Manuka Oval, located in Griffith, Canberra, is among Australia’s most charming and balanced cricket venues. Though smaller than the iconic MCG or SCG, it has gained tremendous importance for hosting exciting internationals, Big Bash League clashes, and the traditional Prime Minister’s XI games. With picturesque surroundings, quick outfields, and evenly prepared surfaces, the ground consistently produces entertaining contests in all formats.
In 2025, Manuka Oval once again steps onto the international stage as it hosts the 1st T20I between India and Australia on October 29, 2025. The match opens the T20 leg of India’s tour and promises a spectacle under Canberra’s bright lights.
Venue Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Stadium Name | Manuka Oval |
| City | Canberra, Australian Capital Territory |
| Established | 1929 |
| Capacity | 13,550 (seated) – expandable to ~16,000 |
| Floodlights | Yes (Day/Night ready) |
| Ends | Pool End and Mall End |
| Home Teams | Prime Minister’s XI, Sydney Thunder (BBL) |
| First ODI | 1992 (South Africa vs Zimbabwe) |
| First Test | 2019 (Australia vs Sri Lanka) |
A Brief History
The Oval’s roots go back to the 1920s when the site was part of Manuka Circle Park. In 1929 it became a formal sporting ground, eventually evolving into the ACT’s premier cricket venue. Over time, it underwent significant redevelopment — new stands, floodlights, and state-of-the-art facilities — allowing Canberra to host international fixtures regularly.
The ground’s international debut came during the 1992 Cricket World Cup, while its Test status arrived in 2019 when Australia defeated Sri Lanka by a massive 366 runs. Since then, Manuka Oval has featured in ODIs, T20Is, and the BBL, cementing its place as one of Australia’s most active venues.
Pitch Overview
The pitch at Manuka Oval offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Early in the innings, bowlers may find a hint of seam movement, but the true bounce and consistent carry make batting progressively easier. The short square boundaries and a fast outfield favour free-scoring batters, especially in limited-overs formats. Spinners come into play in the second half as the surface slows a touch.
Average first-innings scores usually sit around 160 in T20Is and above 300 in ODIs. Recent records show chasing sides have slightly better success in T20s, making toss decisions crucial.
Ground Dimensions and Boundary Lengths
The straight boundaries at Manuka Oval range between 78 to 81 metres, while the square boundaries measure around 65 to 67 metres, making it a compact ground ideal for stroke play and high-scoring encounters.
Similar Article: Great Barrier Reef Arena Stats
Ground Records & Stats (Updated 2025)
Test Cricket
- Only Test: Australia vs Sri Lanka, Feb 2019
- Australia won by 366 runs
- Kurtis Patterson scored 114* on debut
- Mitchell Starc claimed 10 wickets in the match
- Australia posted 534/5d – the highest Test total here
One-Day Internationals
- Total ODIs Played: 14
- Highest Team Total: 378/5 – Australia vs New Zealand (2016)
- Lowest Team Total: 86 – West Indies vs Australia (2024)
- Highest Individual Score: Chris Gayle 215 (West Indies vs Zimbabwe, 2015 World Cup)
- Most Runs at Venue: Aaron Finch (348), David Warner (265), Hashim Amla (261)
- Best Bowling Figures: Josh Hazlewood 5/45 (Australia vs New Zealand, 2016)
T20 Internationals
- Total T20Is Played: 6
- Batting First Wins: 2 Chasing Wins: 3
- Highest Team Total: 195/3 – Australia vs South Africa (2020)
- Lowest Team Total: 118 – Sri Lanka vs Australia (2022)
- Best Bowling: Adam Zampa 4/15
- Average 1st Innings Score: ~160
One of the most memorable T20Is here was India’s victory over Australia in December 2020, when India defended 161 and Yuzvendra Chahal starred as a concussion substitute – a first in international cricket history.
Big Bash League Highlights
Manuka Oval is a regular home for Sydney Thunder fixtures. It is known for run-filled evenings and electric atmosphere under lights.
- Average BBL First Innings Score: 165–170
- Highest Team Total: 219/7 (Sydney Thunder)
- Top Run-Getter at Venue: Alex Hales (250+ runs)
- Leading Wicket-Taker: Daniel Sams (10+ wickets)
Short boundaries and reliable bounce often lead to matches loaded with fours and sixes, making Manuka a fan favourite during the BBL season.
India vs Australia 1st T20I – October 29, 2025
The 2025 India tour of Australia opens with its first T20 at Manuka Oval on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, starting 7:15 PM local time (1:45 PM IST). The match will launch a five-game series between two of the world’s top sides.
