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Pietermaritzburg stadium in Oval
Pietermaritzburg is the capital of South Africa`s Vaba Gulu Natal province. Here the 150-year old Oval stadium is situated. This beautiful stadium has not witnessed any one-day international or test match so far. The very first one-day match in this stadium would be held during World Cup only. On 14 February, Sri Lanka would take on Bangladesh and on 23 February, India faces Namibia.
Pietermaritzburg is the capital of South Africa’s Vaba Gulu Natal province. Here the 150-year old Oval stadium is situated. This beautiful stadium has not witnessed any one-day international or test match so far. The very first one-day match in this stadium would be held during World Cup only. On 14 February, Sri Lanka would take on Bangladesh and on 23 February, India faces Namibia.
So far, matches between South Africa ‘A’ team and touring teams have been played on this stadium. It comes as good news for Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Namibia and India as they would not have to face South Africa here. Interesting history about this stadium is that none of the touring teams could defeat even South Africa ‘A’ on this stadium. In 2002 tour, Bangladesh lost to South Africa ‘A’ by ten wickets. India and Sri Lanka would have also lost their matches had it not been washed out by rains.
The tree situated near the boundary are a cause for worry for not just the fielders but also the batsmen. However, as per the ICC regulations, if the ball touches the tree or even its leaves it is considered to be a four. The ball needs to cross over the tree to be considered a six. There are only two stadiums all over the world trees inside.
The stadium has undergone renovation to host matches in the World Cup. Around 7000 US dollars( Rs 43 lakhs 50 thousand) have been spent so far. Sitting arrangements have been made both in open stalls with chairs and on green grass. For the chaired stall, tickets are available at Rs 375, for grass sitting, at Rs 300 and the package deal can be availed at Rs 625.
Pietermaritzburg and Oval are eagerly waiting for 14 February when the first match would be played in the otherwise ‘Sleepy Hollow’. Bureau Report
So far, matches between South Africa ‘A’ team and touring teams have been played on this stadium. It comes as good news for Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Namibia and India as they would not have to face South Africa here. Interesting history about this stadium is that none of the touring teams could defeat even South Africa ‘A’ on this stadium. In 2002 tour, Bangladesh lost to South Africa ‘A’ by ten wickets. India and Sri Lanka would have also lost their matches had it not been washed out by rains.
The tree situated near the boundary are a cause for worry for not just the fielders but also the batsmen. However, as per the ICC regulations, if the ball touches the tree or even its leaves it is considered to be a four. The ball needs to cross over the tree to be considered a six. There are only two stadiums all over the world trees inside.
The stadium has undergone renovation to host matches in the World Cup. Around 7000 US dollars( Rs 43 lakhs 50 thousand) have been spent so far. Sitting arrangements have been made both in open stalls with chairs and on green grass. For the chaired stall, tickets are available at Rs 375, for grass sitting, at Rs 300 and the package deal can be availed at Rs 625.
Pietermaritzburg and Oval are eagerly waiting for 14 February when the first match would be played in the otherwise ‘Sleepy Hollow’. Bureau Report