About | Details |
|---|---|
Also known as | Pallekele Cricket Stadium |
Named After | Its Location - Pallekele near Kandy |
Capacity | 35000 |
End Names | Hunnasgiriya End, Katugastota End |
Flood Lights | Yes |
Home Teams | Sri Lanka National team, Kandy Tuskers |
Pitch | Grass |
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is one of the iconic stadiums in Sri Lanka, established back in 2009. Since then, it has become a key venue for hosting international and domestic matches. The stadium holds a capacity of around 35,000 spectators and features modern floodlights, allowing it to host day/night games.
Named after the scenic Pallekele, the stadium features two ends, namely Hunnasgiriya End and Katugastota End. The ground serves as the home venue for the Sri Lankan national team and Kandy Tuskers in the Lanka Premier League. Notably, this ground is unofficially known as the Muttiah Muralitharan International Cricket Stadium.
The pitch at the Pallekele Stadium is a grass-based surface with natural grass laid over a soil surface. It generally provides good bounce, making it favorable for stroke-makers, while spinners also find some assistance as the game progresses.
Pallekele Stadium Test Records and Stats
The iconic stadium has hosted 9 red-ball matches. The hosts, the Sri Lankan Cricket Team, have set the highest record here in the red-ball format, scoring 648/8 against Bangladesh in 2021. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka also recorded the lowest total, being bowled out for 117 by the visitors, Australia, in 2016.
Former Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne holds the record for scoring the most runs at this venue, amassing 713 runs in 11 innings across 6 Test matches. The highest individual score in a Test match at this stadium is an unbeaten 244 runs, also scored by Dimuth Karunaratne against Bangladesh in 2021.
In the bowling department, legend Rangana Herath holds the record for the most wickets at this venue, with 30 wickets in 3 matches to his name. Praveen Jayawickrama achieved the best match bowling figures, claiming 6 wickets for 92 runs in an innings at this venue.
Pallekele Stadium ODI Records and Stats
The stadium has hosted around 48 One-Day International matches and has witnessed several record-breaking performances. The highest ODI total at this ground was set by the visiting South Africa, scoring 381/3 against Afghanistan in 2024. The lowest recorded total in ODIs was by Zimbabwe — 70 all out against Sri Lanka at this venue.
The legendary Tillakaratne Dilshan holds the record for scoring the most runs at this venue — 939 runs in 15 innings, while the highest individual score in an ODI at Pallekele Stadium is an unbeaten 210* by Sri Lankan batter Pathum Nissanka, in what was arguably one of the best ODI knocks by a Sri Lankan batter, against Afghanistan in a bilateral series.
In the bowling department, Lasith Malinga has taken the most wickets at this ground, with 24 scalps in 16 matches. Thisara Perera holds the record for the best individual bowling figures: 6 wickets for 44 runs against Pakistan in 2021.
Pallekele Stadium T20I Records and Stats
Pallekele Stadium has hosted a total of 27 T20I matches and has seen thrilling encounters over the years. The highest T20I total was set by Australia, scoring 263/3 against Sri Lanka in 2016, while the lowest total in this format was recorded by New Zealand, scoring 88/10 against Sri Lanka in 2019.
The most runs at this stadium in the T20I were also scored by Kusal Mendis, who scored 414 runs in 11 matches, while Glenn Maxwell of Australia scored an unbeaten 145* while posting the record total against Sri Lanka in 2016.
In the bowling department, legend Lasith Malinga holds the record for the most wickets at this venue, with 18 wickets in 12 matches to his name.. He also achieved the best match bowling figures, claiming 5 wickets for 6 runs in an innings against England at this venue in 2021.
How to Reach Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Location
The stadium is easily accessible from Kandy
📍 Address: A26 Highway, Pallekele, Kandy District, Central Province, Sri Lanka
🚇 Nearest Train Station: Kandy Railway Station
🚌 Nearest Bus Stop: Pallekele Junction..
🚗 Road Access: Well-connected via Kandy–Mahiyangana–Padiyatalawa Highway.
