Thu Sep 19 15:08:00 UTC 2024: ## Sharjah Cricket Stadium Makes History with 250th ODI Match
**Sharjah, UAE** – The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has become the first venue in the world to host 250 One-Day International (ODI) matches, a remarkable feat achieved with Wednesday’s clash between Afghanistan and South Africa.
The stadium, established in 1982, has witnessed numerous thrilling encounters over its 42-year history. Its first ODI was hosted in 1984, while the inaugural ODI took place in 1971.
The venue currently holds the top spot for hosting the most ODIs, with Harare Sports Club (Zimbabwe) trailing behind with 182 matches. Other notable venues include Sydney Cricket Ground, Melbourne Cricket Ground (both Australia), and R Premadasa Stadium (Sri Lanka), with 161, 151, and 151 matches respectively.
The Sharjah Cricket Ground is also the designated home ground for Afghanistan’s white-ball matches. On Wednesday, Afghanistan celebrated their 250th ODI at the stadium with a resounding six-wicket victory over South Africa.
South Africa’s batting struggled, with openers Fazalhaq Farooqi and AM Ghazanfar dismantling their lineup, leading to a paltry score of 106.
Despite a shaky start, Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib steered their team to victory in just 26 overs.
This landmark achievement solidifies the Sharjah Cricket Stadium’s place in cricketing history, showcasing its enduring contribution to the sport’s global popularity.
First Piper 