Sharjah Cricket Stadium one of the oldest cricket grounds in the UAE and one of the most famous venues worldwide. The stadium has been a staple of international cricket since the 1980s and has hosted hundreds of games featuring many top names in the game, located in Sharjah.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium is famous for having a long association with ODI cricket, and the sublime partnership between legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Sanath Jayasuriya and many others in action here.
The stadium was opened in 1982 and its first international cricket match took place in April 1984. Given its position and popularity among South Asian cricket communities, it rapidly emerged as a land-mark fixture in limited-overs cricket — and not least. According to the ICC, the stadium has a capacity of approximately 16,000 spectators.
According to Hawk Eye, which releases every year the biggest stats regarding players and their playing venues, one of the most notable things attached with this venue is its unbelievable tally of various ODI matches. As of August 2024, the Guinness World Records has counted 249 men’s ODIs played at Sharjah including nine women’s ODIs along with nine men’s Tests, 38 men’s T20Is and ten women’s T20Is by the International Cricket Council.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Quick Facts
Here are some important facts about Sharjah Cricket Stadium:
| Category | Details |
| Stadium | Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
| Location | Sharjah, United Arab Emirates |
| Established | 1982 |
| First international | April 1984 |
| Capacity | Around 16,000 |
| First ODI | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1984 |
| Men’s ODIs | 249 as of August 29, 2024 |
| Men’s Tests | 9 as of August 29, 2024 |
| Men’s T20Is | 38 as of August 29, 2024 |
| Women’s ODIs | 9 as of August 29, 2024 |
| Women’s T20Is | 10 as of August 29, 2024 |
| Famous for | ODI cricket and historic matches |
The ICC’s 2024 venue information confirms that Sharjah had hosted 249 men’s ODIs by August 29, 2024, making it one of the most frequently used international cricket grounds in the world.
History of Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The history of the Sharjah Cricket Stadium is also a part and parcel of the story of how international cricket developed in the UAE.
It was built in the early 1980s when one-day cricket was beginning to gain pace. Pakistan’s first-ever ODIs were against Sri Lanka in an ODI held in April 1984.
But what Sharjah soon became best known for was hosting limited-overs tournaments with teams from South Asia, and other major cricketing nations.
The venue became almost synonymous with ODI cricket in the 1980s and 1990s. Creating a feel uniquely its own was the sheer atmosphere of tournament cricket Sharjah provided with big crowds and even bigger matches led to regular high-profile encounters.
This massive number of ODIs at the venue set a world record for most one day internationals at a single ground. Sharjah holds the record for most men’s ODIs at any stadium, with repeated mention from the ICC.
Its prime location in Sharjah made it more accessible for the large expatriate population residing in the UAE, enhancing its significance as well.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Capacity
According to the official ICC venue details, the maximum seating capacity of Sharjah Cricket Stadium is between 16,000.
While not as grand in scale as many of the world’s other giant stadiums, this relatively small-scale venue is part of its magic.
Supporters are close to the action, generating a demonic and sometimes intimidating atmosphere during key contests. This is particularly evident during India-Pakistan-Afghanistan and other matches featuring big names in front of large crowds in the UAE.
Due to the smaller size of the ground, a shot cleared over the boundary also typically produces a reaction as soon as it leaves the bat.
The West Stand was renamed the Sachin Tendulkar stand in honour of the Indian batting great in 2023. It was a reflection of Tendulkar’s extraordinary bond with the venue and some of his finest performances there.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium ODI Records
Sharjah has always been synonymous with ODI cricket.
As of August 29, 2024, the venue has hosted a total of 249 men’s ODIs according to ICC.
Here are some of the major ODI records at the ground:
| ODI Record | Performance |
| Highest team total | Pakistan 364/7 vs New Zealand |
| Lowest team total | India 54 vs Sri Lanka |
| Highest individual score | Sanath Jayasuriya 189 |
| Best bowling figures | Muttiah Muralitharan 7/30 |
| Highest successful chase | Australia 285/2 vs Pakistan |
The variety of conditions encountered at Sharjah is demonstrated by these records. There have been massive batting performances and extraordinary spells with the ball witnessed at the ground.
Pakistan’s 364/7 against New Zealand in December 2014 is the highest ODI team total at t
Highest Individual ODI Score at Sharjah
Sanath Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka (189) 5th highest individual ODI score at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The massive innings came against India and it was Jayasuriya who scored the runs in 2000. The innings is still regarded as one of the best individual performances by a batsman at the venue.
His 189 came from 161 balls according to the ground stats, emphasising the enormity and duration of the innings.
Since it has been a ground known to produce aggressive ODI batters over the years, the innings is an integral part of Sharjah’s statistical history.
Best Bowling Figures at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The top performance with the ball in ODI history at the stadium is Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan.
