Tuesday, 3 June 2025

 

McLean Park Napier Cricket Ground: Boundary Length Details

McLean Park

Nestled in the coastal city of Napier on New Zealand’s North Island, McLean Park is one of the most picturesque and historic cricket venues in the country. While it is renowned for its sunny weather and fast outfields, one often overlooked yet strategically significant aspect of the ground is its boundary dimensions.

Understanding boundary lengths is crucial for both teams and fans. It affects batting strategies, field placements, and bowling tactics. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the boundary details of McLean Park, along with how they influence gameplay.

Overview of McLean Park

FeatureDetail
LocationNapier, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Established1911
CapacityApprox. 19,700
First International Match1979 (ODI)
Pitch TypeDrop-in, generally flat
Notable UseODI & T20Is, occasional Tests

Ground Structure and Layout

McLean Park is primarily a multi-purpose stadium, used for both rugby and cricket. This dual use has influenced its shape. Unlike some oval grounds in New Zealand like the Basin Reserve, McLean Park is more rectangular, especially in its rugby configuration. However, for cricket, the playing area is extended with temporary modifications.

Boundary Lengths at McLean Park

The ground’s boundary sizes are generally shorter than average, especially square of the wicket, making it a high-scoring venue. However, dimensions can vary slightly based on pitch position and boundary rope placements for each match.

Approximate Boundary Dimensions (in meters)

DirectionMinimum LengthMaximum Length
Straight (Long Off/On)65 m72 m
Square (Off/Leg Side)58 m65 m
Behind Square (Fine Leg/Third Man)55 m63 m
Cover/Extra Cover60 m68 m
Mid-Wicket60 m67 m

Note: Boundary lengths can change up to 5–7 meters depending on the exact pitch position and match-day setup.

Why Boundary Lengths Matter

1. Batting-Friendly Venue

Short square boundaries make McLean Park a haven for attacking batters, particularly in white-ball cricket. Power hitters often target these areas to clear the fence with ease.

2. Bowler Challenges

Pace bowlers can struggle if they miss their lengths. Spinners might fare better by bowling wide of the crease or angling across the batsman to minimize the hitting zone toward the short sides.

3. Field Placement

Captains need to be tactical about boundary protection. For example, in T20 matches, captains often deploy deep square and fine leg fielders early in the innings due to the shorter distances.

Boundary Influence in Matches

Some famous high-scoring ODIs and T20s have taken place at McLean Park due in part to its boundary structure.

High-Scoring Matches at McLean Park

MatchTotal ScoreKey Performers
NZ vs Ind (2014, ODI)NZ 292/7, Ind 268Ross Taylor 123
NZ vs Eng (2018, ODI)Eng 335/9Bairstow 138, Hales 61
NZ vs SL (2019, ODI)NZ 371/7Martin Guptill 138

In each of these matches, more than 20 boundaries were scored, underscoring the ease of clearing the ropes.

Pitch Position & Temporary Adjustments

McLean Park typically uses center and slightly off-center pitches. Depending on the pitch location:

  • Square boundaries can shrink or expand by 3–5 meters.
  • Straight boundaries can sometimes be brought in slightly, especially during T20 matches to create more excitement.

This flexibility gives ground staff and match officials a tool to balance contests or adjust for windy conditions.

Wind Factor and Ground Orientation

Napier is known for breezy coastal weather. The wind usually blows across the pitch rather than along it, favoring batsmen when hitting with the breeze, especially toward the Harris Stand side.

Understanding the prevailing wind can help batters plan aerial shots, especially over shorter boundaries.

Tactical Implications

For Batsmen:

  • Exploit short square boundaries with horizontal bat shots (cut, pull, sweep).
  • Time aerial shots over midwicket or cover when wind is in favor.

For Bowlers:

  • Use wider angles and yorkers to limit free swings.
  • Vary pace and lengths to avoid predictable deliveries into short boundaries.

For Captains:

  • Protect shorter boundaries with sweeper fielders.
  • Rotate bowlers based on wind direction and boundary placements.

