The HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala is one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in the world. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it has hosted many exciting ODI matches. Over the years, teams have put up some big scores on this ground. In this blog, we’ll dive into the top ODI scores recorded at Dharamsala Stadium, revisit standout team and individual performances, and highlight some fascinating numbers that define the venue’s ODI legacy.
About Dharamsala Cricket Stadium: Location, Capacity & Pitch Report
Nestled in India’s Himachal Pradesh, the Dharamsala Cricket Stadium—officially known as the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium—sits at around 1,457 meters (4,780 feet) above sea level, surrounded by the majestic Dhauladhar Mountains. With seating for roughly 21,200 spectators, it offers not just an unmatched atmosphere but also crisp mountain air that can influence game play. Early in a match, the cool conditions and altitude often favor swing bowlers. As the sun climbs and dew fades, the pitch becomes more batsman-friendly, encouraging boundaries and high scoring in the middle overs. This natural progression of conditions makes it a fascinating venue for graduates of the sport looking to understand match dynamics.
Location
- City: Dharamsala
- State: Himachal Pradesh, India
- Altitude: Approx. 1,457 meters (4,780 feet) above sea level
- Full Name: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium
- Established: 2003
- First ODI Match: January 27, 2013 (India vs England)
Stadium Capacity
- Seating Capacity: Around 21,200 spectators
- Known for: Breathtaking views of the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain range
Pitch Report
- Early Overs: Helps swing and seam bowlers due to cool, moist conditions
- Mid to Late Overs: Becomes more batsman-friendly as the pitch settles
- Boundary Size: Medium-sized boundaries, aiding stroke play
- Outfield: Generally fast, making it easy to find fours
- Dew Factor: Can play a major role in day-night matches
Highest ODI Totals at Dharamsala Stadium
| Team | Score | Overs | Opposition | Result | Match Date |
| Australia | 388 | 49.2 | New Zealand | Won | 28 Oct 2023 |
| New Zealand | 383/9 | 50.0 | Australia | Lost | 28 Oct 2023 |
| England | 364/9 | 50.0 | Bangladesh | Won | 10 Oct 2023 |
| India | 330/6 | 50.0 | West Indies | Won | 17 Oct 2014 |
| India | 274/6 | 48.0 | New Zealand | Won | 22 Oct 2023 |
| New Zealand | 273 | 50.0 | India | Lost | 22 Oct 2023 |
| West Indies | 271 | 48.1 | India | Lost | 17 Oct 2014 |
| Netherlands | 245/8 | 43.0 | South Africa | Won | 17 Oct 2023 |
| England | 227/3 | 47.2 | India | Won | 27 Jan 2013 |
| Bangladesh | 227 | 48.2 | England | Lost | 10 Oct 2023 |
| India | 226 | 49.4 | England | Lost | 27 Jan 2013 |
| South Africa | 207 | 42.5 | Netherlands | Lost | 17 Oct 2023 |
| India | 194/4 | 33.1 | New Zealand | Won | 16 Oct 2016 |
| New Zealand | 190 | 43.5 | India | Lost | 16 Oct 2016 |
| Bangladesh | 158/4 | 34.4 | Afghanistan | Won | 7 Oct 2023 |
| Afghanistan | 156 | 37.2 | Bangladesh | Lost | 7 Oct 2023 |
| Sri Lanka | 114/3 | 20.4 | India | Won | 10 Dec 2017 |
| India | 112 | 38.2 | Sri Lanka | Lost | 10 Dec 2017 |
Australia’s Dominance
Australia etched its name in Dharamsala’s ODI history with a record-breaking total against New Zealand on October 28, 2023, during a thrilling World Cup encounter. The Aussies piled up a massive 388 runs in just 49.2 overs, showcasing aggressive batting from the very start. Their top-order fired on all cylinders, taking full advantage of the batting-friendly conditions and punishing anything loose. This innings not only set a new benchmark for team totals at the venue but also highlighted how dangerous Australia can be on big occasions. Despite a brave chase by New Zealand, Australia’s record-setting performance stood tall, making it the highest ODI score ever recorded at the Dharamsala Stadium.
