Mohali Cricket Stadium History, Records, and Memorable Matches:–>Mohali Cricket Stadium, officially known as Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, is one of India’s premier cricket venues. Located in Mohali, Punjab, it has hosted numerous international and domestic matches, earning a reputation for thrilling contests and high-scoring encounters. This stadium has witnessed iconic performances by Indian and international cricketers, making it a fan-favorite destination.
History of Mohali Cricket Stadium
Established in 1993, the Mohali Cricket Stadium quickly became a significant cricketing venue. The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) played a crucial role in developing this state-of-the-art facility. With a seating capacity of around 26,000, the stadium has hosted historic matches, including ICC World Cup games, IPL clashes, and unforgettable Test series.
Pitch Report: Batting or Bowling Friendly?
The pitch at Mohali is known for its balanced nature, favoring both batsmen and bowlers at different stages of the game. Here’s a breakdown of its characteristics:
| Format | Pitch Behavior |
| Test Matches | Initially assists fast bowlers, later becomes batting-friendly |
| ODIs | Generally good for batting, but pacers get movement early on |
| T20s | High-scoring track with some help for spinners in the second innings |
- Fast Bowlers’ Paradise: In the early overs, the pitch offers swing and bounce, benefiting seamers.
- Batting-Friendly Conditions: As the match progresses, the surface becomes ideal for stroke play.
- Assistance for Spinners: In Test matches, spinners get turn and bounce on the final days.
Mohali Cricket Stadium Stats & Records
This stadium has seen incredible records over the years. Here are some of the top statistics:
Highest & Lowest Team Totals
| Format | Highest Total | Lowest Total |
|---|---|---|
| Test | India – 630/6 (decl.) vs England | South Africa – 121 vs India |
| ODI | South Africa – 351/5 vs Netherlands | India – 89 vs New Zealand |
| T20 | India – 211/4 vs Sri Lanka | Pakistan – 119 vs India |
Best Individual Performances
| Player | Record | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Shikhar Dhawan | 187 | India vs Australia (Test) |
| Virat Kohli | 154* | India vs New Zealand (ODI) |
| DJ Nash | 6/27 | India vs New Zealand (Test) |
Memorable Matches Played at Mohali Stadium
Several unforgettable encounters have taken place at Mohali. Here are some of the best:
1. India vs Pakistan, 2011 World Cup Semi-Final
- India defeated Pakistan to reach the final.
- Sachin Tendulkar’s 85 runs and Wahab Riaz’s five-wicket haul were the highlights.
2. Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2014
- Virender Sehwag’s 122 off 58 balls powered Punjab to a massive win.
- One of the most exciting IPL playoffs in history.
India’s Best Performances at Mohali Stadium
Indian players have dominated at Mohali with stellar performances.
- Virat Kohli has scored multiple centuries here in ODIs.
- Harbhajan Singh has taken the most wickets at this venue.
- MS Dhoni’s finishing skills have been witnessed in several chases.
IPL at Mohali Stadium: A Fan-Favorite Venue
Mohali has been home to the Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) in the IPL. The stadium has hosted high-scoring thrillers and nail-biting finishes.
IPL Highlights at Mohali
- Highest team total: Kings XI Punjab – 232/2 vs RCB
- Best bowling figures: Andrew Tye – 5/17
- Most runs scored at the venue: KL Rahul
World Cup and International Matches Hosted in Mohali
Mohali has hosted several crucial World Cup and international matches, including:
- 2011 World Cup Semi-Final (India vs Pakistan)
- 1996 World Cup Match (Australia vs West Indies)
- Champions Trophy encounters
Interesting Facts About Mohali Cricket Stadium
- It was one of the first stadiums in India to install floodlights for day-night matches.
- The stadium has a world-class drainage system, ensuring minimal delays due to rain.
- The Punjab Cricket Academy, located inside the stadium, has produced many young talents.
Conclusion: Why Mohali Stadium is Special for Cricket Fans
Mohali Cricket Stadium is not just a venue; it is an emotion for cricket lovers. From hosting legendary World Cup matches to thrilling IPL encounters, it has played a significant role in Indian cricket’s history. Whether it’s the electrifying atmosphere, the bouncy pitch, or the memorable performances, Mohali continues to be one of India’s top cricket destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the official name of Mohali Cricket Stadium?
The official name is Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium. - Is the pitch at Mohali Stadium batting or bowling-friendly?
The pitch offers early assistance to pacers but becomes batting-friendly as the match progresses. - Which is the most memorable match played at Mohali Stadium?
The 2011 World Cup Semi-Final (India vs Pakistan) is one of the most iconic matches played here. - Which IPL team plays home matches at Mohali Stadium?
Punjab Kings (PBKS) use Mohali as their home ground in the IPL. - What is the highest ODI total recorded at Mohali Stadium?
South Africa scored 351/5 against the Netherlands, the highest ODI total at this venue.