Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is the first and only international cricket ground in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, situated in the Central Province close to Dambulla.

The 16,800-seat venue overlooks the Dambulla Tank and the Dambulla Rock, hosting its first T20 match in 2008.

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Photo: Wss ltd / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is a cricket venue located in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, situated within the country's Central Province. The ground occupies a 60-acre site leased from the Rangiri Dambulla Temple and is distinguished as the first and only international cricket ground in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. The stadium is built overlooking the Dambulla Tank and the Dambulla Rock, providing a distinct backdrop for matches played in the region.

The venue has a seating capacity of 16,800 spectators. It serves as a key host for T20I cricket, with the first T20 match taking place in 2008. Since its inception as a T20I venue, the stadium has hosted a total of 102 matches, with the most recent contest recorded on 2026-05-02. The first match at the venue occurred on 2008-04-20, marking the beginning of its long tenure in the international T20 calendar.

Bangladesh is the most active team at the venue, having played 48 matches there. The pitch and conditions have produced a wide range of scoring totals. The highest team total recorded at the stadium is 297/6, achieved by India on 2024-10-12. In contrast, the lowest team total is 30/10, set by the Cayman Islands on 2023-10-04. Individual performances have also been notable, with A Johnson scoring the highest individual batting score of 121 on 2023-10-03. The best bowling figures at the venue are 5/15, recorded by KMA Paul on 2018-12-22.

Venue profile

Situated in Sri Lanka's Central Province, the facility occupies a 60-acre site leased from the Rangiri Dambulla Temple. The ground overlooks the Dambulla Tank and the Dambulla Rock, serving as the first and only international cricket ground in the country's dry zone. Operating as a T20I venue since 2008, the stadium has hosted 102 matches between April 20, 2008, and May 2, 2026.

The pitch has produced extreme scoring conditions, evidenced by India posting the highest team total of 297/6 on October 12, 2024. Conversely, the lowest team total recorded is 30/10, achieved by the Cayman Islands on October 4, 2023. In the bowling department, KMA Paul recorded the best bowling figures of 5/15 on December 22, 2018.

T20I team records

This innings stands as the benchmark for batting performance in T20I matches at the venue, surpassing previous scores in the 102-match history. The chase or defense of such a total requires significant depth in the batting lineup, given the 20-over format constraints.

This score highlights the volatility of T20I cricket at Dambulla, where teams can be bowled out for a mere 30 runs. The gap between the highest and lowest totals—267 runs—illustrates the diverse conditions and match dynamics present over the years.

These records frame the extremes of team performance at the stadium. India's 297/6 demonstrates the potential for high-scoring encounters, while the Cayman Islands' 30/10 underscores the challenge of building a solid foundation against quality bowling attacks. Analysts tracking team form at Dambulla often reference these benchmarks to evaluate batting resilience and bowling dominance.

What are the individual batting and bowling records at Dambulla?

Individual performance benchmarks at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium highlight the venue's capacity to produce both dominant batting displays and exceptional bowling spells in T20I cricket. The highest individual score recorded at this ground is 121 runs, achieved by A Johnson on 2023-10-03. This innings stands as the personal best for any batsman facing the Dambulla conditions, demonstrating the potential for high-scoring individual efforts when the pitch favors the stroke-makers.

This performance represents the best bowling analysis in T20I matches played at Dambulla, showcasing the ability of the surface to assist bowlers seeking wickets and restricting runs simultaneously. The contrast between Johnson's 121-run chase and Paul's five-wicket haul illustrates the varying demands placed on individual players depending on the match situation and pitch behavior.

These individual records provide context for the team totals observed at the stadium, where India posted 297/6 and Cayman Islands were dismissed for just 30 runs. The presence of such extreme individual performances contributes to the overall statistical diversity seen across the 102 matches played at the venue between 2008 and 2026. Analysts tracking player form at Dambulla often reference these benchmarks when evaluating potential game-changers in upcoming fixtures.

Pitch and conditions

Pitch and conditions

The playing surface at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is widely recognized for its bowler-friendly characteristics, offering distinct advantages to both seamers and spinners depending on the match stage. The pitch profile is heavily influenced by the venue's unique geographical setting, situated on a 60-acre site in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. This location contributes to a high water table, which plays a critical role in the behavior of the ball during the early overs.

Seam bowlers often find significant assistance from the surface, particularly in the powerplay. The moisture retained in the soil creates uneven bounce and lateral movement, making it challenging for opening batsmen to settle. This condition is a defining feature of the venue, distinguishing it from other T20I grounds in the region. The impact of the high water table ensures that the pitch remains lively for the first few overs, rewarding accurate line and length.

As the match progresses, the surface tends to deteriorate, offering increasing returns for spinners. The pitch is known to crumble under pressure, creating variable bounce and turn. This degradation favors spin bowlers who can exploit the cracks and uneven patches, making the middle overs a crucial phase for both batting and bowling strategies. The transition from seam dominance to spin control is a common pattern observed in matches played at this venue.

The stadium's location overlooking the Dambulla Tank and the Dambulla Rock also contributes to the atmospheric conditions. The proximity to the reservoir can introduce humidity, affecting the swing of the ball. These environmental factors, combined with the pitch's inherent properties, create a dynamic playing environment that tests all aspects of a team's batting and bowling lineup. The conditions at Rangiri Dambulla require adaptability, making it a challenging venue for teams from various cricketing nations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest team total at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium?

What is the lowest team total recorded at this venue?

Who holds the record for the highest individual batting score at Dambulla?

A Johnson holds the record with 121 runs, scored on 2023-10-03.

What are the best bowling figures at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium?

Which team has played the most matches at this stadium?

Summary

As of 2026, 102 T20 matches have been played at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, with the first match occurring on 2008-04-20 and the most recent on 2026-05-02.

Key records include India's highest team total of 297/6, the Cayman Islands' lowest total of 30/10, A Johnson's highest individual score of 121, and KMA Paul's best bowling figures of 5/15.

See also