Albert Park in Te Awamutu has hosted 242 recorded matches since its first fixture on 17 February 2005, featuring records such as South Africa's 259/4 and E Lewis's 125-run innings.
The venue, which also hosts rugby union, has seen 65 matches involving New Zealand, with the most recent game played on 10 May 2026.
Overview
Albert Park is a cricket and rugby union ground located in Te Awamutu, Waikato, New Zealand. The venue has a long history of hosting domestic cricket, with the first recorded match taking place in 1980 when Midlands played Bay of Plenty in the 1980/81 Hawke Cup. The ground later hosted a first-class match during the 1987/88 Shell Trophy, featuring Northern Districts against Central Districts, which ended in a draw.
Historical Matches
The earliest recorded cricket fixture at Albert Park took place in 1980, featuring a Hawke Cup contest between Midlands and Bay of Plenty. This initial match established the venue as a competitive ground in the Waikato region, preceding its later inclusion in first-class cricket. The first-class debut occurred during the 1987/88 Shell Trophy, where Northern Districts faced Central Districts. That specific encounter concluded in a draw, marking an early milestone in the stadium's multi-format history.
Statistical records from Cricsheet document 242 matches played at the venue between 17 February 2005 and 10 May 2026. New Zealand is the most active team at Albert Park, having participated in 65 matches during this period. The dataset captures a wide range of scoring performances, with the highest team total recorded as 259/4 by South Africa on 26 March 2023. In contrast, the lowest team total is 3/1, achieved by Qatar on 1 March 2024.
Individual batting records at the ground are highlighted by E Lewis, who scored 125 runs on 9 July 2017. This performance stands as the highest individual batting score in the available match data. On the bowling front, OC McCoy recorded the best figures with 6/16 on 1 August 2022. These statistical extremes illustrate the varying pitch conditions and match dynamics experienced across the venue's recent T20 history.
What is the significance of Albert Park in New Zealand cricket?
Albert Park in Te Awamutu holds a distinct place in New Zealand cricket history, serving as a venue for both domestic and international fixtures. The ground's cricketing heritage began in 1980, marking the start of its long-standing role in the sport within the Waikato region. This early period established the stadium as a key location for regional competition, setting the stage for future developments.
The first recorded cricket match at the venue took place during the 1980/81 Hawke Cup. In this inaugural fixture, Midlands faced off against Bay of Plenty. This match is significant as it represents the earliest documented cricketing activity on the ground, highlighting its early adoption by local teams. The Hawke Cup served as a primary domestic competition, and Albert Park's inclusion in the 1980/81 season underscores its importance to the regional cricket structure at the time.
Following its debut in the Hawke Cup, the ground continued to host significant domestic encounters. A notable milestone occurred during the 1987/88 Shell Trophy. In this tournament, Northern Districts played against Central Districts. The match concluded in a draw, marking one of the first-class fixtures held at the venue. This event demonstrated the ground's capability to host higher-level domestic cricket, bridging the gap between regional cup competitions and first-class status.
While the early history focuses on domestic milestones, the venue has since evolved into a more frequent host of T20 matches. Statistical records indicate that 242 matches have been played at Albert Park, with the first recorded T20 match in the dataset dating back to 2005. The most recent match occurred on 2026-05-10, showing the ground's continued relevance in the modern T20 era. New Zealand is the most active team at the venue, having played 65 matches there.
The transition from early domestic fixtures to a hub for T20 cricket reflects the changing landscape of the sport in New Zealand. The ground has hosted a variety of teams and competitions over the decades. From the initial Hawke Cup match in 1980 to the Shell Trophy in 1987/88, and subsequently to numerous T20 encounters, Albert Park has maintained its status as a significant cricketing venue in Te Awamutu.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest team total at Albert Park?
The highest team total is 259/4 by South Africa, set on 26 March 2023.
What is the lowest team total at Albert Park?
Who holds the record for the highest individual score at Albert Park?
E Lewis holds the record with a score of 125 on 9 July 2017.