Sahara Park Newlands (Newlands Cricket Ground)

Description

Reckoned by many to be the most picturesque test cricket venue in the world, Sahara Park Newlands is more commonly referred to as “Newlands” by cricket fans who avidly attend domestic and international matches in Cape Town, South Africa. With a backdrop of mountains cloaked in clouds and grounds graced by impressive stands, open grassed areas, tasteful chalets and trees; Newlands has become synonymous with a fantastic cricket atmosphere and is a favoured venue for spectators around the world.

Newlands was one of the primary venues for the 2003 Cricket World Cup, hosting both the opening ceremony and the opening match between South Africa and the West Indies. It was a disappointing shock when the islanders beat the home side.

The ground is currently home to the Cape Cobras, who play in the SuperSport Series, MTN Domestic Championship, and Standard Bank Pro20 competitions. It is close to (and should not be confused with) Newlands Stadium, which is a rugby and football venue.

In March 1889, Newlands hosted its first Test match. England beat South Africa by an innings and 202 runs. The first One Day International played at the ground was in December 1992 when South Africa beat India by 6 wickets. As of January 2011, there have been 35 One-day Internationals played at the ground including 5 in the 2003 Cricket World Cup.

The ground underwent numerous changes between 1991 and 1997. Large portions of the grass embankments were replaced by pavilions, increasing the seating capacity to 25,000. Most grounds tend to favour pacemen or batsmen, but Newlands is one of the few cricket grounds in South Africa that tends to favour spinners.