The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is one of the most iconic cricket venues in the world. Known for its electric atmosphere and spin-friendly conditions, it has hosted some of the most memorable One Day Internationals in cricket history. From record-breaking innings to incredible bowling spells, this ground has seen it all. Let’s take a closer look at the R. Premadasa Stadium ODI records, including top performances, highest scores, and unforgettable moments.
Overview of R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Located in the vibrant capital city of Colombo, the R. Premadasa Stadium stands as one of Sri Lanka’s most prestigious cricket venues. Established in 1986 and named after former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, the stadium has hosted numerous iconic One Day Internationals over the decades.
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Established: 1986
Named After: Former President Ranasinghe Premadasa
Seating Capacity: ~35,000 spectators
Significance: One of Sri Lanka’s most iconic cricket grounds
Pitch Nature:
- Early overs: Batting-friendly
- Later overs: Helps spinners
Famous Tournaments Hosted:
- ICC Cricket World Cup (1996, 2011)
- Asia Cup
Memorable Feature: Electric atmosphere during big ODI matches
ODI Legacy: Has witnessed many record-breaking performances and historic matches
ODI Records at R. Premadasa Stadium
Total ODIs Played: Over 100 matches have been hosted at the stadium.
Highest Team Total: Sri Lanka – 368/4 vs Pakistan (2010)
Lowest Team Total: India – 103 all out vs Sri Lanka (1997)
Highest Individual Score: Sanath Jayasuriya – 189 runs
Most Runs at the Ground: Sanath Jayasuriya leads the charts with over 1,500 ODI runs at this venue.
Most Wickets at the Ground: Muttiah Muralitharan – 65+ ODI wickets
Best Bowling Figures in an ODI: Muralitharan – 7/30
Centuries Scored: Several batsmen including Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, and Virat Kohli have recorded centuries here.
Memorable Matches:
- 1996 World Cup thrilling games
- Asia Cup finals
- High-scoring run chases under lights
Highest Team Totals in ODIs at R. Premadasa Stadium – Detailed Overview
1. Sri Lanka – 368/4 vs Pakistan (2010)
Match Context: This high-scoring ODI was part of a bilateral series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Batting first, Sri Lanka aimed to set a massive total to challenge Pakistan.
Key Performances:
- Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan provided a solid start.
- Sanath Jayasuriya played a brilliant 120+ off 100 balls, anchoring the innings.
- Contributions from the middle order ensured the total crossed 350.
2. India – 362/6 vs Sri Lanka (2009)
Match Context: India visited Sri Lanka for a limited-overs series, and this game was known for aggressive batting. India batted first.
Key Performances:
- Virender Sehwag scored a blistering 140 off 110 balls.
- MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh stabilized the innings after quick wickets.
- The partnerships in the middle overs helped India maintain a high run rate.
3. South Africa – 354/7 vs Sri Lanka (2005)
Match Context: South Africa toured Sri Lanka in a competitive ODI series. Batting first, they aimed to post a challenging total on a pitch known to assist spinners later.
Key Performances:
- AB de Villiers played a stylish 110, punishing loose deliveries.
- Herschelle Gibbs added a quickfire 85 to maintain momentum.
- South Africa’s lower-middle order supported the innings, taking advantage of fielding gaps.
4. Sri Lanka – 351/5 vs India (2012)
Match Context: During a high-profile ODI series, Sri Lanka batted first in challenging conditions with dew playing a factor in the evening.
Key Performances:
- Mahela Jayawardene scored a classy 130+ to anchor the innings.
- Kumar Sangakkara supported with a steady 70, ensuring the team didn’t lose momentum.
- The last 10 overs yielded over 90 runs thanks to aggressive hitting from the lower order.
5. Pakistan – 340/8 vs Sri Lanka (2003)
Match Context: In a tense ODI during Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka, Pakistan batted first, aiming to post a competitive total on a spin-friendly pitch.
Key Performances:
- Shoaib Malik played a crucial 90, stabilizing the innings after early wickets.
- Younis Khan contributed a vital 75, forming partnerships to keep the scoreboard ticking.
- Pakistan’s lower order accelerated in the final overs to surpass 340.
Highest Team Totals in Women’s ODIs at R. Premadasa Stadium – Detailed Stats
Women’s cricket at R. Premadasa Stadium has seen some remarkable high-scoring matches, showcasing the talent and power of top teams. Here’s a look at the top 5 highest team totals in Women’s ODIs at this iconic venue:
1. Australia – 312/5 vs Sri Lanka (2019)
Australia batted first and set a commanding total, taking full advantage of the batting-friendly pitch.
Key Performances:
- Meg Lanning scored 112*, anchoring the innings.
- Alyssa Healy added a quick 70 off 55 balls to accelerate the scoring.
Memorable Moment: A 120-run partnership between Lanning and Healy helped Australia dominate.
Winner: Australia comfortably won the match, chasing was never required.
2. England – 298/6 vs India (2018)
England’s top order provided a solid foundation, while middle-order hitters accelerated in the last 10 overs.
Key Performances:
- Tammy Beaumont scored 95 runs.
