5 Smallest Cricket Stadiums in the World (by boundary length)

The length of different cricket stadiums is defined by the boundary length and the seating capacity. Shorter boundaries are always relished by the batters in ODI and T20 cricket.

After the introduction of T20 cricket and the rapid rise of T20 leagues worldwide, shorter boundaries have given an added benefit to batters. In this piece, we discuss five stadiums in the world that have provided advantage to batters as it gives batters to hit boundaries and sixes quite easily.

The stadiums mentioned in the list have witnessed some thrilling batting performances and contests. We discuss these smallest stadiums with shorter boundaries in detail:

5. Holkar Stadium, Indore (India)

Located in Indore at the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Holkar Stadium has been hosting games regularly since 2006, when India faced England in an ODI game.

The first Test match was played at this stadium in October 2016 when India faced New Zealand, while the first T20I was played at this stadium in 2017.

The Indore stadium favours the batters the most. The straight boundary in this stadium is 68 meters. 

4. Eden Gardens, Kolkata (India)

Another stadium that is considered in the distinguished list of stadiums as it is also the most popular and the oldest in the world. Eden Gardens has witnessed some memorable contests.

The stadium’s outfield is fast, while the bounce on this wicket is moderate. It aids both bowlers as well as batters, and the length of the square boundary is 66 meters.

Even though it has shorter boundaries, Eden Gardens is the second biggest venue in India in terms of seating capacity, which is 68,000.

3. Lord’s Cricket Ground, London (England)

Arguably one of the most popular and oldest stadiums in the world, Lord’s square boundary is at 65 meters. The straight boundary is 85 to 95 meters in length from the middle, and boundaries in other areas of the stadium are wide, which compensates for the shorter side.

The boundary length is about 88 to 91 meters at the mid-wicket area. Both bowlers as well as batters get assistance on this wicket, and the outfield is also top-class.

2. Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (South Africa)

The length of the boundary at Johannesburg’s Wanderers stadium is 64 meters towards the square and 65 meters straight. The stadium was inaugurated in 1956 and has hosted 106 international matches.

South Africa’s domestic team, Highveld Lions, plays First-Class matches at this stadium in the CSA (Cricket South Africa) 4-day games, One-Day Cup, and CSA T20 Challenge. Although the wicket aids pacers due to its bouncy nature, it aids batters while facing the new ball.

1. Eden Park, Auckland (New Zealand)

Eden Park, located in Auckland, New Zealand, is the smallest stadium in terms of its boundary length, which is 55 meters. Although the stadium doesn’t fulfil the requirements of the ICC, the stadium’s straight boundaries are just 45 meters in length, while the stadium got the status to host international games before the length of the boundary rule was introduced.

The last Test match in this stadium was played in 2018, but it hosts ODI and T20 matches. Bowling at Eden Park is a challenge for the bowlers while the batters enjoy hitting big shots in the stadium.

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