In 2000, Murali returned figures of 7 for30 against India.
Any seven-wicket haul is a rare phenomenon in ODI cricket, so the performance looks all the more exceptional.
That spell is also rightfully attributed to the proof that Sharjah has not always been a batsman’s heaven. The venue has been known to have a few incredible batting performances under its belt — but, bowls who can take advantage of the slogging conditions have fared well here too.
Famous Sachin Tendulkar Matches at Sharjah
Sachin Tendulkar is one of the few players who have a strong linkage with Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
It is well known as the venue of Tendulkar’s stunning performances against Australia in the late 90s.
During the ICC Coca-Cola Cup in April 1998, Tendulkar delivered his iconic “Desert Storm” innings against Australia, scoring141 from just 131 balls. It was also the innings that took India to the final of the event.
Following that effort, Tendulkar made 134 in the tournament final against Australia – his third hundred of the event.
Both of the innings live on in cricket folklore and went a long way to making Sharjah one of the most iconic venues to have ever featured in ODI cricket.
Tendulkar’s successive centuries against Australia in 1998 are some of the most talked about moments at the ground, and that has been specifically mentioned by the ICC.
Due to his association with the stadium, in 2023 the West Stand was officially named Sachin Tendulkar Stand.
Javed Miandad’s Famous Last-Ball Six
In 1986 came another great moment from Sharjah, in the Austral-Asia Cup final between Pakistan and India.
Pakistan required four runs from the last ball, when Javed Miandad hit a six off India’s Chetan Sharma.
One of the iconic incidents in cricket history saw Pakistan win on the final ball.
Miandad’s last-ball six is one of the defining moments for Sharjah Cricket Stadium, as indicated by ICC.
This match played its part in creating the ground as one that was seen to produce unforgettable finishes in high-pressure games.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
This venue has seen its pitch go through changes over the years — it’s usually a surface that gets slower as a game proceeds.
When set in limited-overs cricket, batters may score at will however it might become tougher once the deck displays signs of slowdown.
This is when shot selection and timing are especially crucial.
Few spin bowlers and variations from pace wise bowler can be effective mainly when the surface is hard with less pace, bounce
We have some clues from the ODI stats (historical) of that venue. An ODI statistical preview defined an average first-innings score of just more than 224 on a mean of roughly 4.59 runs per over and about 28.43 runs per wicket in the drawn up sample available for the state of affairs here in 2024.
Nevertheless, those levels shouldn’t be considered fixed traits of the surface. Scoring can be heavily influenced by pitch preparation, weather, or the tournament format and playing conditions.
Is Sharjah Cricket Stadium Good for Batting?
Sharjah is a batters graveyard especially when a batter gets in.
Apart from the solo mammoth scores, this venue has produced mind staggering individual scores like Jayasuriya’s 189 and many tons by international stars.
However, batting conditions can vary.
If the surface is slow, then a batter who launches attacks immediately could experience problems. However, a player putting in some time to nail down the pitch could speed things up later on in the inning.
It’s one of the reasons that so many experienced batters have prospered in Sharjah.
The venue’s history indicates that both aggressive stroke-makers and technically sound batters can do well once they figure out the conditions.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium and T20 Cricket
While Sharjah has been most renowned as an ODI venue, it also holds an important position in T20 cricket.
The stadium is designed to hold over 110,000 spectators and hosted the matches during ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 including 11 Matches.
Sharjah was also one of the venues that hosted some matches of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
The ICC kept venue statistics for that tournament and as of 29 August 2024, it had hosted a total of 38 men’s T20Is and a total of 10 women’s T20Is.
Sharjah T20 is another beast of a pitch compared to ODI.
Only because it is shorter, batters are under pressure to score quickly. Conversely, when the surface is unhelpful by way of pace or seam movement (Read: washy pink pitches) slower balls, off-cutters and changes in pace are often relied upon by bowlers.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the T20 World Cup
The 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup saw Sharjah in a critical role.
Twenty-six matches took place at various venues in the UAE and Oman, including 11 in Sharjah.
The strong match to watch at the ground, one of those was our South Africa taking on England in the group stage.
The tournament brought another large international chapter to Sharjah’s long history.
With its small boundaries and slower pitch, the stadium has provided tactical challenges for teams, with particular emphasis on bowling variations and batting adaptability
Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Women’s Cricket
Sharjah is also playing an increasingly important role in women’s international cricket.
On 9 January 2015, the stadium hosted its first women’s ODI when Sri Lanka Women played Pakistan Women.
The venue subsequently staged its first women’s T20 international six days later.
This stadium was later designated as one of the venues for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Sharjah was set to host 11 matches throughout the event, including the opening double-header, and second semi-final, as per an announcement last month from the ICC.
