Galle International Stadium

Galle International Stadium sits in the coastal city of Galle, Sri Lanka. The ground rests near the local fort and faces the Indian Ocean on two sides. It originally functioned as The Esplanade before reaching international standards. The Galle Cricket Club has used the location since 1876, marking a presence at the site for 150 years. Sri Lanka Cricket also utilizes the facility as a home ground.

International cricket competition arrived at this location in 1998. The first men's Test match occurred from June 3 to June 7 of that year between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. One year later, the venue held its first men's ODI featuring Sri Lanka and Australia. These fixtures set the pattern for decades of play. The stadium continues to operate as a primary venue for major cricket events.

The ground holds a capacity of 35,000 spectators. Teams like Australia, England, West Indies, Pakistan, and New Zealand frequently travel here for matches. The stadium has hosted events including the ICC Women's World Twenty20, the ICC World Test Championship, and the Under-19 Asia Cup. It also serves as a regular site for England in Sri Lanka tours and various ICC Women's Championship matches.

Recent results show a competitive environment for home and touring teams alike. In 2024, Sri Lanka secured an innings victory over New Zealand by 154 runs and a 63-run win in a separate fixture. During the same year, the home side defeated the West Indies by 160 runs and later by 5 wickets. These outcomes demonstrate the continued use of the ground for high-level international play.

The 2025 calendar brought further Test action to the coast. Sri Lanka faced Australia in a match where the visitors won by 9 wickets. Later that year, from June 17 to June 21, Sri Lanka played Bangladesh in a Test that ended in a draw. This period underscored the variety of results produced by the pitch conditions and team performances at this specific coastal location.

Women's cricket also features at this venue. The first women's ODI took place on September 11, 2018, between Sri Lanka and India. The last women's ODI occurred on July 3, 2023, against New Zealand. Additionally, the stadium hosted women's T20I matches in 2012, with games involving South Africa, Australia, and England. The schedule for future fixtures includes a match between Sri Lanka and India on August 15, 2026.