ODI Record at County Ground, Bristol: From Highest Totals to Best Bowling Figures

The County Ground in Bristol, England, is a beautiful cricket venue with a rich and storied past.

Once known as Ashley Down Ground, it was purchased by the legendary cricketer WG Grace in 1889, becoming the home of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. Over the years, it has changed hands several times. Initially, J. S. Fry & Sons, a local confectionery company, bought it and renamed it Fry’s Ground. The county reacquired it in 1933, restoring its original name.

In 1976, the ground was sold again, this time to Royal & Sun Alliance. For a brief period, it was called the Phoenix County Ground before being renamed The Royal & Sun Alliance County Ground. Eventually, the cricket club bought it back, giving it its current name.

International Cricket at County Ground, Bristol

The County Ground made its international debut in June 1983, hosting a One-Day International (ODI) between New Zealand and Sri Lanka as part of the Prudential World Cup. Under the leadership of Geoff Howarth, New Zealand triumphed by five wickets. Since then, the venue has hosted 20 ODIs.

County Ground, Bristol ODI Records and Stats

Highest Total

England holds the record for the highest ODI total at this venue. In the third ODI of West Indies’ tour in September 2017, England, led by Eoin Morgan, scored 369/9 in 50 overs. Moeen Ali’s blistering 102, supported by Joe Root (84), Alex Hales (36), and Chris Woakes (34), helped set the record. In response, West Indies were bowled out for 245, and England won by 124 runs.

Lowest Total

Zimbabwe holds the record for the lowest total, managing just 92 runs in 24.5 overs against England in July 2003 during the NatWest Series. Stuart Matsikenyeri top-scored for Zimbabwe with 26 runs, while Darren Gough’s 4/26 and Andrew Flintoff’s three wickets dismantled the batting lineup. England chased down the target in 17.5 overs to win by six wickets.

Most Runs

The legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has scored the most runs at this venue in ODIs, amassing 352 runs between 1999 and 2007. His incredible average of 176 and a strike rate of 111.74 included two centuries and one fifty. Rahul Dravid follows closely with 209 runs in three ODIs, with an average of 209 and a strike rate of 111.17, including one century and one fifty.

Most Wickets

Andrew Flintoff leads the wicket-taking charts at the County Ground, Bristol, with 10 wickets in four matches at an impressive average of 10.80 and an economy of 4.72. His best bowling figures of 5/56 came against India. Close behind him are Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes, and Liam Plunkett, each with nine wickets.

Highest Individual Score

Imam-ul-Haq of Pakistan holds the record for the highest individual score at the venue, scoring 151 off 131 balls against England in May 2019. His innings included 16 fours and one six, propelling Pakistan to 358/9. However, his effort was in vain, as England chased down the target in 44.5 overs, winning by six wickets.

Best Bowling Figures

Richard Hadlee, the legendary New Zealand all-rounder, boasts the best bowling figures at the County Ground, Bristol in ODI cricket. His 5/25 against Sri Lanka in the 1983 Prudential World Cup remains unmatched. Hadlee’s outstanding performance led to New Zealand dismissing Sri Lanka for 206, which they successfully chased in 39.2 overs, winning by five wickets.

Highest Partnership

Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid also hold the record for the highest partnership at the County Ground, Bristol. In a 1999 ICC World Cup match against Kenya, they added an unbeaten 237-run stand for the third wicket. Tendulkar’s 140* and Dravid’s 104* helped India set a target of 329/2 in 50 overs. India won the match by 94 runs as Kenya managed only 235/7 in their response.

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