India have the most number of active cricket venues around the world. There are several world-class stadiums with the best infrastructure globally. Every stadium in India is different from another one. But the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium (HPCA Stadium) in Dharamsala is probably the most picturesque venue in the whole country. Situated at 1457 meters above sea level, surrounded by the mountains, this venue has become a must-visit for every international star who visits India.
It is owned and run by the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association and was built in 2003. It hosted its first international match in 2013 between India and England. But in a span of a few years, it gained popularity among the cricketers.
This venue also hosted five matches during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. It is located at Civil Lines Road, Jawahar Nagar, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215, India. Capacity-wise, it can fill a total of 21,200 spectators. It has two bowling ends: River End and College End. So, let’s talk about this stadium and its past briefly.
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium Pitch Report – Batting or Bowling Pitch?
Speaking of the pitch at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, it offers a lush green surface. It is not like the traditional Indian cricket wickets. The surface here is made up of red and black soil, which helps it to stay firm throughout the game. That is why it offers a great deal of bounce.
Fast bowlers will get extra zip from the wicket. The surface is likely to remain firm, which will add more for the seamers. There will be swing and seam from the wicket, and the new ball will be tough to face.
But as the game goes on, the wicket will settle, and the ball will come nicely onto the bat. Batters can score runs here, as it is one of those surfaces where the ball flies more because of the altitude it is situated at. So, one can say that it is an even wicket to play a game of cricket. In T20Is, the average score here should be around 165-175.
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium Pitch Report – Fast Bowlers or Spinners Pitch?
The wicket at HPCA Stadium is faster than other Indian wickets. That means if you are a fast bowler, you will like bowling here. It won’t get slow with the game, but as seen in evening games or T20s, the ball will skid more once it becomes old.
Spinners don’t have much to bowl here, as the wicket is not dry. Adding to the challenge, dew will be something both bowling sides will be worried about in the evening. However, this wicket is perfect to use variations as a fast bowler.
Using bouncers, short-pitch or slow bouncers can get more out of the wicket here. Slower ones can also be effective in the final overs. For spinners, it is all about bowling a tight line and close to the wicket.
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Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium – Test Records
| Total Matches | 2 |
| Matches won batting first | 0 |
| Matches won bowling first | 2 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 259 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 404 |
| Highest total recorded | 477/10 (124.1 Ovs) By IND vs ENG |
| Lowest total recorded | 137/10 (53.5 Ovs) By AUS vs IND |
| Highest score chased | 106/2 (23.5 Ovs) By IND vs AUS |
| Lowest score defended | N/A |
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium – ODI Records
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 9 |
| Matches won batting first | 4 |
| Matches won bowling first | 5 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 253 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 228 |
| Highest total recorded | 388/10 (49.2 Ovs) By AUS vs NZ |
| Lowest total recorded | 112/10 (38.2 Ovs) By IND vs SL |
| Highest score chased | 274/6 (48 Ovs) By IND vs NZ |
| Lowest score defended | 245/8 (43 Ovs) By NED vs RSA |
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium – T20 Records
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 11 |
| Matches won batting first | 4 |
| Matches won bowling first | 6 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 137 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 128 |
| Highest total recorded | 200/3 (19.4 Ovs) By RSA vs IND |
| Lowest total recorded | 47/7 (6 Ovs) By IRE vs NED |
| Highest score chased | 200/3 (19.4 Ovs) By RSA vs IND |
| Lowest score defended | 59/5 (6 Ovs) By NED vs IRE |
FAQ:
Is Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium Batting or Bowling Friendly?
The wicket at HPCA Stadium is an even wicket. Initially, the ball will swing more because of the pitch conditions. Fast bowlers have more out of this wicket, and they will keep interested throughout the game. For batters, this wicket is brilliant, as the ball will come well and they can play their shots.
What is the average score at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium?
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium is a great venue for T20 cricket. It has 11 = T20I games so far. The first innings average score here is 137-145 in T20I. It then goes down to 128-135 average score in the 2nd innings.
What are the boundary dimensions at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium?
The boundary lengths at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium Ground varies. The straight boundary is around 68-72 meters while the square boundaries are approximately 64-66 meters.
