Top 10 largest cricket stadiums in South Africa (2024 list)

Top 10 largest cricket stadiums in South Africa (2024 list)

The first recognized cricket match in South African history was played between two teams of British officers in 1808. The country is a world-class cricketing country and an ICC full member, but it did not join the international league until 1992. Some of the largest cricket stadiums were built in the 19th century.

cricket stadium in South Africa
South Africa has some of the oldest sporting venues and has hosted some of cricket's most memorable moments. Photo: Julian Finney
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Here are ten of South Africa's most iconic and significant cricket grounds, each guaranteeing a once-in-a-lifetime vacation for the fans of the popular sport.

How many international cricket stadiums are in South Africa?

International cricket in this country is played on 16 different grounds. While several of these grounds have hosted and will continue hosting these high-level matches, others are no longer operating. Five are regularly used in international cricket while serving as a home stadium for local events.

Which is the biggest cricket ground in South Africa?

Wanderers Cricket Ground in Johannesburg is regarded as South Africa's premier cricketing venue; it is undoubtedly the country's largest test venue and is top on our list.

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1. Wanderers, Johannesburg

cricket stadium in South Africa
The 34,000-seat stadium was constructed in 1956 to replace the Old Wanderers Stadium. In 1991, it underwent a comprehensive renovation. Photo: Julian Finney
Source: Getty Images
  • Opened: 1956
  • Known as: Kent Park
  • Location: Johannesburg
  • Home to: Gauteng, Transvaal

The stadium is in Illovo, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa, just south of Sandton. Cricket Test matches and first-class matches are played here. Moreover, it serves as the Highveld Lions' home field, formerly known as Gauteng.

When Michael Atherton batted for over 10 hours to win the Test in 1995, the venue gained new significance after being readmitted.

2. Kingsmead Ground, Durban

cricket stadiums in South Africa
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa's cricket field. Although some of the viewing area is grass terracing, its stated capacity is 25,000. Photo: Gallo Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Opened: 1888
  • Known as: Sahara
  • Location: Durban
  • Home to: KwaZulu-Natal, Natal

The location hosted the South African team's first home Test after being readmitted to international competition and the Test against the English cricket team in 1939. The KwaZulu-Natal Dolphins play their home games there.

The match between India and England in 2007, during which Yuvraj Singh scored the quickest fifty in history, was played here. The pitch is next to a beach and is known as a seamers' wicket, and it is one of the few international cricket grounds in South Africa.

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3. Newlands cricket stadium, Cape Town

cricket stadiums in South Africa
With a seating capacity of 25,000 with views of Table Mountain and Devil's Peak, Newlands is one of the most picturesque bowling grounds in the world. Photo: David Rogers
Source: Getty Images
  • Opened: 1888
  • Known as: Western Province Cricket Club
  • Location: Cape Town
  • Home to: Western Province

The Cape Cobras' home, also named Six Gun Grill Newlands, was founded in 1888. The Western Province Cricket Association, which owns Newlands Cricket Sports complex, announced in March 2019 that they have partnered with Sanlam to create a new office-block development as part of the ground. It is next to the rugby union and Newlands Stadium.

4. Centurion Park

cricket stadiums in South Africa
The 22,000-seat stadium is situated in Centurion, Gauteng. SuperSport acquired ownership of the stadium. Photo: Gallo Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Opened: 1986
  • Known as: SuperSport Centurion
  • Location: Bloemfontein
  • Home to: Northern Transvaal, Northern

SuperSport Park stadium made history in 2018 by hosting the first Boxing Day Test between SA and Pakistan, and again in 2019 when it hosted South Africa and England. The other significant accomplishment was hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2009 final on October 5, 2009.

Since 2004, this location has hosted most home matches for the Titans team. It has been the home ground for Northern Transvaal since 1986

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5. Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

cricket stadiums in South Africa
With a capacity of 20,000, the venue hosted the first international match in December 1992, when South Africa easily defeated India by an eight-wicket margin. Photo: Alex Davidson
Source: Getty Images
  • Opened: 1989
  • Known as: Chevrolet Park, OUTsurance Oval, Goodyear Park, Springbok Park
  • Location: Bloemfontein
  • Home to: Free State, Orange Free State

The Oval in Bloemfontein was previously called Springbok Park, Chevrolet Park, Goodyear Park, and OUTsurance Oval. After Zimbabwe's visit in October 2000, it was granted full test status.

As a Free State team player who frequently played there, Allan Donald helped shape South Africa's Test history. During the first Test against New Zealand in November 2000, Allan became the first South African bowler to record 300 Test wickets.

