
OUTsurance Oval
Bloemfontein
OUTsurance Oval in Bloemfontein serves as the home ground of the Knights franchise and stands as one of South Africa's prominent cricket venues. The stadium, previously known as Chevrolet Park and Goodyear Park before its current naming rights arrangement, has established itself as a key fixture in the Free State's sporting landscape since its development in the 1990s.
The pitch at OUTsurance Oval typically offers balanced conditions for both batsmen and bowlers, though recent T20 statistics suggest it can be challenging for batting sides. With an average first innings score of 146 in T20 matches, the surface appears to provide assistance to bowlers, particularly in the shorter format. The low bat-first win percentage of 33.33% indicates that chasing teams have historically enjoyed greater success, suggesting the pitch may ease out as matches progress or that dew factor plays a significant role in evening encounters.
The venue has hosted various domestic competitions including the CSA T20 Challenge and four-day franchise cricket. While it may not have the international profile of larger South African grounds, OUTsurance Oval has witnessed several memorable domestic encounters, particularly during Knights' successful campaigns in provincial competitions.
The atmosphere at the ground reflects Bloemfontein's passionate cricket community, with local supporters creating an intimate yet spirited environment. The stadium's capacity allows for close proximity between spectators and players, contributing to an authentic cricket experience that embodies the essence of South African domestic cricket.
Ground Stats by Format
T20
Matches played3
Avg 1st innings146
Avg 2nd innings143
Highest total169
Lowest total120
Bat first win %33.3%
Recent Matches
| Date | Match | Format | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Oct 2010 | South Africa vs Zimbabwe(351/6 / 287/6) | ODI | South Africa won by 64 runs |
| 8 Oct 2010 | South Africa vs Zimbabwe(168/4 / 169/3) | T20 | South Africa won by 7 wickets |
| 17 May 2009 | Delhi Daredevils vs Rajasthan Royals(150/3 / 136/9) | T20 | Delhi Daredevils won by 14 runs |
| 15 May 2009 | Delhi Daredevils vs Kings XI Punjab(120/9 / 123/4) | T20 | Kings XI Punjab won by 6 wickets |
| 19 Nov 2008 | South Africa vs Bangladesh(441/9 / 153/10) | TEST | South Africa won by 129 runs |
| 31 Oct 2008 | South Africa vs Kenya(336/7 / 177/10) | ODI | South Africa won by 159 runs |
