With the first ODI between UAE and West Indies scheduled to be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium later in the day, the format is all in readiness of returning to its favourite venue. Having last hosted four ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 matches more than 14 months ago, Sharjah will now be hosting all the three matches of the first bilateral series between these two teams.
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Astonishingly, the home team has played only five out of the 244 ODIs played at this stadium over the years. Having won two and lost three matches in the past, UAE would be keen to better their record here by registering their first-ever victory over West Indies.
The visitors, on the other hand, have won 19 and lost 21 out of their 40 matches at this ground. West Indies’ last ODI appearance in Sharjah had come in a three-match series against Pakistan in 2016. Interestingly, no West Indian player part of the current squad has played an ODI at this venue.
Sharjah ODI Records
Bearing in mind the staggering number of times teams have participated in Sharjah ODIs in the past, it is to be noted that most top performers here are former cricketers. Additionally, current Afghan players have hardly played at this stadium. Hence, there aren’t a lot of relevant ODI numbers among active players.
That said, highest run-scorers among current batters of these two teams are Vriitya Aravind (171), Muhammad Waseem (100), Asif Khan (81). Furthermore, highest wicket-takers among them are Junaid Siddique (6) and Basil Hameed (6).
Highest ODI Innings Totals At Sharjah Cricket Stadium
| Score | Overs | Team | Oppositions | Year |
| 364/7 | 50 | Pakistan | New Zealand | 2014 |
| 348/3 | 50 | UAE | Namibia | 2022 |
| 338/4 | 50 | New Zealand | Bangladesh | 1990 |
| 337/5 | 50 | Pakistan | West Indies | 2016 |
| 333/7 | 50 | West Indies | Sri Lanka | 2007 |
Out of a grand total of 488 ODI innings at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the 300-run mark has been breached only 19 times. Having said that, don’t underestimate the high-scoring nature of this stadium even in the 50-over format.
Out of the 242 ODIs which have witnessed a result here, 129 have been won by the team batting first as compared to 113 wins by chasing teams. As far as the highest successful run-chase is concerned, West Indies hold that record for chasing down a 285-run target against Pakistan in Pepsi Champions Trophy 1993 final.
