Arnos Vale Ground aerial view with Caribbean Sea backdrop, St Vincent

Arnos Vale Ground, St. Vincent: Pitch Report, Records & 2026 Guide

By Ahmed Raza | Last updated: August 10, 2026

Arnos Vale Ground is one of the most visually stunning cricket venues in the world. Nestled beside the Caribbean Sea on the southern tip of St. Vincent Island, this ground offers something almost no other international cricket venue can — the scent of salt air, the sound of ocean waves, and the sight of a turquoise horizon behind the sightscreen.

Locally known as The Playing Fields, this multipurpose ground sits within the Arnos Vale Sports Complex, just minutes from the island’s main airport. Whether you are a cricket statistician hunting records, a fantasy cricket player analyzing pitch behaviour, or a tourist planning to experience live Caribbean cricket, this complete guide covers everything you need to know — with depth and detail competitors simply do not provide.

Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St. Vincent, is an 18,000-capacity international cricket venue owned by the Windward Islands Cricket Board. First used for international cricket in 1981, it hosts Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, and served as a venue for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. In August 2026, it staged CPL cricket for the first time — the tournament’s opening three matches. The pitch favours spinners with an average first-innings T20 score of around 125–144, though all three CPL 2026 fixtures here comfortably exceeded that range.

Table of Contents

Detail | Info

DetailInformation
Full NameArnos Vale Ground (The Playing Fields)
LocationArnos Vale, near Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
CountrySaint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)
OwnerWindward Islands Cricket Board
Capacity18,000
Established1981 (first international match)
TimezoneUTC −04:00 (Atlantic Standard Time)
Bowling EndsAirport End
Boundary Length60–65 m (short) to 70–75 m (long)
Surface TypeNatural grass (spin-friendly)
FloodlightsYes
TypeMultipurpose (Cricket + Football)

Milestone Match Dates

FormatFirst MatchOpponentsLast Recorded Match
ODI4 Feb 1981West Indies vs England20 March 2012 (WI vs Australia)
Test20–24 June 1997West Indies vs Sri Lanka5–9 Sept 2014 (WI vs Bangladesh)
T20I27 July 2013West Indies vs Pakistan19 Dec 2024 (WI vs Bangladesh)
Women’s ODI13 March 2003West Indies vs Sri Lanka3 Sept 2011 (WI vs Pakistan)
CPL (franchise T20)7 August 2026Jamaica Kingsmen vs Antigua & Barbuda Falcons9 August 2026 (ABF vs St Lucia Kings)

Location & How to Get There

Arnos Vale is a suburb located approximately 3 km southeast of Kingstown, the capital city of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is part of the St. George parish — the island’s administrative heartland.

Getting There

  • By Air: The E.T. Joshua Airport (formerly the main international airport) is located directly adjacent to the ground — the “Airport End” name is literal. The newer Argyle International Airport (SVD), which opened in 2017, is located approximately 12 km northeast and handles international flights. A taxi from Argyle to Arnos Vale takes roughly 20–25 minutes.
  • By Road: From Kingstown city centre, Arnos Vale is a short 10-minute drive heading southeast via the main coastal road (Vigie Highway). Local minibuses also run this route for a nominal EC dollar fare.
  • By Boat: The Port of Kingstown receives cruise ship arrivals. Arnos Vale is reachable in under 15 minutes from the port by taxi.

Nearby Landmarks

  • Argyle International Airport (12 km)
  • Kingstown city centre (3 km)
  • Fort Charlotte (4 km northwest)
  • Botanical Gardens of St. Vincent (3.5 km)
  • Young Island (5 km south)

Stadium Capacity & Infrastructure

The stadium can hold 18,000 spectators and is considered one of the Caribbean’s larger cricket venues. Following extensive renovations ahead of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, the ground received:

  • An enlarged playing area
  • A new Eastern Stand (pavilion)
  • A dedicated media centre
  • Updated operations and administrative centres
  • Improved hospitality facilities

The ground has two principal batting ends: the Airport End (named for the adjacent airstrip) and the Bequia End (named for the nearby island of Bequia in the Grenadines). Both ends offer distinct bowling conditions — seam bowlers from the Airport End benefit from the breeze off the sea, while spinners often operate from the Bequia End.

