About | Details |
|---|---|
Also known as | The Esplanade (previously known) |
Named After | Galle Fort |
Capacity | 35000 |
End Names | City End, Fort End |
Flood Lights | Yes |
Home Teams | Galle Cricket Club and Sri Lankan National Team |
Pitch | Turf |
Galle International Cricket Stadium, also known as the Galle Stadium, is the oldest in Sri Lanka, established in 1876. Originally built as a racecourse and named The Esplanade, it was renamed to Galle Stadium in 1984, and had been hosting school matches before it hosted its first Test match in 1998 between Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
Located adjacent to the Indian Ocean, the stadium was hit by a massive tsunami back in 2004, destroying half the stadium; however, it was temporarily used as shelter to accommodate people who suffered from the disaster. Reconstruction began in 2006, with modernized facilities, expanded capacity, and the addition of new pavilions and floodlights.
The surface here is known to be spin-friendly, helping spinners massively across formats. Sri Lanka has thrived at this venue, making it their fortress, with a strong winning record compared to other venues in the country. The ground’s charm, coupled with the scenic view, makes it a favorite spot for both players and fans.
Galle International Cricket Stadium Test Records and Stats
The iconic stadium holds the record for hosting the most Test matches in the country, with a total of 49 red-ball games. The hosts, the Sri Lankan Cricket Team, have set the highest record here, scoring 704/3 against Ireland in 2023. Meanwhile, the visiting South African team recorded the lowest total, being bowled out for 73 by the hosts, Sri Lanka, in 2018.
Former Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene holds the record for scoring the most runs at this venue, amassing 2382 runs in 37 innings across 23 Test matches. The highest individual score in a Test match at this stadium is a record score of 333 runs by former West Indies batter Chris Gayle against Sri Lanka.
In the bowling department, legend Muttaih Muralidharan holds the record for the most wickets at this venue, with 111 wickets in just 15 matches to his name, while Muralidharan also owns the best Individual bowling figures, claiming 7 wickets for 46 runs in an innings at this venue.
Galle International Cricket Stadium ODI Records and Stats
The stadium has hosted around 13 One-Day International matches. The highest ODI total at this ground was set by the New Zealand women’s team, scoring 329/7 against Sri Lanka in 2023. The lowest recorded total in ODIs was by the West Indies women, 92 all out against Sri Lanka at this venue.
Former Sri Lanka opening batter Upul Tharanga holds the record for scoring the most runs at this venue — 154 runs in 2 matches, while the highest individual score of 112 runs in an ODI at Galle Stadium is by Zimbabwe batter Solomon Mire, against Sri Lanka.
In the bowling department, Australian pacer Jason Gillespie has taken the most wickets at this ground, with 5 scalps in 2 matches, while Sanath Jayasuriya holds the record for the best individual bowling figures: 5 wickets for 28 runs during the infamous Aiwa Cup against Australia.
Galle International Cricket Stadium T20I Records and Stats
Galle Stadium has hosted a total of 12 T20I matches, all of which have been women's games, featuring some slow-burning thrillers over the years. The highest T20I total was set by New Zealand women, scoring 151/5 against Sri Lanka during the 2012 Women’s T20 World Cup, while the lowest total in this format was recorded by Sri Lanka, scoring 79 - all out against South Africa women in 2012.
The most runs at this stadium in the T20I were also scored by England legend Charlotte Edwards, who scored 111 runs in 3 matches, while Sarah Taylor from the England women’s team scored an unbeaten 65*against Sri Lanka at this ground.
In the bowling department, Windies bowler Stephanie Taylor holds the record for the most wickets at this venue, with 6 wickets in 3 matches to his name. She also achieved the best match bowling figures, claiming 3 wickets for 10 runs in a match against Sri Lanka at this venue.
How to Reach Galle International Stadium?
The stadium is easily accessible:
📍 Location: Galle, Southern Province, Sri Lanka – Near Galle Fort
✈ Nearest Airport: Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport – approx. 160 km (3–4 hours by road)
🚆 Nearest Railway Station: Galle Railway Station – 1 km (5–10 minutes by walk)
🚌 Nearest Bus Stops: Galle Bus Station – 1.5 km (5–10 minutes by tuk-tuk or walk)
