National Bank Stadium Pitch Report, Map, Stats & Records

National Bank Cricket Arena, formerly known as National Stadium Karachi, is one of the iconic cricket venues in Pakistan. Established in 1955, it hosted its inaugural Test between India and Pakistan. This stadium has undergone major developments over the years, including upgrades to LED floodlights, a brand-new pavilion, hospitality boxes, dressing rooms, and two high-resolution digital replay screens, especially ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Notably, this revamp was completed in a record time of just 4 months.

The stadium was renamed under a sponsorship deal with the National Bank of Pakistan for five years starting in 2022. Pakistan remained undefeated at this venue for nearly 45 years from the inaugural Test until England defeated them in 2000 — a unique record held by this stadium.

The surface in this stadium is known for offering balanced conditions, with natural grass that provides early swing for bowlers, while also delivering even bounce and pace for batters. Batters usually enjoy playing here, but spinners pose a significant challenge under lights during limited-overs matches.

National Bank Cricket Arena Test Records and Stats

The stadium has hosted a total of 48 Test matches. The highest total in this stadium was recorded by hosts Pakistan, scoring a record total of 765/9 runs against SriLanka in a drawn test match in 2009. Meanwhile,  the host Pakistan bowled out Australia for 80 runs at this ground, which is the lowest recorded test score. 

Former Pakistan Skipper Javed Miandad holds the record for scoring the most runs at this venue, with 1393 runs in 17 Test matches. The highest individual score in a Test match was scored by a Pakistani batter, Younis Khan, scoring 313 runs against Sri Lanka at this venue.

In the bowling department, Abdul Qadir Khan former Pakistan leg-spinner, has the most wickets in this venue with 59 wickets in 13 matches. Pakistan’s legendary pacer Imran Khan holds the best individual bowling figures at this ground, with an outstanding 8 wickets for 60 runs. 

National Bank Cricket Arena ODI Records and Stats

The stadium has hosted a record 81 one-day international matches. The highest ODI total at this ground was set by the Indian team, scoring 374/4 runs against Hong Kong in the 2008 Asia Cup. Meanwhile, Pakistan women recorded the lowest total at this venue, getting bowled out by Sri Lanka for 93 runs at this venue during the 2004 Women’s Asia Cup.

Younis Khan holds the record for scoring the most runs at this venue in ODIs, with 712 runs in 17 matches. The highest individual score in an ODI at this ground was made by Salman Butt from Pakistan, who scored 134 against Bangladesh in 2008 

Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram has taken the most wickets here with 23 dismissals in 15 matches, while Ajantha Mendis of Sri Lanka has the best individual figures of 6 wickets for 13 runs in this venue against Pakistan. 

National Bank Cricket Arena T20I Records and Stats

National Stadium has hosted around 19 T20I matches and has seen nail-biting encounters over the years. The highest T20I total is set by England, scoring 221/3 against Pakistan in 2022, while the lowest total in this format was recorded by West Indies, getting bowled out for 80 by Pakistan at this venue in 2018.

The most runs at this stadium were scored by Pakistan’s Wicket-keeper Mohammed Rizwan, who made 455 runs in 7 matches, while the highest individual score of an unbeaten 110* was scored by former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam against England at this venue. 

Pakistan left-arm spinner Mohammed Nawaz has taken the most wickets here with 11 dismissals in 10 matches, and the best individual figures at this ground of 3 wickets for 3 runs is held by Pakistan leg spinner Mansoor Amjad. 

How to Reach the National Bank Cricket Arena?

National Bank Stadium Location

The stadium is quite easily accessible:

📍 Location: Stadium Road, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

🚆 Nearest Railway Station: Karachi Cantonment – 20–25 min by cab/auto

🚌 Nearest Bus Stops: Bahadurabad, National Coaching Centre (China Ground)

🚘 By Road: Easily accessible via cab, auto, or ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem, InDrive)