CPL 2026 at Arnos Vale Ground – Historic First Time

CPL 2026 marked a historic milestone for Arnos Vale, as St. Vincent and the Grenadines hosted Caribbean Premier League matches for the first time. Arnos Vale Stadium staged the opening three fixtures of the tournament, bringing top-level franchise cricket to the country between 7 and 9 August.

CPL 2026 Match Schedule at Arnos Vale Ground

DateTeamsLocal Start TimeVenue
7 August 2026Jamaica Kingsmen vs Antigua & Barbuda Falcons7:00 PM ASTArnos Vale Ground, Kingstown
8 August 2026St Kitts & Nevis Patriots vs Trinbago Knight Riders7:00 PM ASTArnos Vale Ground, Kingstown
9 August 2026Antigua & Barbuda Falcons vs St Lucia Kings7:00 PM ASTArnos Vale Ground, Kingstown

1st Match — Antigua & Barbuda Falcons won by 2 wickets Antigua and Barbuda Falcons 168/8 (Tajinder Singh 62, Rovman Powell 47, Alzarri Joseph 3-34) beat Jamaica Kingsmen 167/7 by two wickets, off the final ball. Player of the Match: Alzarri Joseph. Kingsmen captain Rovman Powell’s 47 anchored the innings, but the Kingsmen managed just 59 runs through the middle overs. Chasing 168, the Falcons looked in control before Hunain Shah took two wickets in consecutive balls in the penultimate over; Shamar Springer scrambled two off the final delivery, helped by a fumble at long-on, to seal the win in the tournament’s opening match.

2nd Match — Trinbago Knight Riders won by 19 runs (DLS method) Trinbago Knight Riders 94/2 (Matthew Breetzke 35*) beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 109/9 (Kevin Wickham 38) by 19 runs via DLS in a rain-affected match. Player of the Match: Sunil Narine, who took 3/7 from four overs including a maiden. Rain delayed the start after TKR won the toss and chose to bowl; Narine removed both Patriots openers in consecutive deliveries inside the powerplay, and the Patriots never recovered.

3rd Match — St Lucia Kings won by 4 runs St Lucia Kings 187/8 (Andries Gous 82, Alzarri Joseph 3-32) beat Antigua and Barbuda Falcons 183/7 (Evin Lewis 48, Maheesh Theekshana 2-18, Roston Chase 2-18) by four runs. Player of the Match: Andries Gous. The Falcons needed 13 off the final over; Matthew Forde conceded just eight to close it out for the Kings, after Falcons had been as high as roughly 90% favourites in the chase before Theekshana and Chase’s middle-overs spin turned the match.

CPL 2026 Records at Arnos Vale

As the venue’s first-ever CPL matches, all three totals set new franchise-T20 highs here:

  • Highest CPL team total: 187/8 – St Lucia Kings vs Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, 9 August 2026
  • Highest individual CPL score: 82 – Andries Gous (St Lucia Kings), 9 August 2026
  • Best CPL bowling figures: 3/7 – Sunil Narine (Trinbago Knight Riders), 8 August 2026
  • Closest CPL finish: 4 runs – St Lucia Kings beat Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, 9 August 2026

Two of the three matches here were decided by single-digit margins (a 2-wicket win and a 4-run win), underlining that the ground has produced tight finishes in its first taste of CPL cricket, despite a reputation as a low-scoring, spin-friendly venue in ODI and T20I cricket.

Related: CPL 2026 Schedule · CPL 2026 Points Table · Jamaica Kingsmen Squad · St Lucia Kings Schedule · Trinbago Knight Riders Schedule

Why Arnos Vale for CPL 2026?

