Introduction
Cricket enthusiasts in India have a sturdy connection with Sri Lanka’s iconic venues, and one name that has risen unexpectedly in recognition is the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Located in the cultural heartland of Kandy, Sri Lanka, this ground has turned out to be a pass-to vacation spot for many exciting India vs Sri Lanka battles. In this text, we dive into its records, suit stats, pitch conduct, and why it’s an unmissable ground for Indian fanatics.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium – Overview
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium |
| Location | Pallekele, Kandy District, Sri Lanka |
| Established | 2009 |
| Seating Capacity | 35,000 |
| First International Match | 2010 (Test), 2010 (ODI), 2011 (T20I) |
| Owner | Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) |
| Home Teams | Sri Lanka National Team, Kandy Tuskers |
History and Development
The stadium was constructed as part of Sri Lanka’s preparation for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Built to fashionable ICC standards, it’s far considered one of only a few stadiums inside the global stadium which are totally floodlit. Located about 10 km from Kandy, the stadium blends scenic beauty with current structure.
Named one in all Sri Lanka’s 3 international stadiums, Pallekele was designed to ease pressure from Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium and Galle International Stadium.
India’s Record at Pallekele: A Mixed Bag
India has had several memorable performances here. Indian lovers will don’t forget:
- 2017 ODI Series: India ruled Sri Lanka with a smooth sweep, along with suits at Pallekele.
- Virat Kohli’s brilliance: The Indian skipper has a fantastic song file at this venue.
- Hardik Pandya’s maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs came right here.
India’s Overall Record at Pallekele
| Format | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| ODI | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| T20I | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Pitch Report and Match Strategy
General Pitch Nature
- Day Matches: Favor batters early on, seamers get assists later.
- Night Matches: Dew plays an enormous role in the 2d innings.
- Test Matches: Pitch tends to break down by Day 4, supporting spinners.
Actionable Tip for Fans:
If you’re having a bet, predicting, or just reading:
- Batting first has been more of a success traditionally in ODIs.
- Spinners turn out to be lethal within the 2d innings, mainly in Tests.
Weather and Match Interruptions
Kandy is prone to intermittent rain, in particular for the duration of monsoon season (May to August). Always take a look at suit-day forecasts.
Average Rainfall Chart
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| January | 85 |
| May | 250+ |
| August | 190+ |
| November | 300+ |
Tip: The first-class time to visit for fits is January–March and September–October.
How to Visit Pallekele from India
Travel Guide for Indian Fans
| Step | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Flight | Fly to Colombo (CMB) |
| Transport | Take a train/taxi to Kandy |
| Stadium | 30-40 minutes from Kandy city center |
| Hotels | Choose from budget hotels near Kandy |
Notable Matches at Pallekele
Memorable Games for Indian Fans
India vs Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI, 2017
- India chased down 218 with ease.
- MS Dhoni & Rohit Sharma were key performers.
India vs Sri Lanka, T20I, 2012
- India defended a modest score successfully, showcasing discipline in bowling.
Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 Clash
- A low-scoring thriller that tested both bowling units.
Stadium Stats & Records
Top Run Scorers at Pallekele (ODIs)
| Player | Runs | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Kumar Sangakkara | 820 | 18 |
| Virat Kohli | 320+ | 5 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | 280+ | 9 |
Top Wicket-Takers (ODIs)
| Bowler | Wickets | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Lasith Malinga | 22 | 12 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 9 | 3 |
| Angelo Mathews | 7 | 5 |
Expert Opinions
Ravi Shastri, former India head train, said:
“Pallekele is one of these venues in which you get the whole Sri Lankan enjoy—lush greenery, passionate fans, and unpredictable pitch behavior.”
Michael Atherton, cricket analyst:
“A bowler’s paradise past due in the game, especially for spinners.”
Tips for Indian Cricket Fans
- Book healthy tickets early thru Sri Lanka Cricket reputable web page.
- Stay close to Kandy Lake for easy transport get entry to.
- Always bring a raincoat or umbrella because of unpredictable weather.
- Buy local souvenirs and aid local cricket merchandise.
- Join Indian fan golf equipment or forums for community healthy-day reports.
Conclusion
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is more than only a sports venue—it’s a spectacle of Sri Lankan allure, a witness to interesting India matches, and a haven for cricket fanatics across South Asia. Whether you’re a fan, analyst, or casual viewer from India, this stadium gives an unequalled cricket enjoyment.
Also read: Pindi Cricket Stadium – A Historic Ground in Pakistan Cricket
