Bay Oval, located in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, has quickly gained recognition for its excellent facilities and picturesque setting. In addition to its boundary dimensions (straight at around 70 meters and square between 66-75 meters), the ground is known for its batting-friendly pitch. The surface is generally hard and flat, making it easier for players to score freely, especially in limited-overs formats like T20s and ODIs.

In terms of records, Bay Oval has hosted numerous thrilling matches across formats. Notably, it has been the venue for New Zealand’s historic Test wins as well as high-scoring ODIs. Some memorable performances include Rachin Ravindra’s 240 against South Africa in February 2024, setting a new benchmark for individual scores.

The ground also has a reputation for its scenic backdrop—with the Mount Maunganui (a dormant volcano) visible from the stands, offering a spectacular view during matches. Moreover, it’s located near the beach, providing fans and players with a unique and refreshing environment. This combination of natural beauty and modern cricket facilities makes it a standout venue in New Zealand’s cricket calendar.

If you’re looking for more about Bay Oval, its records, and match history, you can explore further through sources like the official cricket websites or Wikipedia pages.

Boundary Dimensions

Bay Oval, situated in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, is a modern and picturesque cricket ground that has hosted various international and domestic matches. The stadium’s boundary dimensions include:

Straight boundaries: Approximately 70 meters.
Square boundaries: Vary between 66 and 75 meters, depending on the side.

These dimensions create a balanced pitch that can favor both bowlers and batsmen. The ground is known for its flat pitch, which provides good support for batsmen while also offering opportunities for fast bowlers. The surrounding scenery, with the nearby beach and volcanic hills, adds to the appeal of the ground.

The stadium has witnessed some iconic performances, including high-scoring T20Is and ODIs, and continues to be a key venue in New Zealand’s cricket landscape.

Pitch characteristics

The pitch characteristics at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, are known for being batsman-friendly, especially in limited-overs formats like ODIs and T20s. The pitch is generally flat with minimal assistance for spin bowlers, which makes it easier for batsmen to score runs freely. Fast bowlers benefit from early movement, especially under overcast conditions, but the surface tends to offer fewer challenges as the game progresses.

Historically, Bay Oval has been a ground where high scores are often seen, especially in ODIs, with notable records for large team totals. The weather and sea breezes also influence play, making it a unique experience for players. On occasion, the outfield is fast, which contributes to additional boundaries.

Notable matches

Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui has hosted numerous memorable and notable matches across formats. Some key highlights include:

England vs. New Zealand (2019) – The ground hosted a thrilling Test match between New Zealand and England, where New Zealand dominated, winning by an innings and 65 runs. This was a significant match, showcasing Bay Oval’s ability to hold high-profile Test matches.
New Zealand vs. Pakistan (2020) – The Boxing Day Test between New Zealand and Pakistan saw New Zealand emerging victorious by 101 runs, marking a historic win at this venue.
New Zealand vs. Bangladesh (2022) – Bay Oval witnessed Bangladesh’s historic 8-wicket victory over New Zealand, marking their first-ever win against the Kiwis in New Zealand.
ODI Matches – The venue has hosted several high-scoring ODIs. A notable match was the New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka ODI in 2019, where New Zealand posted a huge total of 371/7, a record for the ground.
T20 International – Bay Oval also hosted a memorable T20I match between New Zealand and the West Indies, which saw explosive batting performances.

These matches highlight the versatility of Bay Oval, making it a prominent and highly regarded cricket venue in New Zealand. For more about these games, detailed stats can be found on various cricket databases like ESPN or the ICC’s official site.