While it may not have the mystique of Eden Gardens or the raw bounce of the WACA, McLean Park holds its own through strategic quirks like short boundaries and wind patterns. These factors combine to make it one of the most entertaining grounds for limited-overs cricket. Understanding its dimensions is key—not just for players but for fans trying to appreciate the deeper layers of the game.

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Length of Boundary Rope at Feroz Shah Kotla Cricket Ground

Feroz Shah

Feroz Shah Kotla Cricket Ground: Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, now officially known as the Arun Jaitley Stadium, is one of India’s oldest and most iconic cricket venues. Located in Delhi, this ground has witnessed numerous memorable cricketing moments, from record-breaking innings to historic wins. While fans usually focus on the players and performances, another vital yet often overlooked aspect of cricket grounds is the boundary rope—specifically, its length and placement.

Understanding the Boundary Rope

In cricket, the boundary rope defines the outermost edge of the playing field. When the ball crosses this rope, it’s deemed a boundary—four runs if it bounces before crossing, six if it crosses on the full. The length of the boundary rope directly affects gameplay strategies and player decisions, especially for batsmen and fielders.

According to International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, the minimum distance from the center of the pitch to the boundary should be 59.43 meters (65 yards), and the maximum is 82.29 meters (90 yards). However, due to space constraints, especially in older stadiums like Feroz Shah Kotla, the boundary length may vary in different directions.

Boundary Dimensions at Feroz Shah Kotla

Though the exact measurements may vary slightly depending on pitch position and temporary adjustments, the typical boundary lengths at Feroz Shah Kotla (Arun Jaitley Stadium) are as follows:

DirectionApproximate Distance (Meters)Notes
Straight (North-South)70 – 75Slight variations with pitch rotation
Square (East-West)65 – 67Shorter than straight boundaries
Fine Leg / Third Man60 – 62Usually among the shortest boundaries
Deep Midwicket / Cover68 – 72Moderate distance, depends on setup

These figures indicate that while the straight boundaries are relatively standard, the square boundaries are notably shorter, which can be advantageous for players adept at horizontal-bat shots like cuts and pulls.

Historical Context and Changes

Feroz Shah Kotla, established in 1883, wasn’t initially designed to meet modern international dimensions. Over the decades, with renovations and reconstructions, the stadium has evolved to accommodate contemporary standards. The most significant updates occurred in the 2000s and again around 2019 when the ground was renamed after Arun Jaitley.

Older matches featured boundary ropes closer to the pitch—sometimes around 60 meters all around, significantly favoring batsmen. However, post-2010, as part of global efforts to maintain fairness between bat and ball, the ropes were pushed back to align with ICC norms.

Impact on the Game

1. Batting Strategies

Shorter boundaries at Kotla, especially square of the wicket, have made it a batsman-friendly venue. Players often target the shorter sides, and spinners tend to be more cautious, altering their lengths to reduce scoring opportunities.

2. Bowling Considerations

Bowlers, especially fast bowlers, may avoid bowling wide lines that batsmen can exploit toward shorter square boundaries. Spinners tend to flight the ball less and rely more on flatter deliveries to prevent lofted shots clearing the rope.

3. Field Placements

Captains strategically adjust fielders to protect shorter zones. Deep square leg and deep point often come into play at Kotla, particularly during limited-overs formats like ODIs and T20s.

Comparisons with Other Grounds

Let’s compare Feroz Shah Kotla’s boundary sizes with some other major Indian stadiums:

StadiumAvg. Straight Boundary (m)Avg. Square Boundary (m)
Arun Jaitley Stadium7266
Eden Gardens, Kolkata7569
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai7064
M. Chinnaswamy, Bengaluru6863
Narendra Modi Stadium7870

As seen, Kotla’s dimensions are moderate compared to other grounds, with shorter square boundaries than Eden Gardens or Narendra Modi Stadium but larger than Chinnaswamy Stadium, known for its small size.

