Table of Contents
In this article, we will discuss R. Premadasa Stadium.
R. Premadasa Stadium
The R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPS) also called Khettarama Stadium, Ranasinghe Premadasa Stadium, or just the Premadasa Stadium is a cricket arena located on Khettarama Road, Maligawatta, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The arena was, before June 1994, called the Khettarama Cricket Stadium and is now one of the major events where the Sri Lankan cricket team plays, having organized more than 100 one-day international matches. It is the biggest arena situated in Sri Lanka with a capacity of 35,000 viewers.
It has organized the ICC World Twenty20 final in 2012 between Sri Lanka and West Indies; the ICC Champions Trophy final in 2002 between Sri Lanka and India and the first semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011 between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. This stood where the highest Test score on record was registered; 952 by Sri Lanka against India.
With a capacity exceeding Lord’s in England, the stadium is known as the “home of Sri Lankan cricket“.
History
Early history
The arena is the brainchild of the late Sri Lankan president Ranasinghe Premadasa, who supported the expansion of this 40,000-seater concrete bowl, the largest stadium in Sri Lanka.
Inaugurated on 2 February 1986 with a match between a Sri Lanka ‘B’ side and an England ‘B’ team, the stadium was constructed on swampland formerly employed by monks ferrying across to the Khettarama temple adjoining to it.
Ground history
The debut match of One Day International was held on 9 March 1986, Sri Lanka vs Pakistan. On 28 August 1992, it organized its debut Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia.
The stadium is satisfactorily recognized for maintaining the world record for the highest Test total – 952/6 announced by Sri Lanka against India in 1997/1998 in which retired Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya scored 340 and Roshan Mahanama 225, the couple sharing a partnership of 576 for the second wicket, at that moment it was the highest for any wicket in a Test Match.
On 10 February 2009, it organized the debut T20i match between Sri Lanka & India as well as 1st T20i to be held in Sri Lanka.
A recent training center has been extended behind the stadium with 16 practice pitches and dormitories for the Sony Max Cricket Academy which began in 2003.
Renovation
The Premadasa Stadium experienced a reconstruction project in practice for the 2011 Cricket World Cup. The stadium has been experiencing large-scale renovations since 2009. It has had its seating ability growth from 14,000 to 40,000, the media box housing 200 journalists, and other upgrades. The renovations have cost around $8 million of Sri Lanka Cricket.
In July 2010, a notice pointed out by the ICC pitch consultant, Andy Atkinson, presented problems over the situation of the outfield and the pitch arguing he was concerned at the slow pace of advancement.
Although none of the structures at the stadium were almost fulfilled, the 2nd Test of the West Indies tour of Sri Lanka in 2010, was played at the stadium on 23–27 November.
Sri Lanka Cricket defended selecting the stadium stating that the conclusion to stage a match was to permit cricketers to acclimatize themselves to the ground forward of the World Cup matches.
The Test match was produced employing temporary seating for viewers in a corner of the arena as only players’ pavilions had permanent arrangements. Since the press box was not constructed reporters and commentators encountering technical problems employed a makeshift arrangement.
Upcoming Matches in R. Premadasa Stadium
Here is the list of matches that will be played in R. Premadasa Stadium as follows:
| Match | Date | Time (Local) | Time (GMT) |
| Afghanistan vs Pakistan, 3rd ODI | Saturday, August 26, 2023 | 10:00 | 2:30 AM |
| 2nd Super Four Match, Asia Cup | Saturday, September 9, 2023 | 14:00 | 8:30 AM |
| 3rd Super Four Match, Asia Cup | Sunday, September 10, 2023 | 14:00 | 8:30 AM |
| 4th Super Four Match, Asia Cup | Tuesday, September 12, 2023 | 14:00 | 8:30 AM |
| 5th Super Four Match, Asia Cup | Thursday, September 14, 2023 | 15:30 | 9:30 AM |
| 6th Super Four Match, Asia Cup | Friday, September 15, 2023 | 15:30 | 9:30 AM |
| 7th Super Four Match, Asia Cup | Sunday, September 17, 2023 | 15:30 | 9:30 AM |
Asia Cup 2023 Tickets Price of R. Premadasa Stadium
Here is the expected Asia Cup 2023 Ticket price for R. Premadasa Stadium as follows:
| Stand | Lower Level | Upper Level | Grand Stand |
Corporate Boxes
|
| Stand A | 20 USD | 45 USD | 65 USD | 150 USD |
| Stand B | 25 USD | 45 USD | 65 USD | 150 USD |
R. Premadasa Stadium Weather
The weather of this stadium is mentioned below:
R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch is famous for being a good batting wicket. It provides a lot of runs for the batsmen at the beginning of the overs. However, the pitch does manage to slow down as the match advances, which can make it hard for the bowlers to bear turns.
