Tauranga’s Bay Oval will be referred to affectionately as ‘Beige Oval’ next week when the BLACKCAPS play host to their Trans-Tasman rivals Australia in the three-game KFC T20I series.
To mark two decades since the debut of men’s T20I cricket — and with the small matter of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy on the line — ‘Beige Oval’ will celebrate 20 years of the format, featuring special additions to an already blockbuster series.
Commemorative beige polos will be available for purchase for fans at the ground, along with retro headband and sweatband giveaways à la Hamish Marshall, whose famous get-up set the tone of the first men’s T20I between the same two sides at Eden Park 20 years ago.
There are also plans in place for an under-arm bowling contest for fans on the field during the innings break, with prizes up for grabs for the lucky few selected to pay homage to one of the higher profile moments in a long history of Trans-Tasman sporting competition.
Reflecting on the first men’s T20I back in 2005, Tauranga Mayor Mahè Drysdale is ecstatic to be hosting Australia in his city.
“I still remember my first T20 experience watching New Zealand play Australia at Eden Park 20 odd years ago, when the beige came out – the energy, atmosphere, and excitement it brought to the game. To now have Tauranga kick off the international cricket season, with three games played right in our backyard at Bay Oval, is a huge win for the city. It’s going to be a fantastic experience for locals and visitors, and a real opportunity to deliver value for our people and our local economy.
“I’m really looking forward to three exciting nights of T20 cricket against our Aussie rivals, along with the other international fixtures this summer. I encourage everyone to get involved and enjoy what’s set to be a great week.”
Australia, ranked second on the ICC T20I team rankings, land in Aotearoa on Friday afternoon and will be formally welcomed to ‘Beige Oval’ on Sunday.
BLACKCAPS captain Michael Bracewell and Australia’s Mitch Marsh will be out and about in the Mount on Sunday evening experiencing the best of the Tauranga region as part of the pre series trophy shoot.
The international home summer and first match of the series gets underway in less than a week with tickets selling strongly for the series.
Chappell-Hadlee Trophy KFC T20I Series
- 1st T20I - Weds Oct 1 - 7.15pm - Bay Oval, Tauranga
- 2nd T20I - Fri Oct 3 - 7.15pm - Bay Oval, Tauranga
- 3rd T20I - Sat Oct 4 - 7.15pm - Bay Oval, Tauranga
