R. Premadasa Stadium, also known as the RPS or Khettarama Stadium, is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic cricket venues. Located in Colombo, this historic ground is famous for its spin-friendly pitch, humid conditions, and high-scoring ODI matches.
Over the years, R. Premadasa Stadium has hosted World Cups, Asia Cups, IPL (2010), bilateral series, and several memorable international encounters.
In this post, you’ll find complete information about R. Premadasa Stadium, including pitch report, seating capacity, location details, match stats, weather conditions, and FAQs.
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo – Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium |
| Former Name | Khettarama Stadium |
| Location | Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| Established | 1986 |
| Seating Capacity | Around 35,000 |
| First T20I | Sri Lanka vs New Zealand – 2009 |
| First ODI | Sri Lanka vs Australia – 1986 |
| First Test | Sri Lanka vs Australia – 1992 |
| Ends | Pavilion End, Scoreboard End |
| Home Team | Sri Lanka National Team |
| IPL Hosted | Yes (2010 season) |
| Owner | Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) |
R. Premadasa Stadium is well known for its dry surface, heavy humidity, and conditions that strongly favour spin bowlers.
R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report – Batting or Bowling Pitch?
The pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium is generally considered spin-friendly and slow.
The surface offers:
- Low to medium bounce
- Slow pace
- Strong grip for spinners
- Difficulty in stroke play as the match progresses
Batters can score runs if they apply themselves early, but once the pitch slows down, shot-making becomes challenging. Fast bowlers usually rely on cutters and variations rather than pace.
👉 Overall Pitch Nature: Slow and spin-dominated surface.
R. Premadasa Stadium T20 Pitch Report (T20Is & LPL)
In T20 cricket, the Colombo pitch often produces competitive and tactical matches.
- Batters must start cautiously
- Spinners dominate the middle overs
- Slower balls work effectively
- Dew sometimes impacts night games
- Big six-hitting is not very easy
Competitive 1st Innings Score: 150–170
Toss Preference: Bat first (pitch slows later)
R. Premadasa Stadium ODI Pitch Report
This venue has witnessed some massive ODI totals, including world-record scores.
- Early overs offer good batting conditions
- Pitch slows down later
- Spinners control the middle overs
- Pacers rely on variations
- Humidity plays a role
Safe First Innings Score: 270–300
Despite being slow, big ODI scores are possible when batters build partnerships.
R. Premadasa Stadium Test Pitch Report
Test matches here typically favour spin bowling.
- Days 1–2: Reasonable batting conditions
- Day 3: Pitch slows and starts turning
- Days 4–5: Sharp turn and uneven bounce
👉 A classic subcontinent Test surface favouring spinners heavily.
R. Premadasa Stadium Weather Today (Match Conditions)
Typical match-day conditions in Colombo:
- Temperature: 26°C – 33°C
- Humidity: High
- Dew Factor: Moderate
- Rain Impact: Possible during the monsoon
Humidity and heat can affect player fitness, and rain interruptions are sometimes common.
R. Premadasa Stadium – Ground Stats & Records
R. Premadasa Stadium T20I Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 62 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 26 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 35 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 143 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 128 |
| Highest Team Total | 215/5 (19.4 Ovs) By BAN vs SL |
| Lowest Team Total | 80/10 (17.2 Ovs) By AFG vs ENG |
R. Premadasa Stadium ODI Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 187 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 104 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 71 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 231 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 189 |
| Highest Team Total | 375/5 (50 Ovs) By IND vs SL |
| Lowest Team Total | 50/10 (15.2 Ovs) By SL vs IND |
R. Premadasa Stadium Test Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 8 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 2 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 3 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 319 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 385 |
| Average 3rd Innings Score | 288 |
| Average 4th Innings Score | 246 |
| Highest Team Total | 952/6 (271 Ovs) By SL vs IND |
| Lowest Team Total | 86/10 (27.4 Ovs) By BAN vs SL |
R. Premadasa Stadium FAQs
Where is R. Premadasa Stadium located?
R. Premadasa Stadium is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in the Khettarama area.
What is the seating capacity of R. Premadasa Stadium?
What is the seating capacity of R. Premadasa Stadium?
Is R. Premadasa Stadium a batting pitch?
The stadium is famous for hosting high-scoring ODIs, Asia Cup matches, World Cup games, and record-breaking performances.
What is the highest score in R. Premadasa Stadium?
The highest team totals recorded at R. Premadasa Stadium across formats include:
ODI: 375/5 – India vs Sri Lanka (2017)
T20I: 263/3 – Sri Lanka vs Kenya (2007)
Test: 760/7 declared – Sri Lanka vs India (1997)What type of pitch is the R. Premadasa Stadium?
The pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium is generally considered:
Slow and spin-friendly
Offers grip and turn as the match progresses
Favours spinners inthe middle and later overs
Batters need patience and smart shot selection
Pacers rely more on cutters and variations rather than raw pace
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, is a tactical cricket venue where patience, spin bowling, and smart batting are key to success. With its slow surface, humid conditions, and historical significance, the stadium consistently produces strategic and competitive matches across all formats.