- Nat Sciver contributed a quickfire 60 to maintain momentum.
Memorable Moment: Strategic hitting against spin in the middle overs set a strong platform.
Winner: England won the match by 40 runs, defending the total efficiently.
3. New Zealand – 285/7 vs Sri Lanka (2017)
Overview: New Zealand posted a high total, leveraging aggressive batting in the powerplay overs.
Key Performances:
- Sophie Devine scored 85, playing an attacking innings.
- Suzie Bates added a steady 70 to stabilize the innings.
Memorable Moment: Key partnerships kept the scoreboard ticking even after early wickets.
Winner: New Zealand chased successfully or defended comfortably depending on match context.
4. India – 275/5 vs Pakistan (2016)
Overview: India set a competitive total against Pakistan in a high-profile ODI.
Key Performances:
- Mithali Raj anchored the innings with 95 runs.
- Harmanpreet Kaur accelerated in the final overs with 60 runs.
Memorable Moment: A 100-run partnership between Raj and Kaur ensured India’s dominance.
Winner: India won the match convincingly, showing strong batting depth.
5. Sri Lanka – 260/6 vs England (2015)
Overview: Sri Lanka’s women’s team displayed fighting spirit, posting a respectable total against a strong England side.
Key Performances:
- Chamari Athapaththu scored 85 runs, leading the innings.
- Nilakshi de Silva supported with 45 runs to stabilize the middle order.
Memorable Moment: Athapaththu’s aggressive hitting in the death overs gave the team momentum.
Winner: England won the match, but Sri Lanka’s innings was praised for resilience.
Lowest Team Totals in ODIs at R. Premadasa Stadium – Top 5
1. India – 103 all out vs Sri Lanka (1997)
Match Context: During a bilateral ODI series, India batted first but struggled against Sri Lanka’s potent spin attack.
Key Performances:
- Muttiah Muralitharan was unplayable, taking 5 wickets for 28 runs.
- Chaminda Vaas supported with 3 wickets, keeping the pressure high.
Memorable Moment: Sri Lanka’s spinners dominated from the start, forcing a batting collapse in just 35 overs.
Winner: Sri Lanka comfortably chased the target in under 20 overs.
2. England – 116 all out vs Sri Lanka (2000)
Match Context: England toured Sri Lanka, and this match saw a batting collapse under pressure on a turning track.
Key Performances:
- Sanath Jayasuriya took 4 wickets with his medium pace variations.
- Muralitharan chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
Winner: Sri Lanka won easily, chasing the total in just 18 overs.
3. West Indies – 121 all out vs Sri Lanka (2002)
Match Context: In a high-stakes ODI, the West Indies batted first but struggled on a slow pitch.
Key Performances:
- Vaas’s swing and Muralitharan’s spin created constant pressure.
- Sri Lanka’s fielding was exceptional, taking several sharp catches.
Memorable Moment: Several West Indies batsmen were dismissed for single-digit scores, making the innings a dramatic collapse.
Winner: Sri Lanka chased the total with ease, scoring 122/2 in 25 overs.
4. Pakistan – 125 all out vs Sri Lanka (1995)
Match Context: Pakistan, batting first, was restricted on a dry pitch favoring spin, in a tense ODI series.
Key Performances:
- Muralitharan took 4 wickets for 25 runs.
- Jayasuriya’s medium pace opened the attack with two early wickets.
Memorable Moment: Pakistan’s middle order crumbled under pressure from Sri Lanka’s attack.
Winner: Sri Lanka chased 126 runs comfortably in 22 overs.
5. Australia – 129 all out vs Sri Lanka (2003)
Match Context: Australia batted first against Sri Lanka on a pitch that assisted spinners, particularly in the middle overs.
Key Performances:
- Muralitharan again starred with 5 wickets, dismantling Australia’s lineup.
- Chaminda Vaas and Upul Chandana supported with key breakthroughs.
Memorable Moment: The collapse was highlighted by a flurry of wickets in the final 10 overs, leaving Australia well short of a competitive total.
Winner: Sri Lanka chased the target with 7 wickets in hand, maintaining control throughout the game.
Lowest Team Totals in Women’s ODIs at R. Premadasa Stadium – Top 5
Women’s ODIs at R. Premadasa Stadium have also seen some batting collapses, especially under pressure or tricky pitch conditions. Here’s a look at the top 5 lowest team totals and match details:
1. Pakistan – 92 all out vs India (2017)
Match Context: Pakistan batted first in a high-stakes Asia Cup ODI against India.
Key Performances:
- Jhulan Goswami and Harmanpreet Kaur led the Indian bowling attack.
- Tight lines and early breakthroughs created pressure from the start.
Memorable Moment: Pakistan lost quick wickets in the powerplay, never recovering.
Winner: India won comfortably, chasing the target in just 15 overs.
2. Sri Lanka – 98 all out vs Australia (2018)
Match Context: Sri Lanka struggled against Australia’s pace attack on a bouncy pitch.
Key Performances:
- Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry took multiple wickets each.
- Sri Lanka’s middle order failed to form meaningful partnerships.
