Venue: Boland Park, Paarl.
Team: Paarl Royals
Capacity: 10 000
History:
Boland Park was officially established in 1996. However, the first match at the venue was already played in 1995, likely while construction was still ongoing, between Boland and Western Province who faced off in a List A game that Western Province won by three wickets. Familiar names in that match included Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, HD Ackerman, Roger Telemachus and Alan Dawson. Only one International T20 has been played at Boland Park, the match between the Proteas and England in 2020 which the visiting side won by four wickets.
Best known for:
Boland Park is best known for its picturesque background, the Drakenstein mountains, which is clearly visible from the ground. It is one of the most festive venues in the country, illustrated by the boisterous crowds that attended whenever the Paarl Rocks played in the now-defunct Mzanzi Super League. Paarl is known for its wine routes and relaxed atmosphere, which generally sets the mood for fans attending matches at the stadium, which should be no different during the SA20. Expect fans to turn out in big numbers and support the home side with vigour.
Players suited to the venue:
The pitches produced at Boland Park tend to be on the sluggish side and help the slower bowlers. The Paarl Royals have loaded their team with players that should enjoy these conditions, which include the experienced spin twins of Tabraiz Shamsi and Bjorn Fortuin, as well as Imraan Manack. Lungi Ngidi and Obed McCoy both have deceptive slower balls which should grip the pitch and make life difficult for opposition batters.
What to expect:
With the matches being played in peak summer time, the weather should be mostly set fair as it is a winter rainfall area in Paarl. Generally, there won’t be too much assistance for the pace bowlers, which will make use of the new ball particularly important if there is any live grass left on the pitches. Expect spinners to dictate how matches play out at Boland Park, with batters who can adapt to the conditions and successfully take on the spinners to give their side the edge.
Highest T20 scores:
Domestic – 209-2 by the Jozi Stars against the Paarl Rocks in the 2018/19 season.
International – 147-6 by England against the Proteas in 2020.
Lowest T20 scores:
Domestic – 64-8 by Nigeria against Boland in the 2018/19 season.
International – 146-6 by the Proteas against England.