New Zealand’s Close Chase
New Zealand came heartbreakingly close to victory while setting their own record for the second highest ODI score in Dharamsala stadium. On October 28, 2023, in a high-scoring World Cup thriller against Australia, the Kiwis responded to a massive target with incredible determination. Led by some brilliant batting performances, New Zealand posted 383/9 in 50 overs, just 5 runs short of Australia’s total. Despite falling short, it remains one of the highest ODI scores in Dharamsala stadium history, and the match is still remembered as one of the most thrilling contests of the tournament. The innings showcased New Zealand’s depth, grit, and ability to handle pressure in tough conditions, especially at high-altitude venues like Dharamsala.
England’s Power-Packed Performance at Dharamsala
England made a strong statement during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup by posting one of the highest ODI scores in Dharamsala stadium history. On October 10, 2023, they took on Bangladesh and racked up a dominant 364/9 in 50 overs. The innings was anchored by a brilliant 140 from Dawid Malan, who was in sublime form, striking boundaries all around the ground. Supported by solid knocks from Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow, England capitalized on perfect batting conditions and a quick outfield to set an imposing total. Their aggressive approach and depth in batting made this innings not just one of the top ODI scores at Dharamsala, but also a showcase of England’s modern, fearless brand of cricket. This match remains a highlight in the venue’s history and a reminder of England’s firepower on the world stage.
India’s Memorable Moments at Dharamsala
Team India has delivered some outstanding performances at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, with one of the most notable coming against the West Indies on October 17, 2014. In that match, Virat Kohli led the charge with a brilliant 127 off 114 balls, supported by strong contributions from Ajinkya Rahane and Suresh Raina. The team finished with a solid total of 330/6, putting pressure on the opposition right from the start. Over the years, India has enjoyed great success at this venue, thanks to its lively atmosphere, pace-friendly pitch early on, and batting-friendly surface as the game progresses. Whether it’s with the bat or the ball, Indian players have often risen to the occasion in the cool mountain air of Dharamsala.
Top Individual Performances at Dharamsala Stadium
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Against | Match Date | Result |
| Dawid Malan (ENG) | 140 | 107 | 16 | 5 | Bangladesh | 10 Oct 2023 | Won |
| Virat Kohli (IND) | 127 | 114 | 13 | 3 | West Indies | 17 Oct 2014 | Won |
| Joe Root (ENG) | 82 | 68 | 8 | 1 | Bangladesh | 10 Oct 2023 | Won |
| Jonny Bairstow (ENG) | 52 | 59 | 8 | 0 | Bangladesh | 10 Oct 2023 | Won |
| Shreyas Iyer (IND) | 33* | 29 | 6 | 0 | New Zealand | 22 Oct 2023 | Won |
Top Bowling Performances in ODIs at Dharamsala
| Bowler | Figures | Overs | Against | Match Date | Result |
| Mohammed Shami (IND) | 5/54 | 10 | New Zealand | 22 Oct 2023 | Won |
| Suranga Lakmal (SL) | 4/13 | 10 | India | 10 Dec 2017 | Won |
| Bas de Leede (NED) | 2/36 | 10 | South Africa | 17 Oct 2023 | Won |
| Jasprit Bumrah (IND) | 2/45 | 10 | New Zealand | 22 Oct 2023 | Won |
| Lungi Ngidi (SA) | 2/57 | 10 | Netherlands | 17 Oct 2023 | Lost |
Final Words
Dharamsala Stadium may be known for its scenic beauty, but it has also delivered some of ODI cricket’s most memorable moments. From record-breaking totals to intense rivalries, it remains a ground where history is always just one innings away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the highest team score seen in an ODI match at Dharamsala?
A: The highest ODI score at Dharamsala Stadium is 388 runs, made by Australia against New Zealand on 28 October 2023 during the ICC Cricket World Cup.
Q2. Which teams have scored over 300 runs at Dharamsala in ODIs?
A: Teams like Australia (388), New Zealand (383), England (364), and India (330) have crossed the 300-run mark at this venue.
Q3. Is Dharamsala a batting or bowling-friendly pitch?
A: Dharamsala typically offers seam and swing for fast bowlers early on, but it becomes good for batting under clear conditions. The high scores in recent ODIs show it can be very batter-friendly too.