Established in 1980, the Sharjah Cricket Stadium is located in the United Arab Emirates. The Sharjah Stadium holds the record for hosting the most number of ODIs (244) in the world.
Many famous ODI matches have been played on this ground, including Sachin Tendulkar’s ‘Desert Storm’ when scored successive centuries - 143 and 134 - against Australia in April 1998.
The Sharjah stadium rose in popularity during the 1980s as a limited-overs venue. It hosted several tournaments under the aegis of The Cricketers Benefit Fund Series, which was established by patron Abdul Rahman Bukhatir.
Home to the UAE cricket team, this venue also acted as the home venue for the Pakistan cricket team when international matches were not held in Pakistan following a terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team.
It has also been used as the home venue for the Afghanistan cricket team from 2010 onwards besides also staging numerous Indian T20 League matches in the 2014, 2020, and 2021 editions of the cash-rich tournament.
On track for becoming the first-ever venue to host 250 ODIs, there are plenty of 50-0over records that were set on this ground.
With that in mind, let’s have a closer look at all the ODI records and stats at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium ODI records and stats
Highest total: Pakistan holds the record for the highest ODI total at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Powered by Ahmed Shehzad’s 113, they posted 364/7 against New Zealand after batting first in December 2014. They then bundled out the Kiwis for 217 and went on to register a thumping 147-run win.
Lowest total: India has the unwanted record of the lowest total in ODIs on this ground. Set a target of 300 to chase in Champions Trophy 2000 by Sri Lanka, India buckled under pressure and could manage to score just 54 runs in the chase. This was also the match where Sanath Jayasuriya made his highest ODI score of 189 in what was a Player of the Match performance.
Most runs: Pakistan legend Inzamam-ul-Haq has scored more ODI runs than any other player at this venue. He made 2,464 runs at an average of 50.28 and a strike rate of 77.12. Inzamam scored a staggering 17 fifties and four centuries at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Most wickets: Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram took 122 wickets in 77 ODIs at Sharjah and it is the most wickets taken by any bowler on this ground. The legendary Pakistan bowler got his scalps at an average of 19.50 and an economy of 3.55.
Highest individual score: Sanath Jayasuriya’s 189 off 161 balls against India in Champions Trophy 2000 is the highest ODI score on this ground. He hit 21 fours and four sixes during his knock and helped Sri Lanka post 299/5. In reply, India managed just 54 as the Lankans registered a thumping 245-run win.
Best bowling figures: Sri Lanka’s spin maestro Muthiah Muralidaran registered the best bowling ODI figures on this ground against India during Champions Trophy 2000. After Sri Lanka had set India a target of 295 to chase, Muthiah Muralidaran ran through India’s top and middle order and helped Sri Lanka skittle out the Indians for 226. He finished with figures of 7/30 and was the Player of the Match.
Highest partnership: Pakistan duo Inzamam-ul-Haq and Aamer Sohail hold the record for the highest partnership in ODIs at this venue. They put on 263 runs together against New Zealand in April 1994 with Sohail making 134, while Inzamam remained unbeaten on 137. Their partnership for the second wicket guided Pakistan to 328/2 and an eventual 62-run win over the Kiwis.
Photo credit: Alamy
