By Stanley Billa 
Cricket stadiums are not just places where matches are held, but form a skeleton of time, holding so many stories, records, and memorable moments. Set in the (the most beautiful ground on earth) lush hills of central Sri Lanka, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is known to be one of the most picturesque cricket grounds around. The stadium has been the venue for a number of exciting international encounters, World Cup matches, Asia Cup clashes and performances from some of cricket’s greats since it opened its gates back in 2009.
Close to Sri Lanka’s old capital, Kandy, the venue has a reputation for setting up engaging batting but allows bowlers who can make use of the conditions more than enough assistance. Whether you are looking for the pitch report of Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, want to see all records of Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, or just want to know stadium capacity, weather, location, and boundary dimensions, then this guide has covered everything in depth.
Quick Facts About Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Before diving into the stadium’s records and pitch behavior, here is a quick overview of this iconic venue.
| Particular | Details |
| Official Name | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium |
| Established | 2009 |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| City | Pallekele, Kandy |
| Seating Capacity | 35,000 |
| Home Team | Sri Lanka Cricket |
| First International Match | 2010 |
| Floodlights | Available |
| Ends | Hunnasgiriya End, Rikillagaskada End |
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Which Country?
The stadium is located in Sri Lanka, one of the most cricket-crazy countries globally. Located in the Central Province close to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, it is known for its tea plantations and mountainous scenery.
The ground was constructed to be one of the key venues for Sri Lanka’s 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup co-hosting, and has since emerged as Sri Lanka’s second most important international cricket venue behind Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium and Galle International Stadium.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Location
The stadium enjoys a spectacular setting surrounded by green hills and forests.
Complete Address
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Pallekele,
Kandy District,
Central Province,
Sri Lanka
Distance From Key Locations
| Landmark | Distance |
| Kandy City Centre | 15 km |
| Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic | 14 km |
| Kandy Railway Station | 15 km |
| Colombo | 115 km |
| Bandaranaike International Airport | 115 km |
Its natural surroundings make it one of the most beautiful cricket venues in Asia.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium pitch report is particularly important for fantasy cricket users, analysts, and cricket enthusiasts.
Unlike many Asian pitches that become slow as matches progress, Pallekele generally offers a balanced surface where both batsmen and bowlers can make an impact.
How the Pitch Behaves
During Powerplay Overs
The blowing conditions around Kandy do the seamers a favour as well, especially new ball bowlers. Swing bowlers often have batsmen in trouble early.
Middle Overs
The pitch calms down, making stroke play more convenient. The longer a batsman survives that first 20 mins, the more they usually cash in.
Death Overs
The quick outfield and smaller square boundaries enable teams to embark on a run-scoring spree toward the end of their innings.
Format-Wise Pitch Analysis
| Format | Nature of Pitch |
| Test Matches | Balanced |
| ODI Matches | Batting-Friendly |
| T20 Matches | High-Scoring |
| Day-Night Games | Dew Plays Major Role |
Average Scores at Pallekele
Understanding historical scoring trends helps predict match conditions.
| Format | Average 1st Innings Score |
| Test | 340+ |
| ODI | 280 |
| T20I | 175 |
Teams winning the toss often prefer chasing in white-ball cricket because dew can make bowling difficult during the second innings.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Weather
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium’s weather plays a crucial role in determining match outcomes.
Because the venue is located in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, temperatures are generally cooler than in coastal regions.
Seasonal Weather Overview
| Season | Temperature Range |
| January-March | 20°C – 30°C |
| April-June | 22°C – 31°C |
| July-September | 21°C – 29°C |
| October-December | 20°C – 28°C |
Weather Impact on Matches
- Cloudy conditions assist seam bowlers.
- Rain interruptions are possible during monsoon periods.
- Evening dew significantly benefits chasing teams.
- Humidity can affect bowling stamina.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Capacity
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium capacity is approximately 35,000 spectators.
Constructed with modern facilities and spectator comfort in mind, the stadium can accommodate large crowds during international fixtures and major tournaments.
Stadium Infrastructure
| Facility | Availability |
| Floodlights | Yes |
| Corporate Boxes | Yes |
| VIP Areas | Yes |
| Practice Facilities | Yes |
| Media Centre | Yes |
| Parking Areas | Yes |
During major India-Pakistan encounters or World Cup matches, the stadium atmosphere becomes electrifying.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Boundary Length
One reason behind the high-scoring matches at this venue is its relatively manageable boundary dimensions.
