International cricket is all in readiness of returning to Hambantota after more than three years. Having last hosted an ODI merely weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic had delayed all sort of events around the world, Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium will now be venue to three ODIs within the next six days.
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As the home team, Sri Lanka have participated in 20 out of the 21 ODIs played at this stadium till date. Having won nine and lost eight, they have a decent record here. That being said, they have lost two (against Zimbabwe) out of their last three ODIs in the city.
Afghanistan, on the contrary, have never played any match at this venue. However, they will increase their count by three by the time they leave the island nation next week.
Hambantota ODI Records
It is needless to say that Sri Lankan players have dominated proceedings at this venue. Highest ODI run-scorers at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium are Kumar Sangakkara (721), Tillakaratne Dilshan (578), Angelo Mathews (553), Upul Tharanga (434) and Mahela Jayawardene (322).
Barring Mathews, all other cricketers have retired from the highest level now. Active batters who have done well are Danushka Gunathilaka (255), Niroshan Dickwella (221), Kusal Perera (213) and Kusal Mendis (148).
Highest wicket-takers in Hambantota ODIs are Thisara Perera (18), Lasith Malinga (17), Nuwan Kulasekara (13), Mathews (12) and Wanindu Hasaranga (9). In addition to Mathews and Hasaranga, active bowlers such as Wahab Riaz (7) and Lakshan Sandakan (5) have picked five or more wickets in ODIs played here.
Highest ODI Innings Totals At Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium
| Score | Overs | Team | Opposition | Year |
| 368/4 | 50 | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | 2015 |
| 345/8 | 50 | Sri Lanka | West Indies | 2020 |
| 339/5 | 50 | South Africa | Sri Lanka | 2014 |
| 332/7 | 50 | Sri Lanka | Canada | 2011 |
| 317/7 | 50 | Pakistan | Kenya | 2011 |
Generally a high-scoring stadium, the 300-run mark is touched once every four innings at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium. Having happened 10 times across 40 instances in this format, it had also happened during the last match place in the city.
Out of the 18 ODIs which have witnessed a result at this venue, eight have been won by the team batting first as compared to 10 by the team chasing an innings total. In what is the only instance of a successful run-chase in excess of 300 runs at this stadium, Sri Lanka had chased down a 311-run target in 47.2 overs against Zimbabwe six years ago.
