Nestled against the scenic Tasman ranges, Saxton Oval in Nelson, New Zealand is a compact, modern cricket ground known for quick outfields and an intimate viewing experience. Though relatively small, it has become an important white-ball venue for New Zealand, hosting ODIs, T20Is, and Super Smash matches. With an even pitch and small boundaries, the ground often produces entertaining, high-scoring T20 contests.
Venue Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Stadium Name | Saxton Oval |
| City | Nelson |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Established | 2009 |
| Capacity | 5,000 – 6,000 (expandable) |
| Ends | Town End and Richmond End |
| Floodlights | Yes |
| Home Teams | Central Districts, Super Smash matches |
| First ODI | 2014 (New Zealand vs West Indies) |
| First T20I | 29 December 2017 – New Zealand vs West Indies |
| First Test | No Test matches played yet |
A Brief History
Built in the late 2000s as part of the Saxton Field sports complex, the oval replaced Trafalgar Park as Nelson’s main cricket venue. It hosted its first international in 2014 and later featured in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, drawing global attention. Since then, Saxton Oval has been a regular stop for limited-overs internationals and domestic fixtures, celebrated for its accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere.
Pitch & Conditions Overview
The surface at Saxton Oval provides true bounce and moderate pace, assisting seamers early on before flattening out for batters. The square boundaries are short, so power-hitters thrive, while spinners get some grip as the match progresses.
- Nature: Balanced but slightly batting-friendly
- Average T20I First Innings Score: ~180 runs
- Ideal Decision: Teams batting first have historically won more games
Highest Total, Lowest Score & Average Score
| Format | Avg 1st Inns Score | Highest Total | Lowest Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | ~184 | 218/5 (Sri Lanka, 2025) | 140 (West Indies, 2017) |
| ODI | ~280 | 307/6 (West Indies vs Ireland, 2015 CWC) | — |
| Test | — | — | — |
Ground Dimensions & Layout
Saxton Oval is a compact ground with short square boundaries that favour aggressive shot-making.
- Straight Boundaries: Around 70–72 metres
- Square Boundaries: Around 60–65 metres
Because of these dimensions, even mishits often clear the fence, leading to thrilling finishes in T20Is.
Test Cricket at Saxton Oval
No Test matches have been played at Saxton Oval yet. The ground is primarily used for limited-overs internationals and domestic fixtures due to its compact nature and crowd capacity.
Ground Records & Stats
Men’s T20 Internationals
- Total T20Is Played: 3 (completed before 2025)
- Highest Team Total: 218/5 – Sri Lanka vs New Zealand (2025)
- Lowest Team Total: 140 – West Indies vs New Zealand (2017)
- Average 1st Innings Score: ~184
- Bat First Wins: 3 out of 3
- Top Individual Score: Kusal Perera – 101 (46 balls) in 2025
- Best Bowling Figures: Adam Milne – 3/20 (2019)
One-Day Internationals
- Total ODIs Played: 5
- Highest Team Total: 307/6 – West Indies vs Ireland (2015 World Cup)
- Lowest Team Total: 184 – Zimbabwe (2015)
- Most Runs at Venue: Kane Williamson (200+)
- Best Bowling Figures: Trent Boult – 4/27 (2015)
Last Four Men’s T20Is at Saxton Oval
| Date | Match | Toss/Decision | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Result | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 Nov 2025 | NZ vs WI | NZ Bat | NZ 177-9 | WI 168-10 | NZ won by 9 runs | Conway 56 (34) |
| 2 Jan 2025 | NZ vs SL (3rd T20I) | NZ field | SL 218/5 | NZ 211/7 | SL won by 7 runs | Kusal Perera 101 (46) |
| 5 Nov 2019 | NZ vs ENG (3rd T20I) | ENG field | NZ 180/7 | ENG 166/7 | NZ won by 14 runs | de Grandhomme 55 (35) |
| 29 Dec 2017 | NZ vs WI (1st T20I) | WI field | NZ 187/7 | WI 140 | NZ won by 47 runs | Glenn Phillips POTM |
Notable Matches & Moments
- Kusal Perera’s Century (2025): Blazed 101 off 46 balls, setting the highest T20I total (218/5).
- World Cup 2015: Ireland’s chase of 307 against West Indies showcased Nelson’s batting-friendly conditions.
- NZ vs ENG 2019: Tight 14-run finish as Colin de Grandhomme and Adam Milne shone.
Domestic & Super Smash Highlights
As a Central Districts home ground, Saxton Oval regularly hosts Super Smash games. The average first-innings scores in T20 matches range between 160 and 190, making it a favourite for fans who love attacking cricket.
Upcoming Match – New Zealand vs West Indies T20I
- 4th T20I: Monday, 10 November 2025 – scheduled at Saxton Oval, Nelson
The back-to-back games make Saxton Oval the epicentre of this series for two days, enhancing its role in hosting key limited-overs internationals.
The 4th T20I between New Zealand and West Indies will mark yet another high-energy fixture at this venue. The surface is expected to assist batting throughout, and the team winning the toss may opt to bat first to capitalize on the ground’s bat-first advantage.
Visitor & Venue Guide
- Location: Saxton Field Complex, Stoke (Nelson suburb)
- Facilities: Ample green lawns and open stands for spectators
- Best Views: Low terraces near the square and family-friendly grass banks
- Atmosphere: Close, lively, and community-driven
FAQs
- Where is Saxton Oval located? – In the Saxton Field Complex, Nelson, New Zealand.
- What is the seating capacity? – About 5,000 with temporary expansion for big matches.
- Are Tests played here? – No Test matches have been played yet.
- What’s the highest T20I total here? – 218/5 by Sri Lanka (2025).
- Is the pitch batting friendly? – Yes, especially in T20 format.
- Average first innings score in T20Is? – Around 180–185.
- What makes it special? – Scenic mountain views and a fast outfield.
- Which team uses it as home ground? – Central Districts in Super Smash.
- Upcoming match? – New Zealand vs West Indies 3rd T20I on 9 Nov 2025.
- Best time to visit? – During New Zealand’s summer (Nov–Mar) for clear afternoon games.
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