The ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium, also known as the Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, is renowned for its beautiful surroundings to host memorable cricket matches.
Established in 2003, the stadium has become a premier international and domestic venue located beneath scenic hills, providing refreshing sea breezes and panoramic views from meticulously designed tiers.
Over the years, the once slow track matured into an evenly-matched surface, resulting in tight contests pleasing players and fans with good performances across formats.
Whether Tests, ODIs, or IPL classics, these thriller moments in cricket’s history have been the best in cricket.
Fans enjoy panoramic views amid modern comforts and the green backdrop below framed by breathtaking natural vistas.
Since debuting internationally in 2005, remarkable displays of skill and sportsmanship have illuminated this ground. Records have since tumbled as giants like Kohli have plundered runs, and IPL teams have made it their home.
Nestled among scenic hillsides overlooking the Bay of Bengal, it is known for atmospheric matchdays under open skies.
It has hosted rousing competitions across formats and landmark feats, including Dhoni’s maiden ODI ton of 148 runs against Pakistan in 2005, confirming his scintillating talents and India’s growing dominance at home.
Where is ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium?
The ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium is in Madhurawada, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. The stadium has modern facilities and quality pitches, which have made it a premier venue for cricket in India.
| Stadium Details | Information |
| Location | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh |
| Established | 2003 |
| Capacity | 25,000 (expanding to 36,000) |
| End Names | Vizzy End, DV Subba Rao End |
| Floodlights | Yes |
| Home Teams | Andhra Cricket Team |
The stadium was established in 2003 with the combined efforts of the Andhra Cricket Association and the Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association.
Initially built for domestic cricket, it quickly gained prominence and was selected to host international games.
ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium Capacity And Infrastructure
The stadium, with accommodations for 25,000 cricket fans, has loftier aspirations as refurbishments are underway to further broaden its reach. Plans have been executed to dramatically boost capability to 36,000 by erecting supplementary levels within the stands.
This will allow thousands more eager fans to savour the lively atmosphere firsthand in this striking setting.
The venue’s iconic panoramas provide an experience never to be forgotten for many a thrilling, intensely contested match played under sunny skies.
ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium Reviews
Situated with scenic hillsides as a beautiful natural backdrop, the Stadium has earned widespread acclaim from supporters and players alike for its lively ambience.
Nestled amid lovely surroundings and unblocked vistas, the setting energizes impassioned fans.
Online reviews laud its modern comforts, roomy and at-ease seating, and efficient handling of substantial crowds, earning it an impressive average rating of 4.3 stars from over 15,000 posts.
Continuing improvements sustain its status among India’s premier international cricket venues.
ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium Photos
ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at Dr Y.S.Rajashekar Reddy Aca-Vdca International Cricket Stadium has changed over the years, evolving from a slower track to a more balanced surface that supports both batting and bowling.
Originally renowned for favouring slow cricket with its abrasive surface, the pitch at this ground has evolved tremendously recently.
Capable of accommodating all styles of batting now, the field of play has transformed into a more balanced venue where big hits and careful scoring find equal opportunity.
The responsive soil offers a predictable bounce that suits the seasoned pros throughout the brief limited-overs games. At the same time, its changing obstacles keep the watchers entertained through fluctuating fortunes.
However, the conditions vary with each format. In Test matches, the pitch begins with some pace and gradually slows down, providing ample support to spinners in the later stages.
In ODIs, the pitch allows batters to score freely, although spinners and medium pacers also find some assistance. The T20 pitch favours batters but can also surprise with turn and bounce, particularly under the lights.
ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium Weather
The stadium is perched high above rugged, crashing seaside cliffs and overlooks the restless waves of the Bay of Bengal.
From March till blistering June, ruthless average daily temperatures hover around 38°C during the hot summer months. Stuffy nights offer only fleeting relief, with lows hovering around a sauna-like 28°C. Extended streaks of clear, windy days evolve painfully into somewhat less agony-inducing evenings.
The constant threat of tricky, unpredictable ball bounce from a less-pacing-wearing wicket makes batting second under lights difficult, with dew mysteriously materialising in the lush, green outfield.
