Cricket enthusiasts around the world recognize SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium as one of the most iconic venues in South Africa. Formerly known as Centurion Park, this stadium has earned a reputation for its fast-paced pitches, electric atmosphere, and world-class facilities. Whether you’re a fan looking for match insights, a player analyzing pitch conditions, or a tourist planning a visit, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about SuperSport Park.
Introduction to SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium
SuperSport Park, located in Centurion, South Africa, is one of the country’s premier cricket venues. With a seating capacity of 22,000, it offers an intimate yet electrifying experience for fans. The stadium is renowned for its fast and bouncy pitches, making it a favorite among pace bowlers. Over the years, it has hosted numerous historic matches, including high-scoring thrillers and intense Test battles.
For more details on other famous cricket grounds, check out Crickviews.
History and Significance
Originally named Centurion Park, the stadium was established in 1986 and hosted its first international match on 11 December 1992, featuring South Africa vs. India. In 1998, the broadcasting giant SuperSport acquired naming rights, leading to its current name.
The venue has since been a regular host for international fixtures, including ICC World Cup matches, Test series, and T20 leagues. Its modern facilities, including floodlights and state-of-the-art dressing rooms, make it a top choice for players and spectators alike.
Stadium Specifications & Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | SuperSport Park |
| Former Name | Centurion Park |
| Location | Centurion, South Africa |
| Established | 1986 |
| First Match | South Africa vs India (11 Dec 1992) |
| Capacity | 22,000 |
| Pitch Type | Fast & Bouncy |
| Bowling Ends | Pavilion End, Hennops River End |
| Floodlights | Yes |
| Shortest Boundary | 60 meters |
| Longest Boundary | 74 meters |
SuperSport Park Pitch Behavior & Conditions
The pitch at SuperSport Park is famous for its pace and bounce, making it a fast bowler’s paradise. However, batters who can handle the extra bounce find it an excellent surface for stroke play.
Key Pitch Characteristics:
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Fast & Bouncy: The pitch offers good carry, helping seamers generate movement.
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Early Assistance for Pacers: The first two days of a Test match favor fast bowlers.
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Batting-Friendly Later: As the game progresses, the pitch settles, allowing batters to score freely.
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Spinners Come into Play Late: In Tests, spinners may get turn on Days 4 & 5.
For more insights on pitch behaviors at other stadiums, visit Crickviews.
Batting vs. Bowling: Who Dominates?
While the pitch is bowler-friendly early on, teams batting first often post big totals once they adjust to the conditions. The average first-innings score in Tests is 327, indicating a balanced contest between bat and ball.
Key Observations:
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Test Matches: High-scoring draws are rare due to the pitch’s pace-friendly nature.
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ODIs: Teams prefer chasing, with 319/3 being the highest successful run chase (South Africa vs England).
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T20Is: The ground has seen explosive batting, with 259/4 being the highest T20I total (South Africa vs West Indies).
SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium Records & Stats
Test Matches
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Highest Team Total: 621 by South Africa vs Sri Lanka
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Lowest Team Total: 101 by England vs South Africa
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Highest Individual Score: 208 by Hashim Amla (SA vs WI)
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Best Bowling Figures: 7/29 by Kyle Abbott (SA vs PAK)
ODI Matches
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Highest Team Total: 416/5 by South Africa vs Australia
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Lowest Team Total: 118 by South Africa vs India
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Highest Individual Score: 178 by Quinton de Kock (SA vs AUS)
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Best Bowling Figures: 5/14 by Trent Johnson (IRE vs CAN)
T20I Matches
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Highest Team Total: 259/4 by South Africa vs West Indies
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Lowest Team Total: 100 by South Africa vs Pakistan
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Highest Individual Score: 122 by Babar Azam (PAK vs SA)
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Best Bowling Figures: 5/6 by Umar Gul (PAK vs SA)
For more stadium records, explore Crickviews.
South Africa’s Performance at SuperSport Park
Test Record
| Matches | Won | Lost | Draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 23 | 3 | 3 |
ODI Record
| Matches | Won | Lost | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | 27 | 17 | 2 |
T20I Record
| Matches | Won | Lost |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | 6 | 8 |
SuperSport Park Photos: A Visual Tour
[Insert high-quality images of the stadium, pitch, crowd, and memorable moments]
Boundary Length & Dimensions
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Shortest Boundary: 60 meters
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Longest Boundary: 74 meters
The dimensions make it a balanced ground—neither too small for bowlers nor too large for batters.
Stadium Capacity & Seating Arrangements
With 22,000 seats, the stadium offers excellent visibility from all stands. The grass banks and covered stands ensure a comfortable viewing experience.
Location & How to Reach
Address: 283 West Ave, Die Hoewes, Centurion, 0046, South Africa
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By Car: 30-minute drive from Johannesburg.
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Public Transport: Gautrain and local buses available.
FAQs About SuperSport Park
Is SuperSport Park a small stadium?
No, it accommodates 22,000 spectators, making it a mid-sized but lively venue.
What was the previous name of SuperSport Park?
It was originally called Centurion Park.
Is the pitch batting or bowling-friendly?
It favors fast bowlers early on but becomes good for batting as the match progresses.
For more cricket stadium guides, visit Crickviews.
Final Thoughts
SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium, SuperSport Park remains one of South Africa’s most iconic cricket venues, offering a perfect blend of pace-friendly conditions and thrilling contests. Whether you’re a player, fan, or analyst, understanding its pitch behavior, records, and dimensions can enhance your cricket experience.
Would you like to see a match here? Let us know in the comments!
