The Sharjah Cricket Stadium stands as an iconic venue in the cricket world as it has set the stage for some of the most remarkable moments in the sport’s history. Holding the prestigious record for hosting the highest number of international matches (299 as of September 2024), the stadium’s legacy remains unparalleled.
From Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary 143-run knock against Australia to hosting world-class tournaments, Sharjah has etched its name in cricket history. The venue is also hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium History
Constructed in the early 1980s, the Sharjah Cricket Stadium quickly established itself as a central hub for international cricket. Its debut on the world stage came in April 1984, during the Asia Cup. With each passing year, the stadium has undergone significant improvements, embracing modern amenities while retaining its old-world charm.
One of the stadium’s most unforgettable moments occurred in 1998 when Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar single-handedly carried India to victory against Australia with a breathtaking innings of 143 runs. This “Desert Storm” innings is still recounted as one of the greatest knocks in cricket history.
The stadium has also hosted several Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in 2014, 2020 & 2021. It has also been a home to a number of Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Capacity
From humble beginnings, the Sharjah Cricket Stadium boasts a seating capacity of 17,000 spectators. Over the years, this venue has transformed from having limited seats and modest facilities to becoming a state-of-the-art cricket stadium.
It was the first in the GCC to install LED lighting systems, utilizing DMX Technology to enhance the visual spectacle during night matches, replacing 392 metal halide floodlights with 176 LED ones to conserve energy.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium pitch is known for producing runs in abundance, especially in shorter formats like T20 and ODIs. Batsmen can unleash their full potential on this surface as the boundaries are small, which makes it an attractive venue for power-hitters.
Is Sharjah Cricket Stadium a Batting or a Bowling Pitch?
Sharjah has built a reputation as a batting paradise, with boundaries measuring around 58 to 65 meters, making it relatively easier for batsmen to clear the ropes. Records show a strong dominance of teams batting first, with 23 out of 38 T20Is won by teams that posted a total and then defended it.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Weather Report
Sharjah generally enjoys hot and dry weather conditions, with temperatures often reaching extreme levels during the summer months.
However, during the cricketing season, the weather tends to be more moderate, with warm evenings providing ideal conditions for matches under floodlights.
The stadium’s advanced lighting system ensures games continue without hindrance in twilight or evening conditions.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Records and Stats
Sharjah Cricket Stadium T20Is Records
| T20I Records | Details |
|---|---|
| First T20I Match | 3 March 2013 |
| Last T20I Match | 18 March 2024 |
| Matches Played | 38 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 23 (60.53%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 15 (39.47%) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 118* – Mohammad Shahzad (Afghanistan) |
| Best Bowling | 5/13 – Samiullah Shinwari (Afghanistan) |
| Highest Team Innings | 215/6 – Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe (2016) |
| Lowest Team Innings | 38/10 – Hong Kong vs Pakistan (2022) |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 179/6 – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan (2022) |
| Average Score Batting First | 151 |
Sharjah Cricket Stadium ODI Records
| ODI Records | Details |
|---|---|
| First ODI Match | 6 April 1984 |
| Last ODI Match | 22 September 2024 |
| Matches Played | 252 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 133 (52.36%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 117 (46.06%) |
| Matches Tied | 2 (0.79%) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 189 – Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) |
| Best Bowling | 7/30 – M. Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) |
| Highest Team Innings | 364/7 – Pakistan vs New Zealand (2014) |
| Lowest Team Innings | 54 – India vs Sri Lanka (2000) |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 285/2 – Australia vs Pakistan (2019) |
| Average Score Batting First | 223 |
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Test Records
| Test Records | Details |
|---|---|
| First Test Match | 31 January 2002 |
| Last Test Match | 29 October 2016 |
| Matches Played | 9 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 4 (44.44%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 4 (44.44%) |
| Matches Drawn | 1 (11.11%) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 202 – Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) |
| Best Bowling (Innings) | 7/94 – Mark Craig (New Zealand) |
| Highest Team Innings | 690 – New Zealand vs Pakistan (2014) |
| Lowest Team Innings | 53 – Pakistan vs Australia (2002) |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 302/5 – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (2014) |
| Average Score Batting First | 353 |
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Address
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium address is Second Industrial St – Industrial Area 5 – Industrial Area – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates. It is easily accessible from major cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The stadium serves as one of the most important cricketing venues in the Gulf region and remains a go-to ground for many high-profile cricketing events.
