Punjab Cricket Association: The Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, located in Mohali, a suburb of Chandigarh, is one of India’s most iconic cricket venues. Built in 1993, this stadium has not only hosted numerous international and domestic matches but also stands out for its infrastructure, pitch behavior, and boundary dimensions, which influence gameplay significantly.
Punjab Cricket Association: Table of Contents
Punjab Cricket Association: In this article, we’ll explore the key boundary lengths of the Mohali stadium, how they affect batting and bowling tactics, and how these dimensions compare with other major stadiums in India. We’ll also include historical data and player strategies that hinge on boundary lengths.
Stadium Overview
Punjab Cricket Association: Before diving into the boundary specifics, let’s look at some basic facts about the stadium:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium |
| Location | Mohali, Punjab, India |
| Year Opened | 1993 |
| Capacity | ~27,000 spectators |
| Ends | Pavilion End, City End |
| Home Team | Punjab Kings (IPL), India National Team |
| Pitch Type | Bouncy, traditionally favors seamers |
Boundary Dimensions
Punjab Cricket Association: Cricket boundaries can vary slightly from match to match, depending on the pitch used and ICC regulations for minimum distances. However, Mohali’s boundary lines are generally known to be moderately long, especially compared to some other Indian grounds.
Here are the typical boundary lengths at PCA IS Bindra Stadium:
| Boundary Side | Approximate Length (in meters) |
|---|---|
| Straight | 76–78 meters |
| Square (off/on side) | 70–72 meters |
| Fine Leg | 60–62 meters |
| Third Man | 65–67 meters |
| Long-On / Long-Off | 74–76 meters |
⚠️ Note: These are average figures and may vary based on the pitch’s centrality on the square and match type.
Tactical Implications
1. For Batsmen
- The longer straight and square boundaries at Mohali make it a bit more challenging for batsmen to hit sixes consistently down the ground.
- Players often target the shorter fine-leg and third-man boundaries, especially during the death overs.
- Mohali’s altitude and dry air allow the ball to travel slightly faster once it’s in the air, helping power-hitters clear the rope on well-timed shots.
2. For Bowlers
- Fast bowlers enjoy bowling here, particularly in the first innings. The pitch and longer straight boundaries help in limiting big hits.
- Spinners often bowl wider lines to force batsmen to go for the longer shots square of the wicket, where mis-hits are more likely to be caught.
- Yorkers and low full-tosses are effective, especially when aimed at the batsman’s toes, as they prevent elevation needed to clear boundaries.
Historical Scoring Trends
ODI Matches (50 overs)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average 1st Innings Score | ~270 runs |
| Highest Total | 392/4 – India vs Sri Lanka |
| Lowest Total | 89 all out – Pakistan vs SA |
| Matches with 300+ Totals | 10+ |
T20I Matches (20 overs)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average 1st Innings Score | ~167 runs |
| Highest Total | 211/4 – India vs Sri Lanka |
| Lowest Defended Score | 114/8 – West Indies (W) |
Comparison with Other Indian Stadiums
| Stadium | Average Straight Boundary | Square Boundary | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohali (PCA Stadium) | 77 m | 72 m | Bounce, seam, long hits |
| Wankhede (Mumbai) | 70 m | 65 m | Small boundaries, high scores |
| Eden Gardens (Kolkata) | 76 m | 70 m | Balanced, slightly slow |
| M. Chinnaswamy (Bengaluru) | 65 m | 63 m | Smallest, six-hitting venue |
Mohali stands out for its relatively longer boundaries, which help create a more balanced contest between bat and ball—unlike smaller grounds like Chinnaswamy where bowlers often suffer.
Iconic Matches Influenced by Boundary Size
- India vs Pakistan (2011 World Cup Semifinal)
- Batting was cautious due to the long boundaries. The high-pressure game saw bowlers using the dimensions wisely.
- Wahab Riaz’s spell (5/46) utilized bouncers and length balls to deny boundaries.
- India vs Australia (2016 T20 World Cup)
- Virat Kohli masterclass in the chase: he found boundaries along the ground rather than in the air, showing the importance of smart placement on a large ground.
- Rohit Sharma’s Double Century (ODI vs Sri Lanka, 2017)
- Showcased how batsmen can exploit dimensions with proper timing and fitness—many 2s and 3s were run on deep boundaries.
Fielding Setup Insights
Given the boundary setup, captains often use:
- Deep midwicket and deep extra cover for longer aerial shots.
- A third man and fine leg placed slightly inside the circle to save singles on the short side.
- Boundary riders on long-off and long-on often come into play during the death overs.
What Makes Mohali Unique?
- Elevation: At ~300 meters above sea level, Mohali isn’t as low-lying as Chennai or as elevated as Dharamshala, but the moderate altitude slightly helps stroke-makers.
- Wind Direction: Wind often blows across the square, making shots toward long-on or long-off riskier.
- Outfield Speed: The lush grass is well-maintained, but not overly quick, which helps restrict boundaries unless well-timed.
The boundary dimensions at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali create a balanced playing environment that requires teams to adapt intelligently. While the ground isn’t the easiest to score quick runs, especially down the ground, it rewards thoughtful batting and tactical fielding.
With a strong bowling-friendly reputation, especially for seamers, Mohali remains a ground where strategy matters more than brute force. As T20 leagues and international matches continue here, understanding the boundary layout will remain key for any team’s success.