6. Willowmoore Park, Benoni

cricket stadiums in South Africa
The stadium, which can host up to 20,000 fans, has a cutting-edge new sub-surface and ring drainage system and three additional pitches to improve consistency. Photo: Matthew Lewis-ICC
Source: Getty Images
  • Opened: 1924
  • Known as: Sahara Willowmoore Park
  • Location: Benoni
  • Home to: South Africa, Easterns

The multi-purpose stadium in Benoni, South Africa, is mainly used for matches nowadays and hosted two games during the 2003 Cricket World Cup.

For sponsorship reasons, After withdrawing their sponsorship from St Georges Park in Port Elizabeth, Sahara began sponsoring Willowmoore Park and changed its name to Sahara Willowmoore Park.

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7 Port Elizabeth stadium

cricket stadiums in South Africa
Up to 19,000 people can be hosted on this ground, established in 1882. Twenty-five international matches have been played here, including five in the 2003 World Cup. Photo: Stu Forster
Source: Getty Images
  • Opened: 1882
  • Known as: Sahara Oval; Crusaders Ground, St Georges Park
  • Location: Port Elizabeth
  • Home to: Eastern Province

This cricket ground in St Georges Park, Port Elizabeth, is home to the Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, one of the oldest clubs in South Africa and the Eastern Province Club. St George's Park, located near the city centre, is easily accessible by public transport, car, or foot. Like other South African grounds, it mixes open space and covered seating.

8. Senwes Park, Potchefstroom

cricket stadiums in South Africa
Up to 18,000 people can fit in this sports complex which hosted its first T20I match for South Africa against Bangladesh on October 29, 2017. Photo: Matthew Fearn
Source: Getty Images
  • Opened: 1998
  • Known as: North West Stadium Sedgars Park, Potchefstroom
  • Location: Potchefstroom
  • Home to: South Africa, North West

Senwes pitch is located in Potchefstroom, North West province. It hosted two Test matches, the first in 2002. The Highveld Lions also have their home games here. Although the stadium is fully functional and has all the amenities, international matches are rarely played there.

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9. Buffalo Park, East-London

cricket stadiums in South Africa
This floodlit venue which can accommodate 15,000 people, has hosted only one test match in October 2002 and several one-day-Internationals. Photo: Gareth Copley
Source: Getty Images
  • Opened: 1992
  • Known as: Mercedes-Benz Park
  • Location: East London
  • Home to: Border, Warriors

Buffalo Park ground is in East London, Eastern Cape province. It is the Warriors' home ground. Due to sponsorship from the German automaker, Mercedes-Benz Park is another name for Buffalo Park. While the new sponsor has jokingly renamed it "The Carpark," it is still known as "The Buffs," as it has been for years.

10. De Beers Diamond Oval, Kimberley

cricket stadiums in South Africa
The VKB Knights and the Northern Cape play games in the 11,000-capacity ground. Photo: Clive Mason
Source: Getty Images
  • Opened: 1973
  • Known as: Diamond Oval
  • Location: Kimberley
  • Home to: Griqualand West

The arena is between Lardner Burke Avenue and Dickenson Avenue in Kimberley's Cassandra district. It is close to the Kimberley country club and the De Beers technical training campus. The stadium has large open space with plenty of grass banks, which have proven popular with many fans. The South African team is a tenant of the arena, which has hosted live games from the 2003 World Cup.

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Which is the best cricket stadium in South Africa?

The country produces some outstanding cricket grounds in breathtaking settings, but Wanderers Stadium stands out. It has a much larger capacity for spectators than many other countries worldwide.

Which is the other name of the South African cricket field?

The Wanderers pitch, formerly known as Kent Park, is now known as the 'Bullring' due to its intimidating atmosphere and rich history.

In the list above, we have narrowed down to ten stadiums in South Africa based on seating, infrastructure, surroundings, spectators, and popularity. These grounds have hosted international and domestic games, but only a few stand out as the most iconic.

READ ALSO: Top 25 biggest stadiums in the world

Briefly.co.za noted that stadiums worldwide are used for various indoor sports and events, but most are used for soccer. With a massive fan base worldwide, huge stadiums are required to attract avid spectators of the sport. Check out the list of the world's 25 largest and most beautiful stadiums.

Source: Briefly News

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Sheila Kamau Sheila Kamau is a content writer who writes magazines, press releases, blogs and newsletters. She currently writes on matters ranging from life hacks to biographies on Briefly. She can be reached at kamausheila6@gmail.com