Newlands Stadium profile
Newlands Cricket Ground is arguably the most scenic Test, ODI and T20I venue in South Africa. With Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak as a backdrop, it is a picturesque piece of cricket history in the height of Cape Town’s southern suburbs.
From 2011 to 2013, Newlands produced a string of very low totals in Test match cricket, but that’s not to say the wicket is poor for batting. It offers good value for stroke play, but keeps the bowlers in the contest throughout.
The domestic franchise based at Newlands, Cape Cobras, have produced several Proteas cricketers over the years. Former South African Test captain Graeme Smith hails from the region – and galvanised a characteristically steely approach to batting on many challenging Newlands pitches.
Newlands also hosted some fixtures during the Indian Premier League in 2009 – and has since accommodated other international stars during the Mzansi Super League.
What to look for when betting on matches at Newlands
Unlike many of other international cricket venues in South Africa, Newlands isn’t necessarily a ‘bat first’ ground. Overhead conditions and how much time the pitch has spent under covers due to pre-match rain are among the key factors considered by captains before the toss.
Vernon Philander, for many years, characterised the nagging ‘fourth stump’ line that frequently brings bowlers early success at Newlands, especially if there is a bit of swing in the air and nip off the deck. Betting on cricket matches at Newlands is conducive to bowling markets.