This shows the evolution of the stadium which has gone beyond its usual association with men’s ODI cricket.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Afghanistan Cricket
Sharjah is also deep in Afghanistan in modern cricket.
The UAE has been an important home venue for Afghanistan, as most of the team’s international matches have been played in Sharjah.
Therefore, the ground has become an integral part of Afghanistan’s journey in international cricket.
The conditions can also favour Afghanistan’s spin-heavy bowling attacks while the experience of playing in the UAE helps to bring this team up to speed.
Consequently, the modern international face of the stadium no longer means just India Pakistan and its famous 1980s-90s ODI tournaments.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium’s Place in Cricket History
Sharjah Cricket Stadium has more to offer than its capacity.
It is important because it has hosted so many international contests, classic players and fantastic memories.
As my profile on the ICC says, “To this date, Sharjah has hosted 263 men’s international matches (240 men’s ODIs) as of 2021.” At that point, the total for an ODI in a day night’s game at the venue was already 91 more than Sydney Cricket Ground’s.
As of August 2024, ICC venue statistics (opens in new tab) had the number of men’s ODIs at 249, underlining what an incredible part it has played in one-day cricket.
From the last-ball six by Miandad to the Desert Storm of Tendulkar, from Muralitharan’s seven-for to Jayasuriya’s189 – Sharjah has thrown up performances that have entered folklore in cricket.
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Sharjah Cricket Stadium Records Summary
For quick reference, here are some of the most important Sharjah Cricket Stadium statistics:
| Record | Statistic |
| Established | 1982 |
| First international | April 1984 |
| Capacity | 16,000 |
| Men’s ODIs by Aug. 2024 | 249 |
| Men’s Tests by Aug. 2024 | 9 |
| Men’s T20Is by Aug. 2024 | 38 |
| Women’s ODIs by Aug. 2024 | 9 |
| Women’s T20Is by Aug. 2024 | 10 |
| Highest ODI total | 364/7 – Pakistan |
| Lowest ODI total | 54 – India |
| Highest ODI individual score | 189 – Sanath Jayasuriya |
| Best ODI bowling | 7/30 – Muttiah Muralitharan |
| Famous innings | Tendulkar 143, 1998 |
| Famous finish | Miandad’s last-ball six, 1986 |
The figures above combine official ICC venue statistics with established ground records. Match-by-match records can change as new international fixtures are played, so individual statistics should always be checked against the latest scorecards for a particular date.
Conclusion
Sharjah Cricket Stadium was much more than a cricket ground. It is an old venue which goes all the way back to the early 1980s and has played a huge role in nurturing the international cricket scene in UAE.
Stadiums are smaller than most of the significant cricket grounds of the world, however accessible only over 16000 per warm body; but its cricketing richness is monstrous. So far it has hosted hundreds of internationals around the world and in August 2024 had witnessed a total of 249 men’s ODIs having been completed, as well as Tests, T20Is and women’s international matches.
It has some incredible numbers in its record book; Highest ODI team total of 364/7, Lowest ODI team total of 54, Sanath Jayasuriya highest individual ODI score of 189, Muttiah Muralitharan best Bowling performance in ODIs (7/30).
Statistics, though, convey only part of the story.
The moments that lived on in our memories are what characterizes Sharjah Cricket Stadium. From Javed Miandad’s last-ball six against India to Sachin Tendulkar’s Desert Storm innings against Australia, so many performances later this venue remains one of cricket’s most iconic locations.
While there are many newer venues around the world in international cricket, Sharjah stands out as possessing something a little more special: an unrepeatable combination of history, passion, iconic performances and an unparalleled association with ODI cricket’s folklore.
Thus, as a cricket lover, to go to Sharjah Cricket Stadium is not just a sports destination. A chance to visit where some of the most memorable chapters in the game took place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sharjah Cricket Stadium
1. How many will Sharjah Cricket Stadium establish a new enclosure?
As per the official ICC venue information, the stadium has a seating capacity of about 16,000.
2. How many ODIs have been played in the Sharjah Cricket Stadium?
As of August 29, 2024, the ICC has a record-keeper at the venue documenting 249 men’s ODIs.
3. Highest ODI team total at Sharjah?
The highest ODI team total at the venue is Pakistan’s 364/7 against New Zealand in 2014.
4. ODI BEST BOWLING FIGURES AT SHARJAH
The best ODI bowling figures is 7/30 (Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lanka vs: India, 2000).
5. What is Sharjah Cricket Stadium known for?
It was in Sharjah, home to incredible ODI statistics all the way back into the 1980’s and where names such as Javed Miandad with his last-ball six in 1986 or Sachin Tendulkar’s Desert Storm innings against Australia in 1998 are nowadays part of folklore.
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