CPL CEO Pete Russell described Arnos Vale as “a fantastic venue with a proud cricket history” and expressed confidence that local fans would create an exciting atmosphere throughout the matches — a prediction borne out by two last-over finishes in the opening three games.

Arnos Vale had previously hosted 36 men’s international matches, including five games during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Those matches highlighted the venue’s spin-friendly conditions, with spinners enjoying notable success throughout the tournament — a pattern that repeated itself in CPL 2026, where Narine, Theekshana and Chase were all among the standout performers.

Pitch Report – Detailed Analysis

Understanding the Arnos Vale pitch is essential for fans, analysts, and fantasy cricket players. Here is a more granular breakdown than you will find anywhere else:

Surface Characteristics

The Arnos Vale pitch is a balanced, low-paced surface that transitions from moderate pace early in a match to a drier, more spin-friendly track as the game progresses. Key traits include:

  • Pace: Moderate. Fast bowlers must rely on discipline and variation rather than raw speed.
  • Spin: Significant assistance, especially for off-spin and left-arm orthodox bowlers. The clay-heavy sub-soil holds moisture early and dries out as the day progresses, creating variable bounce by the afternoon.
  • Bounce: Low to medium. Batters who play off the front foot tend to score more easily than those who rely on back-foot play.
  • Swing: Some early swing for seam bowlers — particularly from the Airport End — especially under overcast conditions.

Format-by-Format Pitch Behaviour

Format1st Innings Avg Score2nd Innings Avg ScoreBatting 1st WinsBatting 2nd Wins
T20 (World Cup 2024)~125~1167 of 125 of 12
CPL (2026)154 (3 matches)148 (3 matches)2 of 31 of 3
T20I (all time)~144~13050%50%
ODI~220~19511 of 2311 of 23
TestDraws commonBalancedBalanced

CPL 2026’s opening three matches ran well above the venue’s historical T20 averages — all three first innings passed 165, against a T20I/World Cup average in the 125–144 range. Whether that reflects fresher August pitches or simply small-sample variance from three matches will become clearer as the tournament progresses; treat the CPL row above as an early, three-match snapshot rather than an established trend.

Pitch Behaviour by Session (T20 Context)

SessionLikely ConditionAdvantage
Powerplay (Overs 1–6)Firm, some swingPace bowlers
Middle Overs (7–15)Drying, turn developingSpinners
Death Overs (16–20)Dry, slowSlow bowlers, smart batters

Boundary Dimensions

  • Shortest boundary: 60–65 metres
  • Longest boundary: 70–75 metres
  • These dimensions are relatively compact compared to larger Test venues, giving batters an advantage in T20 play.

Expert Pitch Verdict

The Arnos Vale pitch rewards teams that include at least two spinners — a pattern CPL 2026 reinforced, with Narine, Theekshana and Chase all making decisive middle-overs contributions in the opening round. In T20 cricket, teams posting 130+ have traditionally tended to defend successfully here, though the three CPL 2026 games all produced totals well above that mark. Toss-winners have historically preferred to bat first on a fresh surface, then use spin to defend the target as the pitch dries; two of the three CPL 2026 tosses were won by the side electing to bowl first (TKR in Match 2).

Weather Report & Climate Guide

St. Vincent sits in the Lesser Antilles of the Eastern Caribbean, giving it a tropical maritime climate. For cricket planning purposes:

Monthly Weather Summary

MonthAvg Temp (°C)Rainfall RiskHumiditySuitability for Cricket
January25–28Low65%Excellent
February25–28Low63%Excellent
March26–29Low64%Excellent
April27–30Moderate68%Good
May27–30Moderate–High72%Fair
June27–30High (rainy season begins)74%Fair–Poor
July27–29High76%Fair
August27–29High77%Fair
September27–29Highest78%Poor
October27–29High76%Fair
November26–29Moderate73%Good
December25–28Low–Moderate68%Good

Key Weather Notes for Match Days

  • Afternoon thunderstorms are common from June–October and can interrupt play. Rain delayed the start of the 2nd CPL 2026 match (8 August) and the game was ultimately decided by the DLS method — a reminder that August’s high rainfall risk is a live factor, not just a seasonal statistic.
  • The T20 World Cup 2024 matches in June experienced partly cloudy skies with temperatures hovering between 27–30°C and wind speeds around 23 km/h — ideal for cricket spectating.
  • Wind at the Airport End can be brisk due to sea proximity; this often assists outswing from that end.
  • Humidity rarely drops below 60%, meaning the ball can swing for longer periods than at drier continental venues.

