Zayed Cricket Stadium Pitch Report: Records, Matches, Capacity, Stats
Cricket has truly become a global sport, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of its most prominent neutral venues. Of all the stadiums in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium is the most famous for international cricket. It is very popular due to its balanced playing surface, new facilities and beautiful views. The venue is known worldwide for hosting some memorable matches across various formats.
In this blog, we will learn all about Zayed Cricket Stadium, from its history to statistics and cricketing legacy.
Overview Of Zayed Cricket Stadium
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Opened | 2004 |
| Capacity | 20,000 |
| Known As | President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Stadium |
| Ends | North End, Pavilion End |
| Location | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| Time Zone | UTC +04:00 |
| Home To | United Arab Emirates National Team |
| Floodlights | Yes |
Since its inauguration in 2004, Zayed Cricket Stadium has become one of the best cricket grounds in Asia. It regularly hosts international matches, T20 leagues and bilateral series. From Test matches to high-octane T20 thrillers, the ground has become fully adapted to all formats.
Recent And Upcoming Matches At Zayed Cricket Stadium
This venue remains active in the cricket calendar. Some of the upcoming and recent notable matches include:
Afghanistan Vs Bangladesh (2025 Series)
- Match: 3rd ODI
- Time: 12:00 PM
International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26 Matches
Match Schedule:
- MIE vs DV – 9th Match (2:30 PM)
- MIE vs ADKR – 11th Match (2:30 PM)
- ADKR vs DCP – 13th Match (2:30 PM)
- MIE vs SW – 14th Match (10:00 AM)
- ADKR vs DV – 17th Match (2:30 PM)
- ADKR vs GG – 19th Match (2:30 PM)
- ADKR vs MIE – 21st Match (10:00 AM)
- ADKR vs SW – 25th Match (2:30 PM)
- MIE vs GG – 26th Match (2:30 PM)
- MIE vs DCP – 29th Match (2:30 PM)
- TBC vs TBC – Qualifier 1
These matches showcase the stadium’s global significance, with players from all over the world and a large crowd in attendance under the Arabian night sky.
Pitch Report: Balanced Yet Strategic
The pitch at Zayed Cricket Stadium is known for offering a balanced competition between bat and ball. It is not very favourable for one side, but conditions can change depending on the format and time of day.
Key Pitch Features
- Batting-friendly initially: The surface is true and even-paced, which helps batsmen play their shots with confidence.
- Helps spinners later on: As the match progresses, spinners gain more grip and turn, especially in the second innings.
- Mist factor at night: In limited-overs matches, mist often plays a role, making it easier to chase under lights.
- Outfield and Boundaries: The outfield is fast, and the boundaries are medium-sized. Therefore, it encourages high-scoring games in the white-ball format.
- Weather Conditions: The desert climate ensures dry conditions, but evening matches can be humid and there can be a bit of swing at the start.
Zayed Cricket Stadium Statistics in Different Formats
Let’s break down the performances and scoring patterns in Test, ODI and T20 matches to understand how the pitch behaves.
Test Cricket Statistics
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 15 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 9 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 2 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 360 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 341 |
| Average 3rd Innings Score | 274 |
| Average 4th Innings Score | 136 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 598/9 (ENG vs PAK) |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 72/10 (ENG vs PAK) |
| Highest Score Chased | 108/4 (AFG vs ZIM) |
| Lowest Score Defended | 114/10 (PAK vs SL) |
Analysis:
The statistics show that teams batting first have a clear advantage, especially in Tests. The average first innings score of 360 suggests that the pitch offers stability and bounce to the batsmen early on. However, as the match progresses, cracks open and the spinners dominate on days 4 and 5.
ODI Cricket Statistics
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 56 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 37 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 19 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 250 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 205 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 343/4 (RSA vs IRE) |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 63/10 (AFG vs SCO) |
| Highest Score Chased | 295/6 (PAK vs WI) |
| Lowest Score Defended | 180/3 (UAE vs PNG) |
Analysis:
In ODIs, the first innings advantage continues, with the average score being 250 compared to 205 in the second innings. The surface slows down as the game progresses, making it difficult to chase until the mist comes into play. Bowlers, especially spinners, are very effective during the middle overs.
T20 Cricket Statistics
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 98 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 45 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 53 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 138 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 124 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 225/7 (IRE vs AFG) |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 54/10 (USAW vs THAIW) |
| Highest Score Chased | 174/2 (RSA vs IRE) |
| Lowest Score Defended | 93/8 (THAIW vs PNGW) |
Analysis:
In T20s, the pitch offers little help to the chasing teams, with 53 wins for the teams bowling first. An average score of 138 indicates a medium scoring ground. The bowlers get help with the pace early on, but as the innings progresses, the batsmen find rhythm due to the even bounce and short boundaries.
Why Is Zayed Stadium Special?
Zayed Cricket Stadium is not just a ground, it is a symbol of the growth of cricket in the UAE. Over the years, it has hosted:
- IPL matches (2020, 2021 seasons during the pandemic)
- PSL playoffs
- ILT20 tournaments
- Asia Cup games
- Bilateral series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
It is also a preferred neutral venue due to its excellent infrastructure, facilities and neutral weather that suits all teams.
Pitch Behaviour Summary By Format
| Format | Nature of Pitch | Batting Difficulty (1-10) | Spin Assistance (1-10) | Best Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | Flat initially, turns later | 5 | 8 | Bat first |
| ODI | Balanced, slows down later | 6 | 7 | Bat first |
| T20 | Slightly better for chasers | 7 | 6 | Bowl first |
This summary shows that batting first is generally advantageous in the longer formats, while bowling first is a good choice in T20.
Conclusion
Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi is one of the most versatile venues in cricket. It has produced exciting contests across all formats, and its balanced surface keeps both batsmen and bowlers in the game. With upcoming international series and leagues, the stadium continues to build on the UAE’s reputation as a modern cricket hub. Whether it’s a T20 chase under lights or a Test match that goes all the way to the final session, Zayed Stadium guarantees the best cricketing action.
Continue Reading: R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium Pitch Report: Records, Matches, Capacity, Stats
FAQs
Q1. Is Zayed Cricket Stadium a batting or bowling pitch?
Zayed Cricket Stadium offers a balanced surface. It starts out as a batting-friendly pitch, especially in the first innings of Tests and ODIs. However, as the pitch deteriorates, spinners come into play.
Q2. What is the average T20 score at Zayed Cricket Stadium?
The average first innings score in T20 matches at Zayed Stadium is around 138, while the chasing teams score an average of 124.
Q3. Which team has scored the highest score at Zayed Cricket Stadium?
In T20Is, Ireland’s 225/7 against Afghanistan is the highest score recorded by Ireland. In ODIs, South Africa’s 343/4 against Ireland remains the highest.
Q4. Does dew affect night matches in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, dew can significantly affect evening matches. It makes the ball slippery, reduces spin and makes it difficult for bowlers to grip.
Q5. Why is Zayed Stadium so important for UAE cricket?
Zayed Cricket Stadium is a major cricket venue for the UAE. Its location, facilities and balance of conditions make it ideal for teams from Asia, Africa and beyond.