Challenges and Criticism

Despite its upgrades, Kotla has faced criticism regarding uneven boundary sizes. In some matches, there’s been a noticeable disparity of over 10 meters between opposite sides. Such inconsistencies can skew match balance, particularly in T20 games where every meter counts. Moreover, replays have occasionally shown ropes pulled inward to accommodate advertising boards or safety concerns, sparking controversy over fairness.

Future Developments

The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has announced intentions to further modernize the stadium. Upcoming changes may include:

  • Standardizing boundary dimensions closer to the ICC maximum to support bowlers.
  • Improving field drainage and turf conditions.
  • Enhancing spectator facilities without compromising ground size.

The boundary rope at Feroz Shah Kotla is not just a peripheral element—it actively shapes the dynamics of cricket matches played there. While not the longest in the country, its variable distances add a unique flavor to the venue, influencing tactics, scoring patterns, and player performance. With continuous modernization and adherence to international standards, the boundary lengths at Kotla aim to ensure a balanced contest between bat and ball—upholding the rich legacy of this storied cricket ground.

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IPL 2025: Champion RCB got so many crores in prize money, see the full list of Award-Winners here

RCB

RCB: RCB won the final against Punjab by 6 runs

RCB: The final match of IPL 2025 was played between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Let us tell you that Bangalore won this match by 6 runs. So at the same time, after this victory, after a long wait of 17 years, it won the IPL trophy.

RCB: Batting first, Bangalore set a target of 191 runs for Punjab to win, but when they came out to chase this target, they could score only 184 runs and lost the match by 6 runs. So at the same time, the team’s experienced spinner Krunal Pandya played an important role in helping RCB win this match, who took 2 wickets for just 17 runs in 4 overs.

RCB: For this brilliant performance, he was awarded the Player of the Match award. Along with winning the trophy, RCB also got a huge prize money of Rs 20 crore. Let’s know about the rest of the award winners:

RCB: IPL 2025 Award Winners List: Take a look at every award received after the Indian Premier League final

IPL 2025: Indian Premier League 2025 Winner-

Award Name Winner- Prize Money

Winner- Royal Challengers Bangalore- 20 Crore

IPL 2025: Indian Premier League 2025 Runner-up-

Award Name- Winner- Prize Money

Runner-Up- Punjab Kings- 12.5 Crore

IPL 20245: Fairplay Award

Award Name- Winner

Fairplay Award- Chennai Super Kings

IPL 2025: IPL 2025 Orange Cap (Most Runs)

Award Name- Winner- Prize Money

Orange Cap- Sai Sudarshan (759 Runs)- 10 Lakh

IPL 2025: IPL 2025 Purple Cap (Most Wickets)

Award Name- Winner- Prize Money

Purple Cap- Prasidh Krishna (25 wickets)- 10 Lakhs

IPL 2025: Most Valuable Player of the Season-

Award Name- Winner- Prize Money

Most Valuable- Player of the Season- Suryakumar Yadav- 10 Lakhs

IPL 2025: Emerging Player of the Tournament-

Award Name- Winner- Prize Money

Emerging Player of the Tournament- Sai Sudarshan- 20 Lakhs

IPL 2025: Super Striker of the Season-

Award Name- Winner- Prize Money

Super Striker of the Season- Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)- 207 Strike Rate- 10 Lakhs

IPL 2025: Most Sixes in the Season-

Award Name- Winner- Prize Money

Most Sixes- Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants) 40 Sixes- 10 Lakhs

IPL 2025: Most Fours in a Season

Award Name- Winner- Prize Money

Most Fours- Sai Sudarshan (Gujarat Titans) 88 Fours- 10 Lakhs

IPL 2025: Catch of the Season

Award Name- Winner- Prize Money

Catch of the Season- Kamindu Mendis vs CSK- Match 43- 10 Lakhs

Ultimate Fantasy Player of the Season

Award Name- Winner- Prize Money

Ultimate Fantasy Player of the Season- Sai Sudarshan (1495 Points)- 10 Lakhs

IPL 2025: Player of the Final Match-

Award Name- Winner- Prize Money

Player of the Final Match- Krunal Pandya- 5 Lakh

IPL 2025: Most Sixes in Final Match

Award Name- Winner- Prize Money

Most Sixes in Final Match- Shashank Singh – 6 Sixes- 1 Lakh

IPL 2025: Super Striker of the Final-

Award Name- Winner- Prize Money

Punch.ev Electric Super Striker of the Final- Marcus Stoinis – 300 Strike Rate- 1 Lakh

IPL 2025: Most Fours in Final Match

Award Name- Winner- Prize Money

Most Fours- Priyansh Arya (4 Fours)- 1 Lakh

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IPL 2025: RCB won by 6 runs against PBKS in the final, know what was the turning point of the match?

