Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is one of the premier cricket venues in the Middle East and has played a pivotal role in bringing international cricket to the region. Established in 2004, the stadium is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, and reflects the country’s commitment to world-class sporting infrastructure. Over the years, it has become a favored venue for hosting high-profile international matches, including One Day Internationals (ODIs), Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and more recently, Test matches. Its modern facilities, expansive seating capacity of around 20,000, and strategic location have made it a hub for cricketing activity, attracting fans from across the UAE and neighboring countries.
The stadium is renowned for its batting-friendly pitches, which provide true bounce and consistent pace, making it ideal for high-scoring encounters. At the same time, skilled bowlers can exploit subtle variations, particularly under lights in day-night matches, adding excitement and unpredictability to every contest. Over the years, Sheikh Zayed Stadium has hosted numerous memorable cricketing moments, from thrilling ODI finishes to high-octane T20 clashes, and has served as a neutral venue for major tournaments when political or logistical issues have prevented matches from being held in participating countries.
In addition to international fixtures, the stadium has played a crucial role in promoting cricket in the UAE and the wider region. It has hosted domestic tournaments, franchise leagues, and development programs aimed at nurturing local talent. The venue’s world-class facilities, including practice nets, floodlights, and media amenities, ensure that both players and fans enjoy a premium experience.
Beyond cricket, Sheikh Zayed Stadium has contributed to the UAE’s sporting identity, hosting events that bring communities together and elevate the country’s global profile. Combining modern infrastructure with a passion for the sport, the stadium continues to be a cornerstone of cricket in the Middle East, providing a platform for thrilling matches and inspiring the next generation of players.
T20 Internationals – Ground Records and Statistics
| Category | Record / Statistic |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 76 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 33 (43.42%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 43 (56.58%) |
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 41 (53.95%) |
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 35 (46.05%) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 117* – Shaiman Anwar (UAE) |
| Best Bowling | 4/13 – C A Young (Ireland) |
| Highest Team Innings | 225/7 – Ireland |
| Lowest Team Innings | 84 – Bangladesh |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 174/2 – South Africa |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 22.58 |
| Average Runs per Over | 7.30 |
| Average Score Batting First | 145 |
One Day Internationals – Ground Records and Statistics
| Category | Record / Statistic |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 53 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 35 (63.64%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 18 (32.73%) |
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 33 (60.00%) |
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 20 (36.36%) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 137 – A N Cook (England) |
| Best Bowling | 6/28 – J H Davey (Scotland) |
| Highest Team Innings | 343/4 – South Africa |
| Lowest Team Innings | 63 – Afghanistan |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 295/6 – Pakistan |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 29.19 |
| Average Runs per Over | 4.91 |
| Average Score Batting First | 244 |
Test Cricket – Ground Records and Statistics
| Category | Record / Statistic |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 15 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 9 (60.00%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 2 (13.33%) |
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 9 (60.00%) |
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 2 (13.33%) |
| Matches Drawn | 4 (26.67%) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 278* – A B de Villiers (South Africa) |
| Best Bowling (Innings) | 7/137 – Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) |
| Best Bowling (Match) | 11/136 – H M R K B Herath (Sri Lanka) |
| Highest Team Innings | 598/9 dec – England |
| Lowest Team Innings | 72 – England |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 108/4 – Afghanistan |
| Average Opening Stand (Runs) | 34.55 |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 34.43 |
| Average Runs per Over | 3.01 |
| Average Score Batting First | 360 |