The Canberra pitch is expected to offer a fair battle between batsmen and bowlers, and past trends suggest that the team winning the toss may opt to bowl first. Cricket fans can expect a competitive start to the series in front of a packed stadium under clear spring skies.
Visitor and Venue Guide
- Location: Manuka Circle, Griffith, Canberra (ACT)
- Best View Sections: Main pavilions near the Jack Fingleton Scoreboard; grassy mounds for families
- Environment: Compact seating keeps crowds close to the action and creates an intimate experience
- Prime Minister’s XI Tradition: An annual fixture that honours Australian cricket heritage and draws strong crowds each summer
Notable Matches in Canberra History
- Australia vs Sri Lanka (2019 Test): Australia registered a huge victory; Starc’s 10-wicket haul and Patterson’s debut century stood out.
- West Indies vs Zimbabwe (2015 World Cup): Chris Gayle hammered a double century – the first ever at Manuka Oval.
- Australia vs New Zealand (2016 ODI): A high-scoring encounter with Warner’s blistering hundred setting a record total of 378/5.
- India vs Australia (2020 T20I): India won by 11 runs in a low-scoring defensive masterclass.
Each fixture has added a new chapter to the ground’s growing reputation for producing quality cricket.
Fan Experience & Ambience
Despite its modest capacity, Manuka Oval delivers one of Australia’s best cricket atmospheres. Fans enjoy close-to-boundary views, open lawns, and family-friendly facilities. Its record attendance of 15,807 was set during the Prime Minister’s XI match against the West Indies in 1985. Continuous upgrades have made it a comfortable and modern venue without losing its classic feel.
Similar Article: Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin, Australia Stats — T20, ODI, Tests Records
Conclusion
Manuka Oval, Canberra, is a unique blend of heritage and modern cricketing excellence. Its surface encourages fair competition, its setting delivers spectacle, and its record book features some of Australia’s finest moments. From Starc’s heroics and Gayle’s double century to India’s gritty T20 win and BBL thrillers, this venue continues to stand out for producing balanced, entertaining cricket.
As it hosts the India vs Australia 1st T20I in October 2025, Manuka Oval once again promises a memorable contest and another milestone in its ever-growing cricket legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Manuka Oval, Canberra
1. Where is Manuka Oval located?
Manuka Oval is located in Griffith, Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory. It’s a short distance from the city centre and is surrounded by the scenic Manuka and Kingston suburbs.
2. What is the seating capacity of Manuka Oval?
The stadium has a seating capacity of around 13,550, which can be extended to nearly 16,000 for major matches and international fixtures.
3. What are the pitch conditions at Manuka Oval?
The pitch at Manuka Oval is known for its even bounce and fast outfield, offering a fair balance between bat and ball. Batsmen enjoy consistent pace, while bowlers can find movement early and grip later in the innings.
4. What is the highest score at Manuka Oval in ODIs?
The highest team total in One-Day Internationals at Manuka Oval is 378/5, scored by Australia against New Zealand in 2016. The ground has also witnessed Chris Gayle’s famous double century (215) during the 2015 World Cup.
5. How does Manuka Oval perform in T20 matches?
Manuka Oval generally produces high-scoring and competitive T20s. The average first-innings score is around 160, and chasing teams have slightly better results under lights due to favorable evening conditions
6. When is the India vs Australia 1st T20I 2025 scheduled at Manuka Oval?
The 1st T20I between India and Australia is scheduled to be played on October 29, 2025, under lights at Manuka Oval, Canberra, marking the start of the T20 series.
7. Which teams use Manuka Oval as their home ground?
Manuka Oval regularly hosts Sydney Thunder matches in the Big Bash League (BBL) and serves as the venue for the annual Prime Minister’s XI fixture — a long-standing cricketing tradition in Australia.
8. What is the record attendance at Manuka Oval?
The record crowd at Manuka Oval is 15,807 spectators, set during the Prime Minister’s XI vs West Indies match in January 1985.
9. What makes Manuka Oval unique among Australian stadiums?
Unlike Australia’s larger stadiums, Manuka Oval offers a close, intimate atmosphere with family-friendly grassy mounds, modern facilities, and a history rich with both international and domestic highlights.
10. Is Manuka Oval suitable for day-night matches?
Yes, the stadium is fully equipped with modern floodlights, making it ideal for day-night ODIs, T20Is, and BBL games.