Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi has hosted 60 T20I matches since its debut on 26 October 2010, making it one of the most active international venues in the United Arab Emirates.
The ground is notable for producing extreme statistical outliers, including the highest individual T20I score of 117 runs by Shaiman Anwar and the lowest team total of 66/9 by Nigeria.
Overview
Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, serves as a prominent venue for T20I cricket. The ground hosted its first T20I match on 2010-10-26, establishing a long-standing record of international fixtures. As of the most recent match on 2025-09-23, a total of 60 T20I matches have been played at the venue. This extensive schedule highlights the stadium's importance in the T20I calendar, particularly for teams based in the Gulf region and touring sides seeking neutral ground.
The venue has witnessed a wide range of team performances over the years. The highest team total recorded at Sheikh Zayed Stadium is 195/6, achieved by Ireland on 2024-09-29. In contrast, the lowest team total is 66/9, set by Nigeria on 2019-10-26. These figures illustrate the varying pitch conditions and match dynamics that have characterized T20I cricket at this location.
Individual records at the stadium also reflect notable performances. The highest individual batting score is 117, scored by Shaiman Anwar on 2017-04-14. On the bowling front, the best figures are 6/18, recorded by Rohan Mustafa on 2019-10-19. These milestones underscore the competitive nature of T20I matches held at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
Among the teams that have frequently used the venue, Oman stands out as the most active, having played 12 matches at the ground. This high frequency of fixtures for Oman reflects the strategic use of Sheikh Zayed Stadium as a home base for several T20I teams, enhancing its role in the international T20I landscape.
What is the highest team total at Sheikh Zayed Stadium?
The highest team total recorded at Sheikh Zayed Stadium is 195/6, achieved by Ireland on 2024-09-29. This score represents the peak offensive output among the 60 T20I matches played at the venue between 2010 and 2025. The chase or defense of such totals requires significant depth in the batting lineup, as evidenced by the Irish innings. In contrast, the lowest team total at the ground is 66/9, posted by Nigeria against Ireland on 2019-10-26. This low score highlights the variability of pitch conditions and bowling dominance at the Abu Dhabi venue. The gap between the highest and lowest totals underscores the diverse challenges teams face when competing at this location.
Individual performances have also defined key matches at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Shaiman Anwar recorded the highest individual batting score with 117 runs on 2017-04-14. This century remains a benchmark for batting excellence at the venue. On the bowling front, Rohan Mustafa achieved the best figures with 6/18 on 2019-10-19. These individual records contribute to the overall statistical profile of the stadium. Oman is the most active team at the venue, having played 12 matches there. This frequency of play allows for a deeper analysis of team performance trends over time. The first T20I match at the stadium was held on 2010-10-26, marking the beginning of its status as a key T20I hub in the United Arab Emirates. The most recent match took place on 2025-09-23, continuing the venue's relevance in international cricket.
Top Individual Performances
Top Individual Performances
Shaiman Anwar holds the record for the highest individual batting score at this venue, accumulating 117 runs for the United Arab Emirates on 14 April 2017. This innings stands as the benchmark for batting excellence in T20I matches played in Abu Dhabi.
On the bowling front, Rohan Mustafa delivered the best figures recorded at the stadium. He claimed 6 wickets for 18 runs on 19 October 2019, showcasing exceptional control and wicket-taking ability in a single T20I encounter.
Team Records and Hosting History
Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi has served as a consistent venue for T20I cricket since its inaugural match on 2010-10-26. The ground has hosted 60 matches through 2025-09-23, establishing itself as a key fixture in the United Arab Emirates' international schedule. The period between 2010 and 2019 was particularly significant for the venue's development, with matches spread across nearly a decade to build a robust statistical record. This early phase included the lowest team total recorded at the stadium, 66/9 by Nigeria on 2019-10-26, and the best bowling figures of 6/18 by Rohan Mustafa on 2019-10-19. These performances highlight the competitive nature of T20I cricket in Abu Dhabi during that timeframe.
