Sharjah all set for Australia-Pakistan duel

Sharjah is all geared up to host two one-day international matches during the forthcoming Australia-Pakistan series, presented by Bank Al Falah for the Cool and Cool Cup, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium which holds the Guinness world record for staging the maximum number of games.

The first match, which will be the 206th ODI at the historic venue, will be played on August 28, followed by another on September 3, the fixtures promising return of international cricket at the revamped stadium made famous by stunning exploits of Sachin Tendulkar blistering back-to-back centuries against Australia and that famous last-ball six by Pakistan’s Javed Miandad against India among other memorable feats.

The matches, supported by Khaleej Times and Radio 4 as the media partners, will be broadcast live by Ten Sports to millions of homes in over 60 countries. Tickets will go on sale next week at various outlets in the country.

The two high-profile games will be preceded by the first Australia-Afghanistan one-day international on August 25, providing the emerging cricket power a great opportunity to showcase their skills on the global stage.

It’s indeed a matter of great honour for all of us to be playing host to high-profile matches and we look forward to welcoming the three teams,” said Waleed Bukhatir, Vice-Chairman of the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

“I am sure the fans will turn up in big numbers as top drawer cricket and Sharjah have become synonymous. In fact, the last time when the Afghanistan team played here, there wasn’t a seat for the asking.

“We are also grateful to both Australian and Pakistan cricket boards for their decision to play at Sharjah which is a reflection on the strong bonds that we share with the cricket fraternity. We will do our best to ensure the teams have a pleasant stay here and return home with fond memories of the venue.

“Both Pakistan and Australia are no strangers to fans here, having competed in a number of matches over the years, and they will be looking forward to new storylines that will emerge at the venue where thrilling finishes have almost become a tradition,” he said.
Australia will be led by Michael Clarke while Misbah-ul-Haq will captain the Pakistan team in what promises to be an absorbing series.

ODI Series schedule:
First one-day, August 28 - Sharjah
Second one-day, August 31 - Abu Dhabi
Third one-day, September 3 - Sharjah
 

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