Basin Reserve, Wellington
Basin Reserve, located in Wellington, New Zealand, is one of the most iconic and historic cricket grounds in the world. Established in 1868, it holds the distinction of being New Zealand’s oldest Test venue and has been at the heart of the nation’s cricketing heritage for more than 150 years. Nestled at the foot of Mount Victoria, the Basin Reserve combines picturesque beauty with a rich sporting legacy, making it one of the most beloved venues for players and fans alike.
With a seating capacity of around 11,600, the Basin offers an intimate and charming setting for cricket, where spectators are treated to close-up views of the action. Known for its traditional grassy embankments, wooden pavilion, and relaxed atmosphere, the ground provides a unique blend of nostalgia and excitement. The pitch at the Basin Reserve generally favors fast bowlers early on due to the lively Wellington breeze and seam movement, while flattening out later to assist batsmen, making for balanced and competitive matches.
The venue has hosted numerous memorable moments in cricket history, including record-breaking performances and thrilling Test match finishes. It is home to the Wellington Firebirds in domestic cricket and regularly hosts international Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Beyond cricket, Basin Reserve holds cultural significance as a listed heritage site and a central landmark in Wellington’s sporting landscape. Its timeless charm, sporting tradition, and breathtaking backdrop make it not only a symbol of New Zealand cricket but also one of the most admired cricket grounds in the world.
One Day International (ODI) Ground Records & Statistics (Overview)
| Category | Statistic / Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 31 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 16 (47.06%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 12 (35.29%) |
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 13 (38.24%) |
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 15 (44.12%) |
| Matches Tied | 0 (0.00%) |
| Matches with No Result | 3 (9.68%) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 126 – Shoaib Mohammad (Pakistan) vs New Zealand, 8 Mar 1989 126 – D P Conway (New Zealand) vs Bangladesh, 26 Mar 2021 |
| Best Bowling (Innings) | 5/17 – T M Alderman (Australia) vs New Zealand, 20 Feb 1982 |
| Highest Team Innings | 318/6 – New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 26 Mar 2021 |
| Lowest Team Innings | 74 – New Zealand vs Australia, 20 Feb 1982 |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 254/4 – New Zealand vs Pakistan, 8 Mar 1989 |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 26.85 |
| Average Runs per Over | 4.53 |
| Average Score Batting First | 200 |
Test Cricket Ground Records & Statistics (Overview)
| Category | Statistic / Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 69 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 16 (23.19%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 29 (42.03%) |
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 19 (27.54%) |
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 26 (37.68%) |
| Matches Drawn | 24 (34.78%) |
| Matches Tied | 0 (0.00%) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 302 – B B McCullum (New Zealand) vs India, 14 Feb 2014 |
| Best Bowling (Innings) | 7/23 – R J Hadlee (New Zealand) vs India, 13 Feb 1976 |
| Best Bowling (Match) | 13/55 – C A Walsh (West Indies) vs New Zealand, 10 Feb 1995 |
| Highest Team Innings | 680/8 dec – New Zealand vs India, 14 Feb 2014 |
| Lowest Team Innings | 42 – New Zealand vs Australia, 29 Mar 1946 |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 277/3 – Pakistan vs New Zealand, 26 Dec 2003 |
| Average Opening Stand (Runs) | 31.86 |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 32.39 |
| Average Runs per Over | 2.99 |
| Average Score Batting First | 314 |