Basin Reserve, Wellington Pitch Report

Basin Reserve, Wellington Pitch Report

Pitch Condition

Balanced

Batting Conditions

Moderate Scoring

Pace Bowling

Swing

Spin Bowling

Minimal Turn

Win Bat First 40%

Win Bowl First 60%

Highest Total

350/8 (49.4) vs RSAW

NZW vs RSAW

Lowest Total

66/1 (11.5) vs WB-W

WB-W vs ADH-W

Situated in the heart of Wellington and surrounded by historic buildings and open skies, the Basin Reserve remains one of cricket’s most cherished venues. Established in 1868, it is New Zealand’s oldest Test ground and retains a character that modern stadiums often lack.

With its grassy embankments and intimate viewing angles, spectators are brought remarkably close to the action. The venue is also known for Wellington’s strong winds, which frequently influence the direction of swing and movement through the air.

Over the years, the Basin has staged several memorable contests, particularly in Test cricket, where the surface and the conditions combine to examine technique, patience and temperament in equal measure. The venue is a regular host for the Men's and Women's Super Smash matches. 

Basin Reserve at a Glance

Basin Reserve, Wellington Pitch Report

The Basin Reserve traditionally provides one of the more competitive surfaces in New Zealand. In the early stages of a match, the pitch offers assistance to seam bowlers with the new ball.

There is often noticeable lateral movement and Wellington’s strong winds can further enhance swing, making patience and discipline essential for batters.

As the match progresses, the surface tends to settle and becomes better for batting. The bounce is generally true, allowing stroke makers to play their shots with confidence once they are set.

In red ball cricket, conditions on the opening day usually favour the bowlers, while days two and three offer improved scoring opportunities.

In white ball cricket, the pitch is typically balanced rather than high scoring. Teams that apply themselves and build partnerships often succeed.

Seamers remain in the contest throughout, while spinners can come into play if the surface dries out. It is a venue that rewards sound technique and temperament, making it one of the more honest cricketing surfaces in the country.

Basin Reserve, Wellington Stats

T20 Stats

• Matches Played: 81

• Batting 1st Won: 40

• Batting 2nd Won: 40

• Average 1st innings score: 162

ODI Stats

• Matches Played: 28

• Batting 1st Won: 16

• Batting 2nd Won: 12

• Average 1st innings score: 218

WT20 Stats

• Matches Played: 45

• Batting 1st Won: 26

• Batting 2nd Won: 18

• Average 1st innings score: 137

Recent Games played at BASIN RESERVE, WELLINGTON, New Zealand

Upcoming Games on BASIN RESERVE, WELLINGTON, New Zealand

READ NEXT

TerdThai Cricket Ground, Bangkok Pitch Report

The pitch at Terdthai Cricket Ground offers a balanced track that favours both the batters and bowlers, the average 1st innings score is around 110 runs in T20's

View

JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi Pitch Report

The pitch at JSCA international Stadium Complex in Ranchi offers a balanced track that favours both the batters and bowlers. The average 1st innings at this is venue is around 155-160 runs. 

View