Saxton Oval, also known as Saxton Field, is an international-standard cricket ground located in Stoke, Nelson Region, New Zealand. Surrounded by greenery and the scenic beauty of Nelson, this venue offers a peaceful and picturesque setting for cricket matches. It is a relatively new but significant venue that has quickly made its mark in the cricketing world.
📍 Location
- Situated in: Saxton, Stoke, Nelson Region, South Island, New Zealand.
- It lies just a few kilometers away from Nelson city and is well connected by road.
- As the only major cricket venue in South Island, it holds special significance for cricket fans in the region.
🏏 Cricket History
- Saxton Oval rose to prominence when it was chosen as one of the venues for the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.
- It successfully hosted three matches during the tournament.
- Apart from the World Cup, the stadium regularly hosts domestic competitions, first-class matches, and limited-overs fixtures.
- The ground symbolizes the expansion of New Zealand cricket, particularly in the South Island region.
🌟 Key Highlights
- Scenic and serene cricket venue surrounded by natural beauty.
- Hosted matches in the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
- Modern facilities with an intimate, fan-friendly environment.
- Venue for both domestic and international cricket.
- Major cricketing hub of New Zealand’s South Island.
🎯 Famous Matches
- 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup matches held here were the biggest highlight in the stadium’s history.
- Teams like West Indies, Ireland, and Zimbabwe played at this venue.
- These matches brought global recognition to Saxton Oval.
👥 Fan Experience
- Fans describe the stadium as a friendly and family-oriented venue.
- Its smaller size allows spectators to enjoy cricket very close to the action.
- The venue offers comfortable seating, food stalls, and lush lawns that enhance the match-day experience.
- Combined with Nelson’s natural beauty, watching cricket here becomes an unforgettable experience.