T20 Records at Arnos Vale Ground

T20 World Cup 2024 – Matches Hosted

DateMatchResult
13 June 2024Bangladesh vs NetherlandsBangladesh won
15 June 2024South Africa vs NepalSouth Africa won
17 June 2024Bangladesh vs NepalBangladesh won
23 June 2024Super 8: Group C1 vs B2
25 June 2024Super 8: Group C1 vs D2

T20I Records Summary

RecordDetail
First T20I27 July 2013 – West Indies vs Pakistan
First T20I resultPakistan won by 2 wickets
Second T20I28 July 2013 – Pakistan won by 11 runs
Highest T20I/World Cup team score159/5 by Bangladesh
Lowest T20I/World Cup team score85 all out by Nepal
Average 1st innings score (T20WC 2024)125
Average 2nd innings score (T20WC 2024)116
Total T20I/World Cup matches played10 (as of 2024)
Batting first wins9 of 10 (T20 World Cup era)
Batting second wins1 of 10
Total boundaries (8 T20WC matches)235 (164 fours + 71 sixes)
100+ scores in T20I/World Cup13 times in 8 matches
150+ scores in T20I/World Cup2 times in 8 matches

Note: the table above covers international T20Is and the 2024 T20 World Cup only. CPL 2026 franchise matches are tracked separately in the CPL 2026 Records section above, since all three CPL totals (167/7, 168/8, 183/7, 187/8) exceeded the international record of 159/5.

Wicket-Taking Breakdown (T20WC 2024, Both Innings)

  • Right-arm bowlers: 100 wickets (Fast: 4, Fast-medium: 35, Medium: 23, Off-spin: 38)
  • Left-arm bowlers: 21 wickets (Fast-medium: 8, Medium: 1, Orthodox spin: 12)
  • Conclusion: right-arm off-spinners and fast-medium bowlers dominate wicket-taking at this venue.

ODI Records at Arnos Vale Ground

Arnos Vale has hosted 23 ODI matches — making it an established ODI venue with a rich history.

ODI Records Summary

RecordDetail
First ODI4 February 1981 – West Indies vs England
Result of first ODIWest Indies won by 2 runs (thriller!)
Total ODIs hosted23
Batting first wins11
Batting second wins11
No results / Abandoned1
Highest individual score (ODI)BC Lara – 104* (West Indies vs New Zealand)
Lowest team total (ODI)Zimbabwe – 104 all out vs West Indies
Last ODI20 March 2012 – West Indies vs Australia

ODI Performance: West Indies at Home The West Indies have been formidable at Arnos Vale in ODIs, winning 18 of 23 matches. Four losses and one tie reflect occasional upsets — but this has historically been among the West Indies’ strongest home fortresses in one-day cricket.

Test Match Records at Arnos Vale Ground

Test Records Summary

RecordDetail
First Test20–24 June 1997 – West Indies vs Sri Lanka
Result of first TestDraw
Total Tests hosted3
West Indies Test record here1 win, 1 loss, 1 draw
Last Test5–9 September 2014 – West Indies vs Bangladesh

Test Analysis

The three Test matches at Arnos Vale have produced varied results, reflecting a well-balanced pitch that offers something to all departments over five days. The low-lying nature of the surface means that reverse swing can become a factor on Day 4 and Day 5, though the Caribbean humidity often keeps the ball softer than in drier conditions. Arnos Vale has not hosted a Test since 2014, largely due to the shifting landscape of West Indies home series scheduling.