Monsoon, the wettest quarter, stretches from rain-soaked July to stormy October when downpours often interrupt and postpone matches for hours.
Ultra-oppressive playing conditions are set with suffocating humidity and highs at a balmy 27°C through to a muggy 30°C. Puddles are lazy in the outfield, challenging even the most heroic fielders like Ravindra Jadeja.
November through mellow February delivers generally temperate, stable conditions — ideal cricket weather. Daytime highs hit an excellent 17°C to 27°C while moisture levels drop, offering relief for both the athletes testing their limits and exuberant fans cheering them wildly.
Dew Factor’s Influence on Match Outcomes
Dew has a significant impact on evening matches, especially T20Is and ODIs. In Visakhapatnam’s coastal climate, dew forms quickly in the evening, making it hard for bowlers to grip the ball.
As a result, bowling second is challenging, as spinners lose their edge, and pacers need to adjust their lengths to counteract the slick ball.
This factor has led to a preference for chasing, with teams opting to bowl first after winning the toss in limited-overs games
ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium Boundary Length
The boundary length at ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam is approximately 85 yards, making it a relatively large boundary compared to other Indian stadiums.
This spacious outfield challenges batters to clear the boundary, adding a tactical element to scoring.
ACA-VDCA Stadium’s more significant boundaries make it a balanced venue, offering bowlers some respite while providing fans with thrilling fielding moments and well-earned sixes.
Match Results Across Formats
The Stadium has witnessed many thrilling contests, with teams’ fortunes fluctuating wildly. The subtle interplay between soil composition, humidity and dusk has had an understated yet significant impact on outcomes, particularly in limited overmatches, where narrow margins can make a disproportionate difference.
Below is a summary table showing match results for each format at ACA VDCA Stadium:
| Format | Total Matches | Wins Batting First | Wins Batting Second | Tied/No Result |
| Test | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| ODI | 15 | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| T20I | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| IPL | 17 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium Average Score
The stadium has varying average scores across formats, reflecting its balanced pitch favouring both batters and bowlers depending on conditions. Here’s a breakdown:
Test Matches:
- 1st innings: 451
- 2nd innings: 313
- 3rd innings: 260
- 4th innings: 213
One-Day Internationals (ODIs):
- Average 1st innings score: 233
- Average 2nd innings score: 205
T20 Internationals (T20Is):
- Average 1st innings score: 128
- Average 2nd innings score: 116
ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium Highest Score
Over the years, the stadium has witnessed some remarkable team performances. In Tests, India has achieved a high score of 502/7, while in ODIs, the highest score at this venue is India’s 387/5 against the West Indies. T20 records also feature high scores, with India setting a T20I record of 209/8 against Australia.
| Format | Highest Score | Lowest Score |
| Test | India 502/7 vs South Africa | England 91 all out |
| ODI | India 387/5 vs West Indies | New Zealand 79 all out |
| T20I | India 209/8 vs Australia | Sri Lanka 82 all out |
| IPL | KKR 272/7 vs DC | MI 92 all out |
These records reflect the pitch’s supportive nature for batters, especially in ODIs and T20Is, while allowing for dominant bowling performances under certain conditions.
Highest Individual Scores
Several individual innings at the ACA VDCA Stadium have been memorable for fans. M.S. Dhoni’s 148 in an ODI against Pakistan. David Warner’s 91 for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL is the highest individual score at this venue. Below are the top individual scores across formats:
| Format | Player | Score | Team | Opponent | Year |
| ODI | M.S. Dhoni | 148 | India | Pakistan | 2005 |
| T20I | Josh Inglis | 110 | Australia | India | 2023 |
| Test | Mayank Agarwal | 215 | India | South Africa | 2019 |
| IPL | David Warner | 91 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2015 |
ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium: Batting or Bowling Pitch?
The stadium in Visakhapatnam is known for its balanced pitch, offering both batting and bowling opportunities depending on match conditions.
In Test matches, the pitch initially supports batters, allowing high first-inning scores, but gradually assists spinners in the later stages.
In ODIs and T20Is, it typically favours batting with its even bounce, but dew can play a decisive role, particularly in evening games, making it easier to chase.