Oman stands out as the most active team at the venue, having played 12 matches at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. This frequency underscores the stadium's importance for the Omani national side, which has used the ground as a strategic home advantage in various T20I campaigns. The high number of appearances by Oman contributes significantly to the venue's overall match count and reflects the team's reliance on the Abu Dhabi pitch conditions. Other teams have also utilized the ground extensively, but Oman's 12-match tally remains the highest among all franchises and national sides. This dominance in hosting frequency provides valuable data for analysts tracking team performance trends at the venue.
The statistical profile of Sheikh Zayed Stadium includes a wide range of team totals, from the low of 66/9 to the high of 195/6 by Ireland on 2024-09-29. These extremes demonstrate the varying pitch behaviors and weather conditions that teams encounter in Abu Dhabi. The venue has hosted matches for multiple nations, making it a neutral ground that often features in bilateral series and tri-series tournaments. The data from 60 matches provides a comprehensive view of how different teams perform under T20I rules at this specific location. Records such as Shaiman Anwar's 117 runs in 2017 further illustrate the individual brilliance that has emerged from the venue over the years.
How does Sheikh Zayed Stadium compare to other T20I grounds?
The statistical spread at Sheikh Zayed Stadium highlights the dual nature of T20I cricket in Abu Dhabi. The venue has hosted 60 matches between 2010 and 2025, producing both extreme highs and lows. The highest team total of 195/6 by Ireland on 2024-09-29 demonstrates the scoring potential when conditions favor the batsman. Conversely, the lowest team total of 66/9 by Nigeria on 2019-10-26 reveals how quickly a chase can collapse under pressure. This range from 66 to 195 underscores the variability inherent in the format.
Pitch conditions at this ground can shift dramatically between matches. The 195/6 total suggests a surface that offers consistent bounce and carry, allowing teams to post competitive scores. In contrast, the 66/9 effort by Nigeria indicates a track that can slow down, demanding precise shot selection and patience. Such contrasts make it a challenging venue for visiting sides that must adapt quickly to the surface behavior.
Individual performances often define these extremes. Shaiman Anwar’s 117 on 2017-04-14 stands as the highest individual batting score, showcasing the ability to capitalize on favorable conditions. On the bowling front, Rohan Mustafa’s figures of 6/18 on 2019-10-19 highlight the strike potential available to bowlers who find the right length. These records reflect the balance between bat and ball at the venue.
Oman has been the most active team at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, playing 12 matches. Their frequent presence suggests a strategic use of the ground for home advantage or regional tournaments. The venue’s history from 2010 to 2025 shows it as a key hub for T20I cricket in the United Arab Emirates. Teams continue to rely on its unique characteristics to shape match outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest team total at Sheikh Zayed Stadium?
The highest team total is 195/6, set by Ireland on 29 September 2024.
When did the first T20I take place at Sheikh Zayed Stadium?
The first T20I match at the venue took place on 26 October 2010.
Who has the highest individual batting score at this venue?
Shaiman Anwar holds the record with 117 runs, scored on 14 April 2017.
What is the lowest team total recorded at Sheikh Zayed Stadium?
The lowest team total is 66/9, achieved by Nigeria on 26 October 2019.
Which team has played the most matches at Sheikh Zayed Stadium?
Oman is the most active team at the venue, having played 12 matches.
Summary
Sheikh Zayed Stadium has hosted 60 T20I matches between 26 October 2010 and 23 September 2025. Key records include a highest team total of 195/6 by Ireland, a lowest team total of 66/9 by Nigeria, a highest individual score of 117 by Shaiman Anwar, and best bowling figures of 6/18 by Rohan Mustafa.
See also
- T20I Records at Marrara Stadium, Darwin
- T20I Records at Maple Leaf North-East Ground, King City
- T20I records at the Happy Valley Ground
- T20I Records at Bready Cricket Club Ground
- T20I Records at Bellerive Oval
- T20I Records at University Oval, Dunedin