The where, what and when of cricket in Canberra this summer

Posted on 3 January, 2020

For lovers of cricket, Canberra’s Manuka Oval is hitting this summer for a six hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, International T20s, women’s and men’s Big Bash League matches.

Centrally located with food, bars, hotels and apartments right on its doorstep, historic Manuka Oval is a handy spot to watch world-class cricket in Canberra.

A sporting capital

Canberra’s Manuka Oval plays host to international, national and local sporting fixtures throughout the year. The impressive oval has a seating capacity of 13,550 and a historic feel—it has been part of the Canberra landscape since the 1920s.

The oval offers a great, intimate view of the match, plus you can admire the surrounding mature cypress, poplar, oak and elm trees, the tower of St Christopher’s Cathedral and Red Hill from the ground.

Manuka Oval will host a great range of affordable games this summer including:

• BBL – Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades – 15 Jan 2020
• Women’s T20I – India v England – 31 Jan 2020
• Women’s T20I – Australia v England – 1 Feb 2020
• Women’s T20I – Australia v India – 2 Feb 2020
• ICC WT20 World Cup – England v Thailand – 26 Feb 2020
• ICC WT20 World Cup – West Indies v Pakistan – 26 Feb 2020
• ICC WT20 World Cup – Australia v Bangladesh – 27 Feb 2020
• ICC WT20 World Cup – Sth Africa v Thailand – 28 Feb 2020
• ICC WT20 World Cup – England v Pakistan – 28 Feb 2020

Where to pre-game

Before you head to the oval, there are plenty of options for a pre-game drink – all within 10 minutes’ walk of Manuka Oval. You’ll be welcome at Public Bar, or enjoy a cocktail or whiskey upstairs at Polit Bar in Manuka.

Head in the other direction for Joe’s Bar. Perhaps a pub is more your style, so try Canberra’s original watering hole, the Kingo (Kingston Hotel).

Beat the crowds and head to the oval early to enjoy delicious delicacies at the pop-up eatery and bar, Midwicket Deck, on the eastern side of the ground.

Grab a bite post-game

After an exciting match, it’s time to grab a post-game meal and relive the highlights. Stroll across to Manuka for family-friendly Grill’d, Malaysian food at Abell’s Kopi Tiam, Belluci’s Trattoria for Italian fare or rustic Urban Pantry.

Head to Kingston for authentic Indian meals at Bollywood Masala or tasty Asian dishes at Portia’s Place.

A little further away, you’ll find a huge array of dining options and bars to explore on foot at Kingston Foreshore.

For something a little bit fancy, try Aubergine or Rubicon at Griffith shops, five minutes’ drive from Manuka Oval.

Or how about some Mediterranean delights at Pomegranate or Japanese-inspired fare at Lilotang at Burbury Hotel?