In current years, the R. Premadasa Stadium has organized a number of high-scoring ODI and T20I matches. The highest score at the stadium is 392/4, which was made by Team Sri Lanka against Team Pakistan in an ODI in 2015.
| Characteristic | Description |
| Pitch Type |
Good batting wicket
|
| Pace |
Fast in the early overs, slows down as the match advances
|
| Bounce |
Good bounce whole the day
|
| Turn |
Not huge turns for the spinners early on, but more turns feasible as the game advances
|
| Overall |
A good batting wicket that provides a lot of runs for the batsmen. Bowlers will be required to be patient and stay for the conditions to alter if they wish to be successful at this arena.
|
In the last 9 Innings, both batting and bowling teams have won 5 and 2 matches but the bowling team lost 2 matches that show the pitch is best for batting and also relies upon team performance.
| Match | Team 1 | Team 2 | Batting/Bowling | Result |
| Sri Lanka vs Australia, 2nd ODI | Sri Lanka | Australia | Batting | Won |
| Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st ODI | Sri Lanka | Australia | Bowling | Lost |
| Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 3rd T20I | Sri Lanka | West Indies | Bowling | Won |
| Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 2nd T20I | Sri Lanka | West Indies | Batting | Won |
| Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 1st T20I | Sri Lanka | West Indies | Bowling | Won |
| Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 4th ODI | Sri Lanka | West Indies | Bowling | Lost |
| Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 3rd ODI | Sri Lanka | West Indies | Batting | Won |
| Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 2nd ODI | Sri Lanka | West Indies | Batting | Won |
| Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 1st ODI | Sri Lanka | West Indies | Batting | Won |
Here are a few tips for batting and bowling teams in the R. Premadasa Stadium as follows:
a. Batting Tips:
Bat first: The pitch is famous for being a good batting wicket, so batting sooner will provide your team with the most reasonable option of making a huge total.
Pace your innings: The pitch does manage to slow down as the match advances, so it’s essential to pace your innings and not attempt to score too fast or too early on.
Target 300+: A score of 300+ is mostly the best score at the R. Premadasa Stadium, so desire to get that target if you’re batting first.
Use your feet: The pitch can be a bit slow, so it’s necessary to employ your feet and reach on the front foot to the spinners.
Attack the seamers: The pacer can also be useful at the R. Premadasa Stadium, so it’s necessary to attack them and carry them on.
b. Bowling Tips:
Use the slower ball: The pitch can slow down as the match advances, so employing the slower ball can be a useful way to bring wickets.
Target the stumps: The pitch is a reasonable one for seam bowling, so target the stumps with your bowling.
Use the short ball: The short ball can even be useful at the R. Premadasa Stadium, particularly against the slower bowlers.
Mix up your pace: It’s essential to mix up your pace to maintain the batsmen’s thinking.
Be patient: The batsmen will be examining to make runs, so it’s necessary to be stoic and stay for your possibilities.
R. Premadasa Stadium Capacity
The R. Premadasa Stadium carries a capacity of 35,000 viewers. It is the biggest stadium in Sri Lanka and the second biggest stadium in South Asia. The stadium was constructed in 1982 and organized its first international match in 1983. It has since organized various major cricket events, including the Cricket World Cup, the Asia Cup, and the ICC World Twenty20.
| Stadium | Capacity |
| R. Premadasa Stadium | 35,000 |
| Largest stadium in Sri Lanka | Yes |
| Second-largest stadium in South Asia | Yes |
| Built-in | 1982 |
| The first international match was hosted in | 1983 |
| Major tournaments hosted |
Cricket World Cup, Asia Cup, ICC World Twenty20
|
| Location |
Colombo, Sri Lanka
|
| Named after |
Ranasinghe Premadasa
|
| Road location |
Khettarama Road
|
| Near |
Khettarama Temple
|
| Popular venue for cricket fans | Yes |
| Known for |
Good atmosphere and a friendly crowd
|
| Well-equipped with modern facilities | Yes |
Last 5 Matches in R. Premadasa Stadium
| Match | Date | Team 1 | Team 2 | Toss | Innings | Runs | Highest Score |
| Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 3rd ODI | June 26, 2023 | Sri Lanka | West Indies | Sri Lanka | 1st | 268/7 | 90 (90) – Kusal Mendis |
| Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 2nd ODI | June 24, 2023 | Sri Lanka | West Indies | Sri Lanka | 1st | 289/5 | 102 (120) – Dhananjaya de Silva |
| Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 1st ODI | June 22, 2023 | Sri Lanka | West Indies | Sri Lanka | 2nd | 302/5 | 74 (75) – Kusal Mendis |
| Sri Lanka vs Australia, 4th ODI | June 18, 2023 | Sri Lanka | Australia | Sri Lanka | 2nd | 245 | 101 (108) – Aaron Finch |
| Sri Lanka vs Australia, 3rd ODI | June 16, 2023 | Sri Lanka | Australia | Sri Lanka | 1st | 259 | 86 (105) – Charith Asalanka |
As you can notice, Sri Lanka has won 4 of the last 5 matches played at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
R. Premadasa Stadium Photos
Read Also: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium