Everything about Kensington Oval Cricket Stadium - Pitch Report, Capacity

The 2024 ICC T20 Cricket World Cup is upon us and the schedule is out now. Some of the most exciting matches, like the India vs Pakistan match, is going to be in New York, the two Semi Finals are at the Providence Stadium in Guyana and the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. And the most important match of the tournament, which we all want India to play in after the heartbreaking 2023 World Cup Final loss, the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup Final, will be held in Kensington Oval Cricket Stadium in Barbados. With a history of over 120 years, this is one of the oldest cricket stadiums in the Caribbean. 

In this article by ZAP, let’s find out more about the Kensington Oval Cricket Stadium in Barbados, the capacity, the pitch report, and everything else. 

History of the Kensington Oval Cricket Stadium:

The Kensington Oval cricket stadium, situated in Bridgetown, Barbados, has a rich history of hosting significant cricket events. Originally constructed in 1882 and one of the oldest in the Caribbean, the Barbados Stadium underwent extensive reconstruction for the 2007 Cricket World Cup. The redevelopment, costing BDS$90 million (US$45 million), aimed to modernise the stadium and improve the overall spectator experience. The project included the demolition of the old stadium, which began in June 2006 after the completion of the first Test against Pakistan. 

In addition to the redevelopment of the structures and facilities, the outfield of the Barbados Cricket Ground was also revamped. The new outfield was designed to better cope with Bridgetown's occasional heavy rainfall.

Throughout its existence, the Barbados Stadium has hosted some matches of the highest importance. Some notable events hosted at the Barbados Cricket Stadium include the 2007 Cricket World Cup final between Australia and Sri Lanka, held on 28 April 2007, where Australia beat Sri Lanka to lift their 4th ODI World Cup trophy, and the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 Final, where England emerged victorious over Australia on 16 May 2010. The 2024 ICC T20 World Cup final will be another addition to this list. 

Also Read: Cricket World Cup Winning Teams

Kensington Oval Cricket Stadium – Capacity and Boundary Length

The Kensington Oval Cricket Stadium has a capacity of about 28,000 seated spectators, making it one of the biggest venues in the West Indies. The two bowling ends at this stadium are named after two West Indies legends, Malcolm Marshall and Joel Garner. The stadium has average boundary lengths, with the straight boundaries about 64–65 metres long and the square boundaries at 67–68 metres. 

Also Read: Cricket Grounds in India

Kensington Oval Cricket Stadium – Pitch Report and Weather Conditions:

Along with the reconstruction of the stadium, the pitch of the Barbados Cricket Stadium was also remade. The pitch square was reconstructed with four main individual pitches, consisting of clay, medium-fine sand, and a gravel drainage layer. Princess Bermuda grass was used for the pitch square, with the base and soil added in layers.

The pitch report of the Kensington Oval Stadium in Barbados suggests that it is a balanced pitch, helping both batsmen and bowlers. Batsmen can expect good bounce and carry, which ensures that the ball comes nicely onto the bat as the game progresses. However, the slow nature of the pitch provides spinners with an opportunity to make an impact. Considering the conditions and the past records at Barbados Stadium, teams winning the toss should ideally prefer chasing. This decision could be strategic, given the nature of the pitch and the advantage it may offer as the game progresses.

India vs South Africa 2024 ICC T20 World Cup Final

The Kensington Oval stadium is all set to host the historic 2024 ICC T20 World Cup Final between India and South Africa on 29th June, 2024. This is the first time ever South Africa will be making a finals appearamce in any ICC tournament. India will also be heading into a T20 World Cup final after 8 years since 2016. The stakes for the final will be very high as both nations have had a very long standing drought for an ICC trophy. So far, India's performances have been very balanced with both, the batsmen, the fast bowlers and the spin bwolers doing their job commendably well. The Men in Blue can easily take advantage of the pitch and playing conditions at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. South Africa haven't been very clinical in the tournament, but with the quality of talent that they have, they will put a big challenge for India.

Kensington Oval Stadium, Barbados – Records and Stats:

Kensington Oval Cricket Ground - ODI Statistics:

• Total ODI Matches Played: 47
• Matches Won by Team Batting First: 19
• Matches Won by Team Batting Second: 28
• Ties: 0
• Average Score by Team Batting First: 231 runs
• Highest Team Score: West Indies,ke 360/8
• Lowest Team Score: Ireland, 91/10

Kensington Oval Cricket Ground - T20I Statistics:

• Total T20I Matches Played: 23
• Matches Won by Team Batting First: 16
• Matches Won by Team Batting Second: 7
• Ties: 0
• Average Score by Team Batting First: 159 runs
• Highest Team Score: West Indies, 224/5
• Lowest Team Score: Afghanistan, 80/10

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