Sharjah Cricket Ground Becomes First Stadium to Host 250 ODIs

Sharjah Cricket Ground in the UAE, famous for hosting some of cricket’s most memorable encounters, will be the stage for the first ODI of the three-match series between Afghanistan and South Africa. This match is historic, as it will mark the 250th ODI played at Sharjah, making it the first stadium in the world to reach this landmark.

Sharjah's ODI journey began on April 6, 1984, with a match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It remains the only ground to have hosted over 200 ODIs, with Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe following with 182. Other notable venues include Sydney Cricket Ground with 161 ODIs, while Melbourne Cricket Ground and R Premadasa Stadium have each hosted 151.

Though known for ODIs, Sharjah has hosted just four Test matches and 38 T20Is. In this match, South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first, with Reeza Hendricks and Tony de Zorzi opening. Aiden Markram leads the side in the absence of Temba Bavuma, who is sidelined due to illness.