Queen’s Sports Club, located in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, is the country’s second international cricket ground after Harare Sports Club and one of the most iconic venues in Southern Africa. Known for its old-world charm, leafy surroundings, and intimate atmosphere, the ground has been a constant stop for all major touring teams since Zimbabwe gained Test status. With a seating capacity of around 9,000, the venue’s grassy banks, shaded trees, and traditional pavilion make it one of the most picturesque and fan-friendly stadiums in Africa.
Established as a cricketing hub in Bulawayo, it officially became Zimbabwe’s third Test venue in October 1994, marking a new chapter in the nation’s cricket journey.
The stadium regularly hosts Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and domestic franchise matches, and remains the home of Matabeleland Tuskers in domestic cricket.
📍 Location & Accessibility
- City: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
- Proximity: Located near the Bulawayo city centre, making it easy for fans and tourists to access
- Transport: Well-connected by road; local taxis and public buses available; parking space limited but manageable
- Environment: Surrounded by lush trees and greenery, providing natural shade and a serene cricketing atmosphere
🏏 Cricket History
- Test Debut: October 1994 – Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka (Zimbabwe’s 3rd Test venue)
- ODI Debut: December 1996 – Zimbabwe vs England
- T20I Debut: May 2013 – Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh
Historic Matches:
- 1994: Zimbabwe’s first-ever Test at the venue vs Sri Lanka
- 1996: Hosted the inaugural ODI against England
- 1998: Zimbabwe’s famous win over India in a Test match
- 2003: Hosted ICC Cricket World Cup matches
- 2018: Zimbabwe vs Australia ODI during the tri-series (also involving Pakistan)
- 2022: Hosted ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers
🌟 Key Highlights & Features
- Seating Capacity: ~9,000
- Speciality: Intimate ground with close-up spectator views, natural charm with trees and grass banks
- Pitch Behavior: Traditionally assists seam bowlers early on, with spinners coming into play later; batting-friendly once set
- Facilities:
- Historic pavilion with colonial-era architecture
- Player dressing rooms and practice nets
- Media centre and commentary boxes
- Basic but fan-friendly amenities like food stalls
- Scenic Appeal: Known for its green banks, tree shade, and cozy charm unlike larger concrete stadiums
🏟️ Pitch & Outfield Characteristics
- Pitch Type: Balanced surface, helps seamers in the morning, slows down later for spinners
- Batting Conditions: Rewarding for batters who apply themselves; stroke play improves as pitch settles
- Outfield: Smooth, grassy banks; generally quick and supportive for fast scoring
- Day/Night Matches: Limited due to smaller floodlight setup, but ODI and T20s have been played successfully
🔥 Famous Matches & Tournaments
- 1994: First-ever Test at Queen’s Sports Club (Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka)
- 1998: Zimbabwe defeating India in a Test match – a historic moment for Zimbabwe cricket
- 2003: Hosted matches during the ICC Cricket World Cup
- 2018: Zimbabwe vs Australia ODI in the T20 tri-series (with Pakistan)
- 2022: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier matches
🎉 Fan Experience
- Atmosphere: Relaxed, traditional cricket vibe with passionate Bulawayo crowd
- Seating: Mix of pavilion stands and grassy embankments for casual, picnic-style viewing
- Family-Friendly: Safe environment, affordable tickets, with food stalls and local vendors adding to the charm
- Tourism Blend: Fans can combine cricket with exploring Matobo National Park, Bulawayo Railway Museum, and colonial-era architecture
- Unique Appeal: Considered one of the loveliest cricket grounds in Africa, with its trees, heritage pavilion, and cozy crowd engagement
👉 Queen’s Sports Club remains the pride of Bulawayo cricket and a symbol of Zimbabwe’s cricketing heritage. Its mix of tradition, natural beauty, and iconic matches makes it a favorite for players, fans, and tourists alike.`
