Narendra Modi Stadium, formerly known as Motera Stadium, stands as a colossal monument to cricket in the heart of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This stadium is set as the venue for Match 1 (ENG vs NZ), Match 12 (IND vs PAK), Match 36 (ENG vs AFG), Match 42 (SA vs AFG) in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this venue special.
ICC Cricket World Cup Final: INDIA vs SA/AUS
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A Storied History of Narendra Modi Stadium
Established in 1982, Narendra Modi Stadium is an architectural marvel. It sits on the banks of the Sabarmati river and boasts a staggering capacity of 132,000 spectators. This colossal structure, also known as Sardar Patel Stadium or Gujarat Stadium, was constructed within a mere nine months, thanks to a 50-acre land donation by the state government. Over the years, the stadium has witnessed significant renovations, including the addition of state-of-the-art floodlights and covered stands ahead of the 2006 Champions Trophy.
Cricketing Milestones
Narendra Modi Stadium has been a witness to historic cricketing moments.
- Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar achieved his 10,000 Test runs milestone on this hallowed ground during a match against Pakistan in 1986-87.
- Seven years later, Kapil Dev surpassed Richard Hadlee’s record as Test cricket’s leading wicket-taker here.
- CSK beat GT by 5 wickets (D/L method) – IPL, Mon 29th May 2023
While the pitch initially favored bowlers, it gradually transformed into a track that neither aided bowlers nor stroke players, resulting in a series of draws. However, the tide changed dramatically in 2008 when South Africa bowled out India for a mere 76 runs on the first morning of a Test match, concluding the game in just three days.
World Record: Largest Cricket Stadium
The Narendra Modi Stadium is a modern masterpiece, currently holding the title of the world’s largest cricket stadium with its awe-inspiring capacity. Managed by the Gujarat Cricket Association, it hosts Test, ODI, and T20I matches, making it a cricketing mecca for fans around the world. Its recent reconstruction, completed in 2020 at a cost of ₹800 crores (US$110 million), solidified its status as a state-of-the-art facility.
Cricketing Statistics and Records
The stadium’s records speak volumes about its cricketing significance. In T20 matches held at Narendra Modi Stadium, the team batting first has won four times, while the team batting second has emerged victorious thrice. The average score for the first innings is 188, while for the second innings, it drops to 152. The highest total achieved on this ground is an impressive 234/4 by India against New Zealand in 2023, while the lowest stands at a mere 66 by New Zealand against India in the same year. The highest successful chase is 166/3 by India against England in 2021.
As we gear up for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Narendra Modi Stadium stands ready to witness new milestones and cricketing glory. With its unmatched history and world-record-breaking capacity, it promises to be a stage where legends are made.
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