The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, also called the Hambantota International Cricket Stadium is one of the most famous cricket stadiums in Sri Lanka. Nestled in Sooriyawewa, Hambantota the stadium was built before the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and opened its doors in 2009. It has also hosted international ODI and T20I matches, domestic tournaments and Sri Lanka A fixtures since.
Hambantota may not be as regular a venue since the likes of Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium or Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, but it is still an important location thanks to its facilities including a huge outfield and large practice areas. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) administers the ground that is equipped with state-of-the-art floodlights, media facilities and seating for thousands of fans.
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Overview
| Stadium Details | Information |
| Stadium Name | Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium |
| Also Known As | Hambantota International Cricket Stadium |
| Location | Sooriyawewa, Hambantota, Sri Lanka |
| Opened | 2009 |
| First International Match | ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 |
| Owner | Sri Lanka Cricket |
| Ends | Thanamalwila End & Sooriyawewa End |
| Floodlights | Yes |
| Playing Surface | Natural Grass |
| Capacity | Approximately 34,300–35,000 spectators |
It is a specially crafted venue for the 2011 Cricket World Cup that has tuned numerous ODI matches, over twenty five of them and some T20 Internationals.
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium History
In 2009, construction of the stadium started as Sri Lanka’s hosting preparations for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. The venue, named after former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa, was developed with the aim of promoting international cricket in southern Sri Lanka
Australia played Canada in the first ODI at the stadium during the 2011 World Cup. It has seen international sides such as India, Pakistan, South Africa, Zimbabwe Afghanistan Bangladesh and England compatible here over the years. MDP carries on being laid out for Sri Lanka An matches, ladies’ global games and homegrown rivalries too keeping it dynamic for Sri Lankan cricket.
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
Pitch Report: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium is usually considered to be a balanced pitch, one where batters and bowlers have an equal opportunity.
Fast bowlers get movement with the new ball and early moisture allows those magic first 10 to 15 overs. The surface is pliant and settles well with an even bounce that’s perfect for batters to execute their strokes freely. In the middle overs, as these pitches slow down further, it brings spinners into play in a big way.
In ODI cricket, scores of around the 260 to 300 mark are often fought out in the balance. A good T20 score is generally accepted as 160+ batting first, but factors like weather and pitch preparation will play a part. Stat: Historical venue data have an average first innings score of 247 for ODIs and188 for T20Is.
Pitch Characteristics
- Equal Surface for Batsmen and Bowlers
- New-ball assistance for fast bowlers
- Middle overs : Spinners come into play
- Good bounce and carry
- Outfield is generally quick
- In day matches it is usually, if not always better to bat first.
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Weather
The weather in Hambantota is tropical all year round. On stalking days, the temperatures would vary from 28-degree to 34 degrees within high humidity. The weather is warm, so the pitch dries quickly and makes batting easier after one session.
Afternoon showers may occur over the region during the monsoon months, from May until September and again between October and November. Dew can play a part in evenings games as it stops the ball from gripping and causes issues for bowlers under lights, especially when rain interrupts play.
Typical Playing Conditions
- Temperature: 28°C–34°C
- Humidity: High
- Wind: Moderate sea breeze
- Rain: Possible during monsoon seasons
- Dew: Common in night matches
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Boundary Length:
The stadium has one of the bigger playing fields in Sri Lanka. Although the distances for boundaries may differ based on local conditions, the ground normally has:
| Boundary | Approximate Distance |
| Straight Boundary | 75–80 metres |
| Square Boundary | 68–72 metres |
| Long Boundary | Around 80 metres |
The area of the ground itself is around 100m × 100m, boundless limits could be set up yet overall adherence to global principles. The straight boundaries are quite long, but when the timing is right, there is potential to go very big — so bowlers get a bit of leeway as well.
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Capacity
The stadium has an official capacity of around 35,000 spectators (Some sources quote a value of about 34,300 permanent seats) Considered one of the biggest cricket stadiums in Sri Lanka, it was built to provide more capacity.
Facilities include:
- Modern player dressing rooms
- Practice wickets and training area
- Floodlight system for day-night cricket
- Media and broadcasting facilities
- Corporate hospitality boxes
- Spacious spectator seating
- Large parking area
It is also an important venue for international, domestic and development cricket in Sri Lanka.
Read More: Optus Stadium
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Records & Stats (2026)
The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Sooriyawewa, Hambantota has been the venue of some memorable ODI and T20 International matches since its inauguration back in 2011. The surface is known for delivering competitive games with batters relishing the true bounce while bowlers, especially pacers up top and spinner in the middle overs, also getting assistance.
The infrastructure and facilities here have been comparatively less than what you see in Sri Lanka at R. Premadhasa or Pallekele but there are some memorable batting, record chases and sensational bowling displays that it has hosted at Hambantota. Today, it regularly stages Sri Lanka A fixtures and international women’s matches.
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium ODI Records
The stadium has held over 25 One Day Internationals as of 2026. Generally, there have been a few 300+ successful run chases but teams batting first have preferred that slight advantage.
| ODI Stats | Record |
| Total Matches | 26 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 10 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 13 |
| No Result | 3 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 249 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 197 |
| Highest Team Total | 368/4 – Sri Lanka vs Pakistan |
| Lowest Team Total | 59/10 – Afghanistan vs Pakistan |
| Highest Successful Chase | 312/2 – Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe |
| Lowest Total Defended | 314/6 – India vs Sri Lanka |
Highest Individual Score (ODI)
Individual highest ODI score at this ground is:
151 runs – Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan) vs Pakistan (2023)
His innings will be the highest score by any batter at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium.
Most Runs at the Stadium
Kumar Sangakkara is the highest run-getter at this venue in ODIs with 721 runs, as he was a consistent performer during the initial years of the stadium.
Most Wickets at the Stadium
Thisara Perera, with 18 ODI wickets is the leading wicket taker for an individual at Hambantota in international cricket among bowlers.
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium T20 Records
In terms of actual T20 Internationals hosted there have hardly been many with both IPL franchises playing semi-regularly in the stadium, but the matches themselves rarely disappoint. So far, this year there have been more victories batting first than chasing with the average scores allowing bowlers to remain in the contest.
| T20I Stats | Record |
| Total Matches | 10 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 5 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 5 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 127 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 109 |
| Highest Team Total | 182/4 – Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe |
The average first-innings score is nothing if not revealing: this is a surface that has started well but with each passing over in an innings, shot-making becomes harder as the pitch slows down.
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Highest Score
Over the years there have been many high-scoring one day international encounters at Hambantota. The largest team total in an ODI is:
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – 368/4
The pitch was placid under the benign conditions with some sunshine and dew allowing the team batting first to capitalise for an entire 50 overs.
The highest total in T20 Internationals:
Scorecard: Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe – Group B, 29 October 2023
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Stats
Here is a quick overview of the venue’s key statistics:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Sooriyawewa, Hambantota, Sri Lanka |
| Established | 2009 |
| International Debut | 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup |
| Seating Capacity | 35,000 |
| Floodlights | Yes |
| Playing Surface | Natural Grass |
| Average ODI 1st Innings | 249 |
| Average ODI 2nd Innings | 197 |
| Average T20I 1st Innings | 127 |
| Average T20I 2nd Innings | 109 |
| Highest ODI Total | 368/4 |
| Highest Successful ODI Chase | 312/2 |
| Highest T20I Total | 182/4 |
Batting vs Bowling at the Stadium
The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium provides a balanced environment during the course of a match.
Batters
- Good bounce supports stroke play.
- Powerplay overs are the ideal time to accelerate scoring.
- In ODIs, teams batting first will go for 280+
- Generally speaking, a score of 160+ in T20Is is considered competitive.
Bowlers
- The new ball assists the fast bowlers.
- The pitch tends to get worn out and spin becomes more potent.
- Wide rectangles facilitate aggressive play against spin bowling.
In the longer formats, reverse swing can be brought into play in the last few overs.
It has a nice balance between bat and ball which makes it fit for all forms of cricket thus giving exciting contests.
Why is Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Famous?
There are many reasons why the stadium has evolved as one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic cricket venues.
- Solely made for 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
- One of Sri Lanka’s largest Cricket Grounds.
- Modern infrastructure with international-standard facilities.
- Beautiful location in Sooriyawewa, Hambantota.
- It has balanced pitches that can favour batters as well as bowlers.
- All internationals, A-team and women’s cricket regularly moves to this venue
How to Reach Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium
Address
Mattala, Lunugamwehera, Old Rd, Sooriyawewa, Sri Lanka
It is situated in Sooriyawewa, around 15–20 km from Hambantota.
By Air
The nearest airport is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport located approximately 18 kilometers from the stadium. International visitors are able to arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) and travel by road.
By Road
The easiest way is the Southern Expressway (E01) from Colombo. A private car / taxi ride here takes about 3.5–4 hours — the much faster option!
By Bus
There are long-distance buses from Colombo to Hambantota throughout the day. You can take a cab or tuk-tuk from Hambantota town to the stadium.
By Train
Matara is the closest railway station. Buses and taxis are available from there to Hambantota and Sooriyawewa.
Read Also: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians Match Scorecard | India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
FAQs: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium
1. Where is Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium located?
It is located in Sooriyawewa, Hambantota, Sri Lanka.
2. When was the stadium established?
The stadium was completed in 2009 and hosted its first international match during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
3. What is the seating capacity?
The stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 34,300–35,000 spectators.
4. Is the pitch batting or bowling friendly?
The pitch is generally balanced, offering assistance to fast bowlers early in the innings and helping spinners as the match progresses.
5. What is the average ODI first-innings score?
The average first-innings score in ODIs is around 249 runs.
6. What is the highest ODI score at the stadium?
The highest ODI team total recorded is 368/4.
7. Has the stadium hosted World Cup matches?
Yes. The venue hosted matches during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Conclusion
One of the most beautiful stadiums in Sri Lanka even after all these years, the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium boasts modern features and a rustic setting in Hambantota. Constructed to stage the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, it has since proved its worth as a ground that can host high quality international cricket across all formats.
This stadium is blessed with a leveled-up pitch, huge playing size, top-class facilities, and seating capacity of 35k+ seats makes it one of the well-liked by players and fans. From recent pitch reports, weather information, ODI and T20 records details to the boundary size and stadium stats, Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium has been one of the major cricket grounds in Sri Lanka.
Other than that, with the international calendar expanding for Sri Lanka cricket, this stadium can host even bigger matches and will cement itself as a world-class venue.