The MA Aziz Stadium, also known as the District Stadium, Chittagong, is one of Bangladesh’s historic cricket grounds. Located in the heart of Chattogram, this stadium has a deep connection with the country’s cricketing journey, being the venue for Bangladesh’s first-ever ODI in 1988 and their first Test victory in 2005 against Zimbabwe.
While in modern times, Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium (ZACS) has become the primary venue for international matches in the city, the MA Aziz Stadium continues to hold great significance as a multi-purpose venue for both football and cricket. It has witnessed many memorable moments and continues to be an important part of Bangladesh’s sporting culture.
Overview of MA Aziz Stadium, Chattogram
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Chattogram (formerly Chittagong), Bangladesh |
| Also Known As | Chattogram Stadium / District Stadium |
| Opened | 1977 |
| Capacity | 20,000 (Varies up to 30,000–40,000 in sources) |
| Ends | Pedrollo End, Ispahani End |
| Home To | Bangladesh |
| Floodlights | Yes |
| Operator | Bangladesh Football Federation |
| Time Zone | UTC +06:00 |
| Main Use | Multi-sport venue (Cricket & Football) |
| Historical Note | Hosted Bangladesh’s first ODI (1988) and first Test win (2005) |
MA Aziz Stadium Pitch Report
Venue Description:
The MA Aziz Stadium is a multi-purpose sports venue, historically significant for being one of Bangladesh’s earliest international cricket stadiums. It is located in the port city of Chattogram, and has hosted several Tests and ODIs, including some of Bangladesh’s most memorable cricket moments. Over the years, the venue has transitioned into a football-focused facility, while cricket duties shifted to the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
How Does the Pitch Play?
Traditionally, the pitch at MA Aziz Stadium has reflected the typical Bangladeshi surface—slow, low, and conducive to spin bowling. Batting here requires patience and skill, as the ball tends to grip and turn more as the match progresses.
- Batting: The surface usually supports batters early on, but stroke-making becomes difficult later.
- Bowling: Spinners enjoy a lot of assistance, especially in the middle and later stages. Fast bowlers may get some early movement due to humidity but rarely dominate.
Overall, this ground has been spin-friendly, with moderate scores being the norm.
MA Aziz Stadium Ground Records
| Format | Total Matches | Won Batting 1st | Won Bowling 1st |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Matches | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| One-Day Internationals (ODIs) | 10 | 6 | 3 |
MA Aziz Stadium Test Records
| Stats | Values |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 8 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 5 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 3 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 369 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 307 |
| Average 3rd Innings Score | 222 |
| Average 4th Innings Score | 103 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 545/6 (152 Ov) by New Zealand vs Bangladesh |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 124/10 (26.4 Ov) by Bangladesh vs India |
| Highest Score Chased | 111/3 (21.3 Ov) by West Indies vs Bangladesh |
| Lowest Score Defended | 154/10 (64.2 Ov) by Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh |
MA Aziz Stadium ODI Records
| Stats | Values |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 10 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 6 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 3 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 210 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 148 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 284/3 (45 Ov) by Pakistan vs Bangladesh |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 86/10 (31.5 Ov) by Bangladesh vs New Zealand |
| Highest Score Chased | 161/5 (42.2 Ov) by Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh |
| Lowest Score Defended | 202/10 (49.5 Ov) by Pakistan vs Bangladesh |
MA Aziz Stadium Pitch Behavior Summary
- Nature: Spin-friendly, low bounce surface.
- Best for: Spinners and patient batters.
- Batting Difficulty: Increases as the game progresses.
- Average ODI Score: Around 210–220 runs.
- Ideal Choice After Toss: Teams often prefer to bat first and use spin later.
MA Aziz Stadium, Chattogram Weather Report
| Location | Weather | Temperature | Precipitation | Chance of Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattogram, Bangladesh | Sunny | 27-18°C | 0% | No chance |
The weather in Chattogram at sunny, with no chances of rain. Temperatures will hover around 27°C, but high humidity (~46%) may result in heavy dew during the second innings. Wind speeds will remain light at around 10 km/h. Overall, these conditions will favor batting second, as the ball might skid and make it tough for spinners under dew.
FAQ
Q.1 What is the seating capacity of MA Aziz Stadium?
Ans. The stadium can accommodate around 20,000 spectators, though some sources mention up to 30,000–40,000.
Q.2 Is MA Aziz Stadium still used for international cricket?
Ans. It occasionally hosts domestic and T20 matches, but Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium (ZACS) has become Chattogram’s main international cricket venue.
Q.3 What type of pitch does MA Aziz Stadium have?
Ans. The pitch is slow and spin-friendly, ideal for spinners and batters who play with patience.
Q.4 Which teams have recorded the highest and lowest totals here?
Ans. Highest: 545/6 by New Zealand vs Bangladesh (Test)
Lowest: 86/10 by Bangladesh vs New Zealand (ODI)