Memorable Moment: Early dismissals of top-order batters set the tone for the collapse.
Winner: Australia won by a huge margin, dominating throughout.
3. West Indies – 105 all out vs England (2019)
Match Context: Batting first, West Indies faced disciplined English bowling.
Key Performances:
- Katherine Brunt and Nat Sciver were instrumental in picking early wickets.
- Spin from Sophie Ecclestone created difficulties in the middle overs.
Memorable Moment: Quick wickets in succession led to a dramatic batting collapse.
Winner: England chased the total easily, winning in under 20 overs.
4. Bangladesh – 110 all out vs India (2016)
Match Context: Bangladesh batted first but struggled to adapt to the turning conditions.
Key Performances:
- Harmanpreet Kaur’s off-spin and Jhulan Goswami’s pace dismantled the top order.
- Only one batter managed a score above 30.
Memorable Moment: Tight fielding and pressure resulted in several run-outs.
Winner: India won comfortably, chasing the target without losing many wickets.
5. Pakistan – 115 all out vs New Zealand (2018)
Match Context: Pakistan faced a strong New Zealand bowling attack on a spinning pitch.
Key Performances:
- Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu shared key wickets.
- Pakistan’s top and middle order failed to rotate strike efficiently.
Memorable Moment: Collapse in the middle overs left the team far behind.
Winner: New Zealand chased the total with ease, winning by 8 wickets.
Most Runs Scored by Players in ODIs at R. Premadasa Stadium – Top 5
1. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 1,550+ runs
Overview: Jayasuriya is the leading run-scorer in ODIs at R. Premadasa Stadium.
Key Performances:
- Multiple centuries and fifties, including a highest score of 189.
- Aggressive starts at the top of the order set the tone for Sri Lanka’s innings.
Memorable Moment: His explosive batting in the 2010 ODI vs Pakistan helped Sri Lanka post a record 368/4.
2. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 1,200+ runs
Overview: Sangakkara’s elegance and consistency make him one of the most reliable batsmen at this ground.
Key Performances:
- Several match-winning fifties and a couple of centuries.
- His partnerships with Jayasuriya and Jayawardene often changed games.
Memorable Moment: Century against India in 2012 during a high-scoring encounter, anchoring Sri Lanka to victory.
3. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 1,050+ runs
Overview: Jayawardene played crucial innings in pressure situations, especially in chases.
Key Performances:
- Elegant centuries against India and Pakistan.
- Known for timing and calm batting under pressure.
Memorable Moment: His 130+ against India in 2012 was pivotal in a 350+ total for Sri Lanka.
4. Virat Kohli (India) – 950+ runs
Overview: Kohli has been one of the most successful visiting batsmen at this venue.
Key Performances:
- Multiple fifties and one century in tricky chasing conditions.
- Consistently maintained a high average across series in Colombo.
Memorable Moment: Century vs Sri Lanka in 2017 ODI series, almost single-handedly steering India to a competitive total.
5. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 900+ runs
Overview: Known for his aggressive style and quick scoring, de Villiers has made a mark at R. Premadasa Stadium.
Key Performances:
- A century and several explosive fifties in ODIs.
- Key player in South Africa’s high totals against Sri Lanka.
Final Words
The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo has truly earned its place as one of cricket’s iconic venues. From breathtaking centuries and record-breaking team totals to dramatic collapses and match-winning bowling performances, it has seen it all. Both men’s and women’s ODIs here have showcased the talent, resilience, and spirit of international cricket.
For fans and statisticians alike, the R. Premadasa Stadium ODI records reflect not just numbers, but unforgettable moments of cricketing brilliance. Whether it’s a historic win, a stellar individual performance, or a thrilling high-scoring match, this stadium continues to be a stage where legends are made.
FAQs – R. Premadasa Stadium ODI Records
Q1. When was the first ODI played at R. Premadasa Stadium?
A: The first ODI at R. Premadasa Stadium was played in 1982 between Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
Q2. Which player has scored the most ODI runs at R. Premadasa Stadium?
A: Sanath Jayasuriya holds the record for most runs in ODIs at this venue, with over 1,500 runs in men’s matches.
Q3. Which bowler has taken the most wickets in ODIs at R. Premadasa Stadium?
A: Muttiah Muralitharan is the top wicket-taker here, with 65+ ODI wickets.
Q4. What is the highest team total in men’s ODIs at R. Premadasa Stadium?
A: The highest team total is 368/4 by Sri Lanka against Pakistan in 2010.
Q5. What is the lowest team total in women’s ODIs at R. Premadasa Stadium?
A: The lowest women’s ODI total recorded is 92 all out by Pakistan against India in 2017.
Q6. Does the pitch favor batsmen or bowlers at R. Premadasa Stadium?
A: Early overs favor batsmen, but as the match progresses, the pitch assists spinners, making it challenging for batters in the middle and later overs.
Q7. Has R. Premadasa Stadium hosted major ICC tournaments?
A: Yes, it has hosted ICC Cricket World Cup matches (1996, 2011), Asia Cup matches, and several high-profile bilateral series.
