HPCA Stadium Dharamshala is a picturesque cricket stadium located in the beautiful hill town of Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Nestled amidst the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range, this stadium offers a unique and breathtaking setting for cricket matches.
Known for its scenic beauty and challenging pitch conditions, the HPCA Stadium has hosted numerous international and domestic matches, leaving a lasting impression on players and spectators alike.
History of HPCA Stadium Dharamshala
The HPCA Stadium Dharamshala came into existence in 2003 when the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) decided to build a world-class stadium in the region.
The construction of the stadium was completed in 2003, and it was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Prem Kumar Dhumal.
Cricket World Cup 2023 matches at HPCA Stadium
Upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Matches Scheduled on HPCA Cricket Stadium are:
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| 7 October | Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (Day Game) |
| 10 October | England vs Bangladesh |
| 16 October | South Africa vs Qualifier 1 |
| 22 October | India vs New Zealand |
| 29 October | Australia vs New Zealand (Day Game) |
ODI Records at HPCA Stadium Dharamshala
HPCA Stadium Dharamshala has witnessed some thrilling One Day International (ODI) matches over the years. The stadium has a seating capacity of around 23,000 spectators, providing an electrifying atmosphere for cricket enthusiasts.
The highest team total in ODIs at this stadium is 330 runs, scored by India against Sri Lanka in December 2017. The lowest team total is 112 runs, recorded by the West Indies against India in October 2014.
Read More: Narendra Modi Stadium
Test Records at HPCA Stadium Dharamshala
The HPCA Stadium has also hosted several Test matches, contributing to the sport’s rich history. The highest individual score in a Test match at this venue is 153 runs, scored by KL Rahul of India against Australia in March 2017.
The lowest team total in Tests at this stadium is 76 runs, recorded by South Africa against India in October 2019.
| Total matches | 1 |
| Matches won bowling first | 1 |
| Average 1st Inns scores | 300 |
| Average 2nd Inns scores | 332 |
| Average 3rd Inns scores | 137 |
| Average 4th Inns scores | 106 |
| Highest total recorded | 332/10 – IND vs AUS |
| Lowest total recorded | 137/10 – AUS vs IND |
T20I Records at HPCA Stadium Dharamshala
In addition to ODIs and Tests, HPCA Stadium Dharamshala has been a host to enthralling T20 International (T20I) encounters.
The highest team total in T20Is at this stadium is 200 runs, scored by India against Sri Lanka in December 2017. The lowest team total is 79 runs, recorded by South Africa against India in October 2019.
Individual Records at HPCA Stadium Dharamshala
The HPCA Stadium has witnessed some remarkable individual performances by players from various teams.
Here is a list of individual records at HPCA Dharamshala in Test, T20I and ODI matches:
Individual Test Records at HPCA Dharamshala
Ex Australian skipper Steve Smith holds the record for scoring the most runs at the HPCA stadium. With century in first innings, Smith scored 128 runs in two innings at an average of 64 against India in 2017.
For India, KL Rahul has scored the most runs in same match. He scored 111 runs in two innings at an average of 111 having scored fifties in both innings of the match.
Australian Spinner Nathan Lyon and Indian Pacer Umesh Yadav are the joint highest wicket-takers at the HPCA stadium in Tests. In the only test match played at HPCA in 2017, both players picked up five wickets each.
Read More: Arun Jaitley Stadium Overview
Individual T20I records at HPCA Dharamshala
Highest T20I Run-Getters at HPCA Stadium
| Player | Runs |
|---|---|
| Shaun Marsh | 334 |
| Adam Gilchrist | 295 |
| Tamim Iqbal | 233 |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 215 |
| Rohit Sharma | 205 |
Shaun Marsh is the highest run-scorer at HPCA Stadium with 334 runs.
Highest Wicket-Takers in Dharamsala T20s
| Player | Wickets |
|---|---|
| Piyush Chawla | 13 |
| Sandeep Sharma | 10 |
| Ryan Harris | 9 |
Note: Piyush Chawla is the highest wicket-taker in Dharamsala T20s with 13 wickets.
HPCA Stadium Dharamshala Boundary Length
HPCA stadium’s boundary is approximately 60-75 meters straight and 60-70 meters on both sides. These length varies depending on the pitch number.
| Format | Pitch Length | Boundary Length (Straight) | Boundary Length (Square) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 22 yards | 75 meters | 70 meters |
| ODI | 22 yards | 65 meters | 65 meters |
| T20I | 22 yards | 60 meters | 60 meters |
HPCA Stadium Dharamshala Pitch Report
The pitch at HPCA Stadium Dharamshala offers the bowlers a challenging and lively surface. It has a reputation for providing assistance to both pacers and spinners, making it an challenging for batsmen.
The pitch tends to offer good bounce and movement, which adds extra flavor to bowling conditions. Batsmen need to adapt quickly to the conditions, while bowlers find ample opportunities to showcase their skills.
The pitch at HPCA Dharamshala has a tendency to offer assistance to swing bowlers due to the cooler climate and the presence of moisture in the early hours of the day.
The HPCA Stadium Dharamshala pitch is known to be a bit on the slower side, making stroke-making a challenging task. However, as the game progresses and the pitch wears down, it becomes easier for batsmen to score runs. Spinners also come into play as the match progresses, with the pitch offering some turn and variable bounce.
FAQ’s
1. When was the HPCA Stadium Dharamshala inaugurated? The HPCA Stadium Dharamshala was inaugurated in 2003 by the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Prem Kumar Dhumal.
2. What is the seating capacity of the HPCA Stadium Dharamshala? The HPCA Stadium Dharamshala has a seating capacity of around 23,000 spectators.
3. Which team holds the record for the highest team total in ODIs at HPCA Stadium Dharamshala? India holds the record for the highest team total in ODIs at HPCA Stadium Dharamshala with a score of 330 runs against Sri Lanka in December 2017.
4. Who scored the highest individual score in Test matches at HPCA Stadium Dharamshala? KL Rahul of India holds the record for the highest individual score in Test matches at HPCA Stadium Dharamshala with 153 runs against Australia in March 2017.
5. What is the lowest team total in T20Is at HPCA Stadium Dharamshala? The lowest team total in T20Is at HPCA Stadium Dharamshala is 79 runs, recorded by South Africa against India in October 2019.
6. What are the bowling figures in ODIs at HPCA Stadium Dharamshala? James Faulkner of Australia holds the best bowling figures in ODIs at HPCA Stadium Dharamshala with 5 wickets for 27 runs against India in October 2013.
Conclusion
The HPCA Stadium Dharamshala is not just a cricket ground; it’s a spectacle of natural beauty and sporting excellence. With its stunning location amidst the picturesque Dhauladhar mountain range, it offers a unique experience to players and spectators alike.
The stadium has witnessed some unforgettable matches, remarkable individual performances, and records that etch themselves in the annals of cricketing history.
From the highs of record team totals to the lows of challenging pitch conditions, HPCA Stadium Dharamshala has provided a platform for players to showcase their skills and entertain cricket enthusiasts. It continues to be a cherished venue for international and domestic matches, capturing the essence of the sport and the captivating spirit of the game.
So, if you ever find yourself in the enchanting town of Dharamshala, don’t miss the opportunity to witness a cricket match at the HPCA Stadium. It’s an experience that combines the thrill of the game with the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings.
