Sharjah overtakes SCG as the venue to host most international cricket matches

Sharjah Cricket Stadium (Pic: Twitter)

The 2022 Asia Cup continued on Saturday, September 3 with the opening match of the Super Four round. The 20-overs affair, contested between Sri Lanka and a high-flying Afghanistan unit, was played out at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Notably, the contest marked the 281st international match hosted by the venue, making it cricket’s most illustrious stadium in terms of number of internationals staged here.

Sri Lanka scale challenging target in Sharjah’s landmark game

Sharjah Cricket Stadium surpasses iconic SCG for world record

The stadium launched its international fixtures back in 1984, with a Rothmans Asia Cup battle between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The latter of the two nations also featured in the venue’s landmark 281st international match more than 38 years later.

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium overtook Australia’s Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), as the iconic Sydney venue has hosted 280 internationals in its 140-year history. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) comes at a close third by hosting 278 matches since its first in 1877.

The UAE-based venue also holds the world record for hosting the highest number of ODIs. The stadium has hosted 244 ODIs since its inception, and is 81 matches ahead of second-placed Harare Sports Club (163).

The 16,000-capacity ground was the hub of several multi-nation commercially sponsored ODI tournaments in the 1980s and 90s. It also staged 11 group matches of the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Sharjah’s cricketing haven is now set to extend its record, as it is slated to host another battle in the ongoing Asia Cup. On September 7, an insurgent Afghanistan side will be taking on tournament favourites Pakistan in match number four of the Super Four round.

Sharjah Cricket Stadium in 1984 and 2022, watch video

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