Sharjah Cricket Stadium: A Legendary Venue
The Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium also called Sharjah Cricket Stadium is one of the most important cricket stadiums worldwide. Sharjah Cricket Stadium is located in the heart of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It has been a hub for international cricket since 1982. This stadium has hosted up to 294 (March 2024), the highest number of international matches worldwide, making it one of the most prolific cricket venues in the world.
Structure information about Sharjah Cricket Stadium:
General Information
Name: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Location: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Established: 1982
Capacity: 16,000 spectators
Hosted ICC matches: 294 (up to March 2024.
Address: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Phone: +971 6 543 1313
Email: mailto:info@sharjahcricket.org
Facilities
Floodlights: available
Electronic Scoreboard: available
Practice Nets: available
Player Amenities: Modern dressing rooms, gym, and medical facilities, etc.
Pitch and Playing Conditions
Pitch Type: Slow and spinning
Playing Surface: Grass
Boundary Size: 70-80 yards
Sharjah Cricket Stadium hosts famous tournaments and matches
The stadium has hosted several famous tournaments.
Sharjah Cup (1984-2003)
ICC World Cup Qualifier (2003)
Coca-Cola Champions Trophy (1998)
Under 19 World Cup (2014)
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (2021)
Many iconic matches have been played here, including thrilling matches between Pakistan, India, and Australia.
Unique Pitch Conditions of Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is known for its slow and spinning pitches, which are often good for spin bowlers. This unique characteristic has led to some memorable performances by legendary spinners like Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan, Australian Shane Warne, and Indian Anil Kumble.
Facilities available in Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The stadium regularly updates to modern amenities, including
floodlights
electronic scoreboard
practice nets
etc.
After undergoing significant renovations in 2010, the stadium now offers a world-class cricketing experience for players and spectators alike.
Thrilling movements in Sharjah Cricket Stadium:
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Javed Miandad’s Last-Ball Six:
On April 18, 1986, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Javed Miandad created one of the most memories moments in cricket history when Pakistan needed 4 runs off the last ball to win against India, Javed Miandad hit a six off Chetan Sharma’s delivery, securing a thrilling victory for Pakistan. Pakistan was chasing India’s total of 245/7 Javed Miandad was on 108 not out with 1 ball remaining and Pakistan needed 4 runs to win. Chetan Sharma bowled a full-toss outside off stump and Miandad swung his bat with immense power and the ball sailed over the mid-wicket boundary for a six. Pakistan won this match by 1 wicket. Miandad was mobbed by his teammates and the crowd erupted in joy, with many considering it the greatest finish to a match ever seen. This moment has become an integral part of cricket lore, symbolizing Miandad’s clutch hitting and Pakistan’s never-say-die attitude. Even decades later, the “last-ball six” remains an unforgettable moment in cricket history.
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Sachin Tendulkar’s Desert Storm in 1998:
Indian cricket star Tendulkar scored 143 off 131 balls against Australia in the Coca-Cola Champions Trophy.
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Shane Warne’s hat-trick in 1994:
The Australian legendary spin bowler Shane Warne took a hat-trick for Australia against New Zealand in a Test match.
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Waugh brothers’ partnership in 1998:
Mark Waugh and Steve Waugh put on a record 207-run partnership for Australia against Pakistan.
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Anil Kumble’s 6/12 in 1999:
Indian star bowler Anil Kumble took 6 wickets for just 12 runs for India against Pakistan.
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Virender Sehwag’s 201* in 2004:
Indian star batsman Sehwag scored a double
century for India against Pakistan.
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Yuvraj Singh’s 6 sixes in 2007:
Yuvraj hit 6 sixes in an over off Stuart Broad for India against England in a T20 match.
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Kumar Sangakkara’s 169* in 2014:
Sri Lankan star batsman Sangakkara scored a century for Sri Lanka against Pakistan in a Test match.
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Rohit Sharma’s 264* in 2014:
Sharma scored the highest ODI score at the time for India against Sri Lanka.
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Rashid Khan’s 5/3* in 2019:
Rashid Khan took 5 wickets for just 3 runs for Afghanistan against Ireland in a T20 match.
These moments showcase the excitement and drama that the Sharjah Cricket Stadium has witnessed over the years