in the evening, the toss could once again prove decisive in Indore.
As international ODI cricket returns to Indore, fans can expect another high-scoring encounter at a venue that has historically produced thrilling white-ball matches. With so much at stake, let’s take a closer look at the Holkar Cricket Stadium pitch report, conditions, and key stats ahead of the 3rd ODI.
Holkar Cricket Stadium Pitch Report – Batting or Bowling Pitch?
| Stadium Name | Holkar Cricket Stadium |
| Location | Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| First International Game | 2006 |
| Seating Capacity | 30,000 |
| Boundary Size (Straight) | Around 64-68 meters |
The Holkar Cricket Stadium, situated in Indore in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is one of the prominent cricket venues in the Central India region of the country. The 30,000-capacity ground was initially known as the Maharani Usharaje Trust Cricket Ground but was later renamed to its current form back in 2010 by the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA).
The Holkar Stadium is known for its flat pitch surface that allows for high-scoring matches at the venue. Batters enjoy batting on a surface with even bounce, a fast outfield and shorter boundaries, which makes it good for scoring some quick runs. It is important for the batters to not throw away their wickets in the middle phase of the inning when the game tends to get slower.
Read Also:- R. Premadasa Stadium Records & Stats (WODI, WT20I)
Matchday weather in Indore: warm around 28°C with a fair chance of showers, so brief delays or DLS are possible. It’ll feel very humid (dew likely in the evening), which usually helps chasing teams and makes life harder for spinners. A light ENE breeze near 13 km/h with gusts up to 30 km/h could slightly affect lofted shots and swing.
Holkar Cricket Stadium Pitch Report – Spinners or Fast Bowlers Pitch?
The Holkar Stadium’s pitch surface is mostly flat, making it a tough game for the bowlers. However, it’s not completely a dead game for the bowlers, as there is an important phase in the game that could benefit the bowling side. While scoring runs is quite easy initially, the pace bowlers can equally trouble the batters if they stick to a tighter line and length and surprise the batters with unexpected bouncers.
However, it is really the spin bowlers who can influence the game for the bowling side. After the initial 12-18 overs, the pitch starts to get slower, allowing for some grip for the spin bowlers to turn the ball and trouble the batters with some clever bowling. It would be important for the bowling captain to utilise the spin bowlers in the middle overs, especially in night games when there is heavy dew expected, making it easier for the batters to tackle the spin bowlers in the 2nd inning.
In short, the Holkar Cricket Stadium pitch report shows us that it is mostly a batting-heavy pitch due to the flat surface. The even bounce and pace make it easier for batters to score runs, added to shorter boundaries and a fast outfield.
Meanwhile, more than the pacers, it is the spin bowlers who can be effective for the bowling side. The pitch tends to get slower in the middle overs when the ball’s shine fades away. However, in night games, dew can be effective to eliminate the threat of spin bowlers. Fast bowlers, meanwhile, have to use the surprise element of bouncers, change of pace and tighter line and length to trouble the batters.
Holkar Cricket Stadium – Test Records
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 3 |
| Matches won batting first | 1 |
| Matches won bowling first | 2 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 272 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 329 |
| Average 3rd innings Score | 197 |
| Average 4th innings Score | 115 |
| Highest total recorded | 557/5 (169 Ovs) By IND vs NZ |
| Lowest total recorded | 109/10 (33.2 Ovs) By IND vs AUS |
| Highest score chased | 78/1 (18.5 Ovs) By AUS vs IND |
| Lowest score defended | 153/10 (44.5 Ovs) By NZ vs IND |
Holkar Cricket Stadium – ODI Records
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 12 |
| Matches won batting first | 7 |
| Matches won bowling first | 5 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 292 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 243 |
| Highest total recorded | 418/5 (50 Ovs) By IND vs WI |
| Lowest total recorded | 97/10 (24 Ovs) By RSAW vs AUSW |
| Highest score chased | 294/5 (47.5 Ovs) By IND vs AUS |
| Lowest score defended | 247/9 (50 Ovs) By IND vs RSA |
Holkar Cricket Stadium – T20I Records
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 4 |
| Matches won batting first | 2 |
| Matches won bowling first | 2 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 200 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 166 |
| Highest total recorded | 260/5 (20 Ovs) By IND vs SL |
| Lowest total recorded | 172/10 (17.2 Ovs) By SL vs IND |
| Highest score chased | 173/4 (15.4 Ovs) By IND vs AFG |
| Lowest score defended | 227/3 (20 Ovs) By RSA vs IND |
FAQ:
Is Holkar Cricket Stadium Batting or Bowling Friendly?
The Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore offers a flat pitch surface, making it a run scoring ground. The venue offers an even bounce, fast outfield and shorter boundaries helps the batting side to score quick runs. Spinners though get into the game when the new ball shine fades away.
What is the average score at Holkar Stadium?
The average score for ODI cricket at the Holkar Cricket Stadium is 331 runs, showcasing it is quite a heavy run scoring venue.
What are the boundary dimensions at Holkar Cricket Stadium?
The Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, Madhya Pradesh is known for its shorter boundaries. The straight boundaries are around 64-68 meters long while the square boundaries are approximately 56 meters.