While batsmen find good scoring opportunities, bowlers, especially spinners, can capitalize as the pitch wears down, creating an exciting and balanced competition for all formats.
Bowling Records
Bowlers, with outstanding spells across formats have also made their mark at the Dr. Y.S.Rajashekar Reddy Aca-Vdca International Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam.
Adam Zampa holds the best bowling figures in an IPL match here with 6/19 for Rising Pune Supergiants.
| Format | Player | Figures | Team | Opponent | Year |
| ODI | Amit Mishra | 5/18 | India | New Zealand | 2016 |
| T20I | Ravichandran Ashwin | 4/8 | India | Sri Lanka | 2016 |
| Test | Ravichandran Ashwin | 7/145 | India | South Africa | 2019 |
| IPL | Adam Zampa | 6/19 | Rising Pune Supergiants | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2016 |
ACA VDCA Stadium IPL Records
The ACA VDCA Stadium has been a venue for thrilling IPL performances, hosting high-scoring matches and showcasing star players. Below are some notable IPL records at this ground, focusing on both batting and bowling performances:
| Stat | Player/Team | Performance |
| Highest Team Score | Kolkata Knight Riders | 272/7 |
| Lowest Team Score | Mumbai Indians | 92 all out |
| Most Runs | Shikhar Dhawan (9 innings) | 294 |
| Highest Individual Score | David Warner | 91 off 55 balls |
| Most Sixes in an Innings | Rishabh Pant | 8 sixes |
| Best Bowling Figures | Adam Zampa | 6/19 |
ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium Records
| Match/Event | Details |
| India vs Pakistan, 2005 (ODI) | M.S. Dhoni scored a breakthrough 148, marking his rise in Indian cricket. |
| India vs South Africa, 2019 (Test) | India’s 502/7, led by centuries from Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal, secured a dominant win. |
| India vs Australia, 2023 (T20I) | India chased down 209, highlighting the pitch’s batting-friendly shift. |
| IPL 2024 – KKR vs DC | KKR scored a record 272/7, with Sunil Narine hitting 85 off 39 balls. |
| Adam Zampa’s 6/19 in IPL 2016 | Zampa’s 6/19 for RPSG is one of IPL’s best bowling performances. |
| Virat Kohli’s Fastest 10,000 ODI Runs | Kohli reached this milestone against West Indies at this venue. |
| Kuldeep Yadav’s ODI Hat-Trick | Yadav achieved a hat-trick against West Indies in 2019. |
| Rohit Sharma’s Century as Test Opener | Rohit scored two centuries on debut as a Test opener in 2019. |
Conclusion
The ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium’s ambitious proposal to increase capacity has the potential to benefit significantly many avid supporters of the game.
Raising the limit of seats saves the surging demand, especially for marquee international matches and popular IPL fixtures that attract large crowds.
Their elaborate plan calls for adding multiple tiers within existing stands to subtly reshape the open-air environment while welcoming additional passionate fans to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere.
Return to the expansion to showcase the stadium’s splendour to more worldwide viewers.
Situated in the scenic port city of Visakhapatnam, the ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium has become a mecca for the sport across southern India.
Due to its natural beauty, fervent crowds filled its halls with roars and chants, and legacy filled with thrilling and memorable moments played out on the hallowed turf.
As renovations ready the venue to accommodate over eleven thousand more spectators, it reinforces its hard-earned position as one of the premier destinations across the subcontinent to witness world-class cricket.
Held in high regard across cricket-mad India, the stadium evokes iconic matches like Dhoni’s epic last-over six that sealed the IPL playoffs, keeping viewers captivated till the final moments.
With conditions evolving under sunny skies and a surface below providing an even contest, it attracts the world’s best talent and legions of fans who want to experience the drama of witnessing the ebbs and flows of a close Test live.
The renovations aim to welcome thousands more excited spectators, further emphasizing its stature as a premier venue for international and domestic cricket within the country and abroad.
As electrifying contests consistently keep audiences on the edge of their seats and an ever-growing number pass through the turnstiles, the stadium’s rich legacy and role in Indian cricket’s success will endure for generations.
