About | Details |
|---|---|
Also known as | Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium |
Named After | Mahinda Rajapaksha (Former Sri Lankan President) |
Capacity | 35000 |
End Names | Thanamalwila End, Sooriyawewa End |
Flood Lights | Yes |
Home Teams | Sri Lankan National Team |
Pitch | Grass |
Sooriyawewa International Cricket Stadium, also known as the Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium, was established in 2011, focusing on hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. This venue has a seating capacity of 35,000, which is the 2nd largest in Sri Lanka, and features two distinctive ends named Thanamalwila End and Sooriyawewa End.
The construction of this stadium began in 2009, and floodlights were installed at the time of construction, making this venue effective for hosting day/night matches. The inaugural match at this stadium was between the host Sri Lanka and Canada. Since then, the stadium has hosted several limited-overs matches, including women’s international matches.
The stadium is known for its batting-friendly conditions. Compared to other stadiums, batters have enjoyed playing at this venue; however, it has faced criticism due to high maintenance costs, and the frequency of matches held here has been quite low in recent years.
Sooriyawewa International Cricket Stadium ODI Records and Stats
The stadium has hosted around 23 One-Day International matches. The highest ODI total at this ground was set by the visiting South Africa, scoring 368/5 against Pakistan in 2015. The lowest recorded total in ODIs was by Afghanistan — 59 all out against Pakistan during a chase at this venue.
Afghanistan batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz holds the record for scoring the most runs at this venue — 193 runs in 3 innings, while he also holds the highest individual score in an ODI at Pallekele Stadium is an unbeaten 151* against Pakistan
In the bowling department, Thisara Perera has taken the most wickets at this ground, with 18 scalps in 12 matches. Pakistan seamer Haris Rauf holds the record for the best individual bowling figures: 5 wickets for 18 runs at this ground.
Sooriyawewa International Cricket Stadium ODI Records and Stats T20I Records and Stats
Mahinda Rajapaksha Stadium has hosted a total of 10 T20I matches and has seen thrilling encounters over the years. The highest T20I total was set by host Sri Lanka, scoring 182/4 against Zimbabwe during the 2012 T20 World Cup, while the lowest total in this format was recorded by Pakistan, scoring 95/10 against Sri Lanka in 2012.
The most runs at this stadium in the T20I were also scored by Tillakaratne Dilshan, who scored 136 runs in 5 matches, while former South African skipper Faf Duplessis of scored an unbeaten 85* against Sri Lanka at this venue.
In the bowling department, Nuwan Kulasekera holds the record for the most wickets at this venue, with 8 wickets in 6 matches to his name, while Proteas' legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis holds the best individual record figures with 4/15 against Sri Lanka at this venue.
How to Reach Sooriyawewa International Cricket Stadium?
The stadium is easily accessible:
📍 Location: Sooriyawewa, Hambantota District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
✈ Nearest Airport: Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport – approx. 25 km
🚆 Nearest Railway Station: Beliatta Railway Station – approx. 40 km
🚌 Nearest Bus Stops: Sooriyawewa Bus Station – approx. 5 km
