SMS Stadium | International Cricket Stadium in Rajasthan

Popularly known as SMS stadium, it is a cricket stadium in Pink City built during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. Situated at the corner of Rambagh circle, the stadium has the seating capacity of around 35,000.

History

Sawai Mansingh Stadium was established in 1969. And, the first evert solitary match between India and Pakistan was hosted here on 21 February 1987. Pakistan President General Zia-ul-Haq was the chief guest of this inaugurative match. He crossed the border to watch the second day’s play as part of his “Cricket for Peace” initiative.

The stadium’s ODI debut had kicked off with a contest between the same two sides on 2 October 1983. Fresh from their World Cup triumph, the Indians comfortably won by four wickets, sporting the same XI that won the World Cup final.

The ground has also hosted two World Cup matches in 1987 and 1996 respectively, the West Indians losing to England in the former and beating Australia in the latter.

Re-development

In 2006, the stadium encountered a major renovation at the cost of 400 Crore Rs. And, with the purpose of development, a world-class academy was built of Rs. 7 crores with 28 appointed rooms, a gym, a restaurant, two conference halls and a swimming pool. Now, here one can see new facilities including the Media chambers, galleries, two new blocks, and more capacity.

The stadium act as a Sport Complex offerings various other sports activities including Cricket, Badminton, Tennis, Athletics events etc.

Arjuna Statue at SMS Stadium

Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) set up a 55-feet high sculpture of Arjuna at East gate of SMS Stadium Jaipur to show respect to Rajasthan’s sportsperson Arjuna. It is said to be the highest statue in Jaipur and 2nd highest statue in Rajasthan. Including base 30 feet high, the Arjuna statue in Jaipur is 55 feet high and it is short of 57 feet highest statue of Maharana Pratap in Udaipur Rajasthan.

For encouraging and admiring sportspersons who have brought name and fame for the state in their sports, an Art Gallery is also built behind the statue of Arjun in Jaipur. The gallery has 17 blocks with sculptures displaying different sports. Each block has the name of sportsperson who brought accolades for the state of Rajasthan.

This doesn't just show respect for the sportsperson who have achieved something and made us proud but also encourage other sportspeople to bring fame to the state by excelling in their sport.

Major Records

• Though the SMS stadium mostly hosted test matches, its ODI records are also remarkable.
• The lowest ODI score at this ground is 135 by India against Pakistan.
• Most famous opening pair of Indian Cricket Team, Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar, opened the innings for the first time on this ground.
• The highest individual score by any batsman on this ground in ODI is 183 not out by Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
• The highest ODI score at this ground is 362-1 by India against Australia in October 2013.
• In the same match, Virat Kohli made the fastest 100 for India in ODIs.
• That match records the second highest successful chase in ODIs, after the Johannesburg epic between Australia and South Africa.

Major Tournaments

• 2006 Women’s Asia Cup
• 2006 ICC Champions Trophy
• 1987 & 1996 Cricket World Cup
• Hosted IPL Matches for Rajasthan Royals

Hence, we can say, this Sawai Mansingh Stadium is not just a niche of tournaments or match series; it’s a complete story in its own that has a lot more to experience.

_{source: jaipurcityblog}