Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium pitch report, weather, ODI records, matches in Cricket World Cup 2023

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium pitch report, weather, ODI records, matches in Cricket World Cup 2023

India will be hosting the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 and Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala is an important venue, check out the pitch report and HPCA ODI records

The excitement is building up as the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 approaches, and one of the key venues that will host matches in this prestigious tournament is the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala.

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium pitch report, weather, ODI records, stats, matches in Cricket World Cup 2023

This beautiful stadium, nestled in the Himalayan Mountains, is set to witness some thrilling cricket action as it hosts its first-ever ODI World Cup matches.

The HPCA Stadium, also known as Dharamsala Cricket Stadium or Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, opened its doors in 2003 and has since become a prominent venue for international and domestic cricket. 

This stunning stadium, situated at an altitude of 1457 meters above sea level, offers a unique setting for cricket enthusiasts. With a seating capacity of 23,000, it promises a fantastic atmosphere for spectators.

One of the most crucial aspects of any cricket match is the condition of the pitch, and the HPCA Stadium’s pitch is no exception. It is known for its balanced nature, offering opportunities for both batsmen and bowlers. While it can be batsman-friendly once a player settles in, the early overs often provide bowlers with the chance to make an impact.

The pitch is particularly favorable for seam bowlers who can extract extra bounce and swing from it. Leg spinners also find assistance, making it a challenging proposition for batsmen. 

Typically, the team winning the toss prefers to bat first, given the conditions and challenges presented in the second innings, especially under the floodlights.

The weather in Dharamsala during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 will add another layer of complexity to the matches. With temperatures ranging from 16°C (61°F) in the cooler evenings to 30°C (86°F) during the daytime, players and teams will need to adapt to varying conditions. Wind speeds, reaching up to 13 kmph (8 mph), may influence the game, especially for fielding teams.

As we anticipate the ODI World Cup matches at HPCA Stadium, let’s take a look at some of the notable records and statistics associated with this venue:

Matches: 4 

Home Side (India) Won: 2

Visiting Team Won: 2 Won 

Batting First: 1 Won Chasing: 3 

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Highest Total: 330/6 by India vs West Indies in 2014 

Lowest Total: 112 All Out by India vs Sri Lanka in 2017 

Highest Successful Chase: 227/3 in 47.2 overs by England vs India in 2013 

Average 1st Innings Score: 214 

Highest Individual Score: Virat Kohli (India) – 127 off 114 balls vs West Indies in 2014 

Most Runs: Virat Kohli (India) – 212 runs in 3 innings 

Total ODI Centuries in Dharamsala: 3 Hundreds 

Most Hundreds: Marlon Samuels (West Indies), Ian Bell (England) & Virat Kohli (India) – 1 Hundred Each 

Total ODI Half Centuries in Dharamsala: 7 Fifties 

Most Fifties: Suresh Raina (India) – 2 Fifties 

Total ODI Sixes in Dharamsala: 39 

Most Sixes: Suresh Raina (India) – 7 Sixes 

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Total ODI Fours in Dharamsala: 174 

Most Fours: Virat Kohli (India) – 22 Fours 

Highest Partnership: Virat Kohli & Suresh Raina (India) – 138 vs West Indies in 2014 Best 

Bowling Figures: Suranga Lakmal (Sri Lanka) – 4 for 13 in 10 overs vs India in 2017 

Most Wickets: Suranga Lakmal (Sri Lanka), Tim Bresnan (England), Umesh Yadav (India) & Hardik Pandya (India) – 4 

Wickets Each Most Catches (Fielder): Ian Bell (England) – 3 Catches 

Most Dismissals (Wicketkeeper): Niroshan Dicwella (Sri Lanka) & MS Dhoni (India) – 3 Dismissals Each 

Most Catches (Wicketkeeper): MS Dhone (India) – 3 Catches 

Most Stumping (Wicketkeeper): Niroshan Dicwella (Sri Lanka) – 1 Stumping

The HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala will be the stage for five thrilling matches during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023:

Bangladesh vs Afghanistan on October 7, 2023, at 10:30 AM

England vs Bangladesh on October 10, 2023, at 10:30 AM

South Africa vs Netherlands on October 17, 2023, at 2:00 PM

India vs New Zealand on October 22, 2023, at 2:00 PM

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Australia vs New Zealand on October 28, 2023, at 10:30 AM

The presence of the Himalayan backdrop adds an element of unpredictability, as weather patterns can change quickly in this region. Teams will need to keep a close eye on the weather forecasts to make informed decisions on match-day strategies.

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