Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium Hyderabad

Location: Hyderabad
Floodlights: Yes
End Names: Pavilion End, Hill Fort End
Home Team: Hyderabad
Owner: Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh
First Test: India v New Zealand - 19-24 Nov 1955
First ODI: India v Pakistan - 10 Sep 1983

Formerly known as Fateh Maidan, the Lal Bahadur Shastri stadium is located in Hyderabad, India. The stadium is named after former Prime Minister - Lal Bahadur Shastri. The ground hosted its first Test in 1955, when India faced New Zealand. The fact that the stadium has staged only three Test matches so far shows that the ground never gained the stature of India's other top-class venues. With the coming up of the spanking new Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, the Lalbahadur Shastri stadium faces the prospect of fading into oblivion. Nevertheless, in the few occasions, the stadium has produced some exhilarating cricketing encounters. Read on to know more about Lal Bahadur Shastri cricket stadium.

Located behind the police control room, between the Nizam College and Public Gardens, in Hyderabad, Lal Bahadur Shastri stadium has played host to a number of national and international sporting events. It has a seating capacity of 25000 spectators. The stadium also houses shopping complex, an indoor stadium and a swimming pool. The pitch of the ground is slow and batsman-friendly, well liked by the slow bowlers. Flood light facilities for the ground were provided in 1992, when West Indies played against Zimbabwe at the Hero Cup. In the recent past, the ground played host to the Indian Cricket League matches. It is the home ground for the 2008 Edelweiss 20's Challenge winners Hyderabad Heroes.

Test Matches
According to the records, Lal Bahadur Shastri stadium has hosted only three Test matches, each being played against New Zealand. The first Test match played at the stadium was in November 1955, when India was on a head-to-head competition against New Zealand. The match, which ended in a draw, had some scintillating performances by both the batsmen and bowlers. Polly Umrigar scored a double century, whereas Subhash Gupte picked up seven wickets. The second Test match was held in 1988-89 season.

ODI Matches
The first ODI match played at Lal Bahadur Shastri stadium was in 1983-84 season, when India registered a four-wicket victory over its opponent - Pakistan. Another ODI match was played between India and Pakistan in 1987, when the scores tied. However, India was declared the winner, because the team lost fewer wickets than its opponent. The 1992 Hero Cup match between West Indies and Zimbabwe was the first day/night ODI match played at the stadium. The second match of the 5-ODI series between India and New Zealand in 1999-2000 season was also played at Lal Bahadur Shastri stadium.

Records