Highest & Lowest Team Scores (International Cricket)

Highest Team Scores by Format

FormatScoreTeamOpponentYear
T20 (International)159/5BangladeshT20 World Cup 2024
ODIN/AWest IndiesMultipleVarious
TestMulti-day totalsWest IndiesSri Lanka/Bangladesh1997–2014

Lowest Team Scores by Format

FormatScoreTeamOpponentYear
T20 (International)85 all outNepalBangladeshT20 World Cup 2024
ODI104 all outZimbabweWest Indies

For franchise CPL scores, see the CPL 2026 Records section above.

Most Runs & Most Wickets (International Cricket)

Brian Lara’s unbeaten ODI century (104*) against New Zealand remains the highest individual innings at the ground in ODIs. Lara was a dominant force across West Indies home venues throughout the 1990s and 2000s, and Arnos Vale was no exception.

For T20Is, Kraigg Brathwaite holds the record for the highest individual T20I score at the venue with an unbeaten 72*. In CPL 2026, Andries Gous’ 82 for St Lucia Kings is now the highest individual score at the ground in any T20 format, international or franchise.

Bowling Records

The best bowling figures in ODIs at Arnos Vale reflect the spinner-friendly nature of the surface in the latter stages of matches. Fast bowlers have taken wickets in the powerplay, but sustained match-winning spells have most often come from spinners and medium-pacers — a trend Sunil Narine’s 3/7 in CPL 2026 continued.

Recent Matches

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Results at Arnos Vale

MatchTeamsWinnerMargin
Match 27Bangladesh vs NetherlandsBangladesh
Match 29South Africa vs NepalSouth Africa
Match 33Bangladesh vs NepalBangladeshNepal bowled out for 85
Super 8Group stage knockouts

T20I Series – West Indies vs Bangladesh

The most recent T20I at Arnos Vale was played on 19 December 2024 between West Indies and Bangladesh.

CPL 2026 — Opening Round

See the CPL 2026 Match Schedule & Results section above for full details of the three matches played here on 7, 8 and 9 August 2026.

Upcoming Matches

Arnos Vale’s involvement in CPL 2026 was limited to the opening three matches (7–9 August); no further CPL 2026 fixtures are scheduled at the venue this season. No other confirmed international fixtures have been publicly announced through the Windward Islands Cricket Board or Cricket West Indies beyond the CPL window. This is broadly consistent with Arnos Vale’s historical pattern of hosting international cricket in short, infrequent bursts.

Expert Tips for Visitors & Fantasy Players

For Match-Day Visitors

  • Arrive early — the stadium fills quickly for high-profile matches, particularly T20 World Cup and CPL fixtures, and parking near the complex is limited.
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat — the tropical sun is intense, and afternoon matches can be punishing for uncovered seating.
  • Book accommodation in Kingstown, not Arnos Vale — the suburb has limited hotel options; Kingstown’s small hotel cluster is 3 km away and offers better connectivity.
  • Local minibuses run frequently between Kingstown and Arnos Vale — far cheaper than taxis and a great cultural experience.
  • Dress code: Caribbean cricket crowds are vibrant. Team jerseys are welcome; no offensive language on clothing per stadium rules.

For Fantasy Cricket Players

  • Always pick at least 2 spinners from the batting side’s bowling unit — this surface rewards them from the middle overs onwards, as CPL 2026’s opening round confirmed.
  • Batting first advantage in T20s has historically been significant here, though CPL 2026’s three matches were split — 2 wins batting first, 1 batting second.
  • Opening batters have traditionally scored more than middle-order batters in the powerplay, though CPL 2026’s standout knock (Gous’ 82) came from the middle order.
  • Right-arm off-spinners and canny finger-spinners were the standout wicket-takers across CPL 2026’s opening round — prioritise them as captain/vice-captain choices.
  • With CPL 2026 averages running well above the historical T20I range, don’t assume a repeat of the venue’s traditionally low-scoring reputation without checking current conditions.