Boundary Measurements
| Boundary Area | Approximate Length |
| Straight Boundary | 75-80 m |
| Long On/Long Off | 72-78 m |
| Square Boundary | 63-70 m |
| Fine Leg | 60-65 m |
The shorter square boundaries encourage aggressive batting, particularly in T20 cricket.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Records
Over the years, the stadium has witnessed remarkable individual and team performances.
Highest Team Totals
Test Cricket
| Team | Score |
| Sri Lanka | 648/8 Declared |
ODI Cricket
| Team | Score |
| Australia | 381/5 |
T20 International
| Team | Score |
| Pakistan | 200+ |
Lowest Team Totals
| Format | Team | Score |
| Test | Zimbabwe | 129 |
| ODI | Zimbabwe | 70 |
| T20I | New Zealand | Under 100 |
Highest Individual Scores at Pallekele
Some legendary batsmen have dominated attacks at this venue.
| Player | Score | Format |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 319 | Test |
| Virat Kohli | 131 | ODI |
| Glenn Maxwell | 145* | T20I |
Best Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Figures | Format |
| Rangana Herath | 9/127 | Test |
| Ajantha Mendis | 6/13 | T20I |
| Lasith Malinga | 5 Wickets | ODI |
Memorable Matches Played at Pallekele
Pakistan Vs India – The Asia Cup
The stadium hit the headlines worldwide with arch-rivals India and Pakistan squaring off in an intense pressure cooker of an Asia Cup contest. Filled with bouncers and lakhs of viewers globally, yet another part in cricket’s most prominent rivalry.
Sri Lanka vs Australia
This venue has witnessed many iconic Sri Lanka v Australia encounters, with legends like Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Shane Watson and David Warner making match-winning contributions here.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2011
Pallekele hosted a few World Cup fixtures, and that experience helped it on the way to establishing itself as an international venue.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Last Match Scorecard
Several fans check for the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Previous Scores before every match.
Republished from time to time on cricket platforms, the latest scorecard is updated regularly since domestic and international schedules keep fluctuating throughout the year. You can check:
- ESPNcricinfo
- Cricbuzz
- ICC Official Website
- Sri Lanka Cricket
Ball-by-ball commentary, player statistics, scorecards, and match reports are offered by these platforms.
Also Read: Highest Partnership in IPL | Awards Won by MS Dhoni
Why Cricketers Love Playing at Pallekele
The mountains that loom over it provide a stunning setting seldom found at international venues.
Fair Playing Conditions
The pitch favors skill without being overtly biased to one discipline.
Excellent Facilities
Modern dressing rooms, practice areas, and recovery facilities are a boon for the players.
Passionate Crowd Support
The best part of Sri Lankan fans is creating a memorable environment for both players and spectators.
Consistently Competitive Cricket
Matches at Pallekele are typically competitive contests in all formats, whether it’s Test cricket, ODIs, or T20Is.
Final Thoughts
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is one of the jewels of Sri Lankan cricket. The venue has gone on to host everything from World Cup games to record-breaking innings and unforgettable rivalries, making it one of Asia’s leading cricket venues. From its batting-friendly pitch in a beautiful setting to 35,000 seats and its history with cricket, Pallekele still lures players worldwide.
If you are searching for the most recent Pallekele International Cricket Stadium pitch report, records, weather forecast, boundary length and last match scorecard, this renowned venue is always necessary reading on your essential international cricket guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Pallekele International Cricket Stadium located?
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is located in Pallekele, near Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka.
2. What is the seating capacity of Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?
The stadium can accommodate approximately 35,000 spectators, making it one of Sri Lanka’s largest cricket venues.
3. Is the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium pitch batting-friendly?
Yes, the pitch is generally considered batting-friendly, especially in ODI and T20 matches, with good bounce and a fast outfield.
4. What is the average first-innings score at Pallekele Stadium in T20 cricket?
The average first-innings score in T20 Internationals at Pallekele is around 170–180 runs.
5. What are the boundary dimensions of Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?
The boundary lengths vary between approximately 60 and 80 meters, depending on the side of the ground and match setup.
6. Which major tournaments have been hosted at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?
The stadium has hosted matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup, Asia Cup, ICC T20 tournaments, and numerous international bilateral series.
Also Read: Harare Sports Club | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | Vadodara International Cricket Stadium