RCB

RCB: Let us tell you about the turning point of the match

Royal Challengers Bangalore won by 6 runs against Punjab Kings in the final of IPL 2025. With this, RCB finally won the IPL trophy after a long gap of 17 years.

Telling you about the match, after losing the toss and batting first, Royal Challengers Bangalore scored 190 runs in 20 overs. Veteran batsman Virat Kohli played a brilliant innings of 43 runs for the team.

RCB: After this, when Punjab Kings came out to chase the target of 191 runs given by RCB, they could only score 184 runs in 20 overs and lost the match by a narrow margin of 6 runs. Let’s know about the turning point of this match:

RCB vs PBKS, Turning Point of IPL 2025 Final Match

When Punjab Kings came out to chase the target of 191 runs given by Royal Challengers Bangalore in the match, openers Priyansh Arya (24) and Prabhsimran Singh (26) gave the team a good start by sharing 43 runs for the first wicket.

After both the wickets fell in the 8th over, the responsibility of scoring runs quickly was taken up by wicketkeeper batsman Josh Inglis, who played an innings of 39 runs in 23 balls with the help of 1 four and 4 sixes in the match.

Punjab, which lost three wickets for 79 runs in the match, was in the driver’s seat while chasing the runs, when RCB bowlers bowled brilliantly in the middle order and brought the team back into the match. In the 10th over, in-form Shreyas Iyer (1) was caught out by Jitesh Sharma off Romario Shepherd, and then in the 13th over, Josh Inglis was caught out by Krunal Pandya.

After this, in the 17th over, Bhuvneshwar Kumar turned the match in RCB’s favour by dismissing Nehal Wadhera (15) and Marcus Stoinis (6). This bowling done by RCB in the middle overs proved to be the biggest turning point of the match. In the match, Bhuvneshwar and Krunal took 2-2 wickets, while Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood and Romario Shepherd got 1-1 success.

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IPL 2025 Final: Krunal Pandya’s spell was the ‘Play of the Day’ of the RCB vs PBKS final match

Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya: RCB won the match by 6 runs

IPL 2025 Final Krunal Pandya: The final match of the ongoing 18th season of IPL was played between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings on 3 June. Let us tell you that in this match played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB won by 6 wickets, ending the drought of not winning the trophy for 17 years.

Krunal Pandya: At the same time, the team’s experienced spinner Krunal Pandya played an important role in helping RCB win this match, who bowled brilliantly in the match. Pandya’s bowling was also the ‘Play of the Day’ of the final match. In the match, Krunal took two big wickets for just 17 runs in four overs. He took the wickets of Prabhsimran Singh (26) and Josh English (39) at crucial times in the match to put RCB in the match.

Krunal Pandya: RCB won the title after 17 years

On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore has won the IPL title after 17 years under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar. Earlier, the team had played the finals of three seasons, but it could not win any title, but this time the team finally won the IPL trophy after a long wait of 17 years.

If we give you information about the match, then after losing the toss and batting first, Royal Challengers Bangalore scored 190 runs in 20 overs. Experienced batsman and former captain Virat Kohli played a brilliant innings of 43 runs for the team.

After this, when Punjab Kings came out to chase the target of 191 runs given by RCB, they could only score 184 runs in 20 overs and lost the match by a narrow margin of 6 runs. In the final match for Punjab, middle order batsman Shashank Singh played a brilliant innings of 61* runs in 30 balls, but his innings could not lead the team to victory.

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