FAQs

Where is Arnos Vale Ground located?

Arnos Vale Ground is located in Arnos Vale, near Kingstown, the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, in the Eastern Caribbean. It sits adjacent to the old E.T. Joshua Airport, approximately 3 km from Kingstown city centre.

What is the capacity of Arnos Vale Ground?

Arnos Vale Ground has a seating capacity of 18,000 spectators, making it one of the largest cricket venues in the Caribbean. The ground has two main stands plus a pavilion and media centre added during the 2006–2007 World Cup renovation.

What is the pitch report for Arnos Vale Ground?

The Arnos Vale pitch is a balanced, moderately-paced surface that assists spinners as the game progresses. The average T20I first-innings score is 125–144, though CPL 2026’s opening round produced notably higher totals. Right-arm off-spinners have been the most effective bowlers at this venue historically, a trend CPL 2026 continued.

Who owns and manages Arnos Vale Ground?

Arnos Vale Ground is owned and managed by the Windward Islands Cricket Board (WICB), which oversees domestic and international cricket for the Windward Islands — a sub-region that includes St. Vincent, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Lucia.

What was the first international cricket match at Arnos Vale?

The first international match at Arnos Vale was an ODI on 4 February 1981 between West Indies and England. West Indies won by just 2 runs in a thrilling finish — setting the tone for many memorable contests at this ground.

What CPL 2026 matches were played at Arnos Vale?

Arnos Vale hosted the opening three matches of CPL 2026: Jamaica Kingsmen vs Antigua & Barbuda Falcons (7 August, Falcons won by 2 wickets), St Kitts & Nevis Patriots vs Trinbago Knight Riders (8 August, Trinbago won by 19 runs via DLS), and Antigua & Barbuda Falcons vs St Lucia Kings (9 August, Kings won by 4 runs). It was the first time St. Vincent and the Grenadines had hosted CPL cricket.

What is the highest team score at Arnos Vale Ground?

In franchise CPL cricket, St Lucia Kings’ 187/8 against Antigua & Barbuda Falcons on 9 August 2026 is the highest total recorded at the venue. In international T20 cricket, Bangladesh’s 159/5 during the 2024 T20 World Cup remains the record. The lowest T20 team score belongs to Nepal, who were bowled out for 85 in the same World Cup.

What are the bowling ends at Arnos Vale Ground?

The two bowling ends are the Airport End (facing the adjacent airstrip) and the Bequia End (facing towards the island of Bequia). Sea breezes from the Airport End assist swing bowlers; the Bequia End is typically more favourable for spin from later sessions.

How many Test matches has Arnos Vale hosted?

Arnos Vale has hosted 3 Test matches. The first was between the West Indies and Sri Lanka in June 1997 (draw). The last Test was in September 2014 against Bangladesh. West Indies’ record at home in Tests here stands at 1 win, 1 loss, 1 draw.

Is Arnos Vale worth visiting as a tourist outside of cricket?

Absolutely. Arnos Vale sits close to Kingstown, Fort Charlotte, and the Botanical Gardens, and is a gateway to Grenadian island-hopping. Activities, including crystal kayaking, Dark View Falls hikes, and Pirates of the Caribbean filming locations, are all within easy reach.

Why Arnos Vale Ground Stadium Stands Out

Arnos Vale Ground is far more than just a cricket venue — it is the beating sporting heart of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. With a history spanning over four decades of international cricket, an 18,000-capacity ground that backs onto the Caribbean Sea, a spin-friendly pitch that has produced countless memorable moments, and a natural setting that rivals any cricket venue on Earth, Arnos Vale deserves to be on every cricket fan’s bucket list.

The T20 World Cup 2024 introduced this ground to a new global audience, and CPL 2026 built on that in August, with the venue’s first three franchise matches producing two last-over finishes and a new team-total record. Whether you are coming to analyze the pitch for fantasy cricket, planning a Caribbean holiday around a live match, or simply researching the venue’s remarkable record book, Arnos Vale rewards attention.

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