Kingsmead Cricket Ground is a cricket venue in Durban, South Africa, with a stated capacity of 25,000.

The ground is the home of the Dolphins and features the Umgeni End (north) and the Old Fort Road End (south). The first T20 match at the venue took place in 1923.

Kingsmead Cricket Ground. Photo: The original uploader was PaddyBriggs at English Wikipedia. / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain

Overview

Kingsmead Cricket Ground is a prominent cricket venue located in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The stadium serves as the home ground for the Dolphins franchise. It has a stated capacity of 25,000 spectators, although the viewing area includes significant grass terracing. The ground features two distinct ends: the Umgeni End to the north and the Old Fort Road End to the south.

Historically, the venue has hosted a mix of T20 competitions. The first T20 match at Kingsmead was recorded in 1923. From 2019 to 2024, the ground operated under the Hollywoodbets naming rights.

Available data does not capture the highest team total, lowest team total, or individual batting and bowling records at this venue. Specific match scores, player names associated with records, and detailed tournament histories (such as specific IPL, BBL, or T20I finals) are not present in the current source material. Therefore, statistical records for batters, bowlers, and fielders at Kingsmead are not yet captured in the available data.

The venue's configuration and capacity remain consistent with its status as a key South African cricket ground. The Umgeni End and Old Fort Road End define the pitch orientation for matches played at the stadium. No additional details regarding stadium construction year, specific dimensions, or other franchise headquarters are provided in the current grounding data.

What are the highest and lowest team totals at Kingsmead?

What are the highest and lowest team totals at Kingsmead?

Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban, South Africa, hosts a mix of T20I and IPL matches. The venue has a stated capacity of 25,000, with grass terracing forming part of the viewing area. The bowling ends are the Umgeni End (north) and the Old Fort Road End (south). Below are the team total records for the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20I) based on available Cricsheet data.

IPL Team Totals

The highest team total recorded at Kingsmead in the IPL is 211/4. This score was achieved by Rajasthan Royals (RR) against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) on 2009-05-05.

The lowest team total recorded at Kingsmead in the IPL is 79/1. This score was achieved by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) on 2009-04-21.

T20I Team Totals

The highest team total recorded at Kingsmead in T20I matches is 226/6. This score was achieved by Australia (AUS) against South Africa (SA) on 2023-08-30.

The lowest team total recorded at Kingsmead in T20I matches is 73/10. This score was achieved by Kenya (KEN) against New Zealand (NZ) on 2007-09-12.

Who holds the individual batting and bowling records at Kingsmead?

Individual Batting and Bowling Records at Kingsmead

Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban has hosted significant individual performances across both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20I). The venue, which serves as the home ground for the Dolphins, has recorded notable milestones in batting and bowling statistics.

IPL Individual Records

In the Indian Premier League, the highest individual score at Kingsmead is 105 runs. This record was set by AB de Villiers on 23 April 2009. On the bowling front, the best individual figures at this venue in the IPL are 4 wickets for 15 runs. This performance was achieved by R Bhatia on 13 May 2009.

T20I Individual Records

For Twenty20 International matches, the highest individual score recorded at Kingsmead is 114 runs. This milestone was reached by MN van Wyk on 14 January 2015. Regarding bowling, the best individual figures in a T20I match at this ground are 5 wickets for 10 runs. This record was set by RP Singh on 20 September 2007.

These statistics highlight the venue's capacity to produce high-impact individual performances in both franchise and international T20 cricket. The specific dates and player names associated with these records are drawn from available match data for the venue.

Notable matches and historical significance

Notable matches and historical significance

Kingsmead Cricket Ground, located in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, serves as the home ground for the Dolphins. The venue has a stated capacity of 25,000 spectators, with grass terracing forming a significant portion of the viewing area. The playing field is defined by two named ends: the Umgeni End to the north and the Old Fort Road End to the south.

The ground's cricketing history is anchored by its early adoption of the format, with the first T20 match recorded in 1923. This early milestone highlights Kingsmead's long-standing role in South African cricket infrastructure. The venue has hosted numerous significant fixtures over the decades, establishing itself as a key location for both domestic and international competitions.

Among the most celebrated moments in the stadium's history is the 2007 World Twenty20 match. During this tournament, Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh produced a historic batting display against England. He hit six consecutive sixes off bowler Stuart Broad in a single over, a feat that remains one of the most iconic individual performances in T20 cricket history. This event took place at Kingsmead, cementing the ground's place in the global cricketing narrative.

While the 2007 World Twenty20 performance is widely documented, specific statistical records for other historical matches, such as the 1939 Test match or detailed scores from the 1923 inaugural T20 fixture, are not fully captured in the available data. The ground continues to be a prominent venue for the Dolphins and various international sides, leveraging its 25,000-capacity layout and distinct end names to host high-profile cricketing events.

Pitch and conditions at Kingsmead

Pitch and conditions at Kingsmead

Kingsmead Cricket Ground, located in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is widely recognized as a venue that traditionally favors seam bowlers. The pitch characteristics at this stadium have historically provided assistance to fast bowlers, making it a challenging ground for batsmen, particularly in the early stages of an innings. This reputation for seam-friendly conditions is a defining feature of the venue's playing surface, influencing team strategies and player selections for matches held here.

A notable aspect of Kingsmead's cricketing lore involves the proximity of the ground to the beach, which has led to a persistent myth regarding the influence of the tide on batting conditions. It is often suggested that the state of the tide—whether high or low—can affect the behavior of the ball on the pitch, potentially impacting how it moves or bounces. This belief adds a unique environmental dimension to the match dynamics at Kingsmead, distinguishing it from other cricket grounds in South Africa. While the exact scientific correlation between the tide and pitch behavior may vary, the myth remains a popular talking point among fans and analysts discussing the venue's unique characteristics.

The stadium has a stated capacity of 25,000 spectators, with grass terracing forming a significant portion of the viewing area. This layout contributes to the atmosphere during matches, offering a blend of seated and standing options for attendees. The ground is divided into two named ends: the Umgeni End, located to the north, and the Old Fort Road End, situated to the south. These ends are frequently referenced in commentary and statistical records, providing orientation for viewers and players alike.

Kingsmead serves as the home ground for the Dolphins franchise, a key team in South African domestic cricket. The venue has hosted numerous matches across various formats, including T20 games, with the first T20 match at the ground recorded in 1923. This long history underscores the stadium's significance in the cricketing calendar, particularly in the context of limited-overs cricket. The combination of its seam-friendly pitch, coastal location, and established infrastructure makes Kingsmead a distinctive venue in the global cricket landscape.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capacity of Kingsmead Cricket Ground?

The stated capacity is 25,000, with grass terracing making up part of the viewing area.

What are the end names at Kingsmead?

The ends are the Umgeni End (north) and the Old Fort Road End (south).

Which team calls Kingsmead their home ground?

Kingsmead is the home ground of the Dolphins.

When was the first T20 match played at Kingsmead?

The first T20 match at the venue was played in 1923.

Where is Kingsmead Cricket Ground located?

It is located in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

See also