Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi Pitch Report: The United Arab Emirates is one of the prominent nations to host international and franchise cricket tournaments. Despite not being a full-member nation for a long time, the UAE has established itself as a reliable host for global cricket events. Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, officially known as the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Stadium, is one of the premier cricket venues in the country and is named after the founding father of the UAE.
The stadium was established in 2004 and hosted its maiden first-class match in the same year. The first T20 match was played here in 2004, while the venue hosted its first Test match in 2010. Built at an estimated cost of USD 23 million, the ground gained worldwide recognition after serving as a major venue during the T20 World Cup 2021.
Sheikh Zayed Stadium has also hosted IPL matches during the 2014 and 2020 seasons and continues to be a regular venue for ICC events and franchise leagues. The Emirates Cricket Board oversees all operations at this venue. Located in the Sas Al Nakhl area of Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, the stadium has a seating capacity of around 20,000 spectators and offers excellent facilities for both players and fans.
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi Details
| Location | Sas Al Nakhl Area, Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Opened | 2004 |
| Capacity | 20,000 |
| Shortest Boundary Distance | 65–67 meters (Approx) |
| Longest Boundary Distance | 70–72 meters (Approx) |
| Bowling Ends | North End, Pavilion End |
| Highest Total (T20Is) | 225/7 (20 Ov) – IRE vs AFG |
| Lowest Total (T20Is) | 54/10 (17.5 Ov) – USAW vs THAIW |
| Flood Lights | Yes |
| Pitch Type | Grass |
Also see: Sheikh Zayed Stadium Upcoming Matches
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
The pitch at Sheikh Zayed Stadium generally offers a firm and balanced surface. The bounce remains consistent, allowing batters to play their shots freely, especially during the powerplay overs. Fast bowlers enjoy early movement, while stroke-makers benefit from the true pace of the wicket.
As the match progresses, the surface tends to slow down, bringing spinners and cutters into play. This makes it a venue where teams often prefer a mixed bowling attack. In T20Is, the average first-innings score at this venue stands at around 138 runs across 98 matches.
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi Records: Overall Ground Stats
| Format | Played | Bat First Wins | Bowl First Wins | Draw/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 15 | 9 | 2 | 4 |
| ODIs | 57 | 38 | 19 | 0 |
| T20Is | 98 | 45 | 53 | 0 |
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, Stats & Records (Format-wise)
Sheikh Zayed Stadium has hosted over 170 international matches across formats. It also served as a temporary home venue for Pakistan after 2009. In T20Is, the chasing teams have enjoyed slightly more success due to evening dew and improved batting conditions under lights.
STATS – T20Is
| 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 |
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi Weather Report
| Temperature | 25–27°C |
| Weather Forecast | 65–70% Humidity with 0% chance of rain |
| Pitch Behavior | Batting-Friendly |
| Best Suited To | Good for Spin Bowlers |
The weather conditions at Sheikh Zayed Stadium during the International League T20 2025-26 are expected to remain stable and ideal for cricket. With no rain threat and pleasant evening temperatures, fans can expect uninterrupted matches under lights.
Upcoming Matches at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Stadium will host several key league-stage matches and a playoff fixture during the International League T20 2025-26. Below is the complete list of upcoming matches scheduled at this venue.
| Date | Time (IST) | Match | Match No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 13 Dec 2025 | 2:30 PM | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Dubai Capitals | 13th Match |
| Sunday, 14 Dec 2025 | 10:00 AM | MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriorz | 14th Match |
| Tuesday, 16 Dec 2025 | 2:30 PM | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Desert Vipers | 17th Match |
| Thursday, 18 Dec 2025 | 2:30 PM | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Gulf Giants | 19th Match |
| Saturday, 20 Dec 2025 | 10:00 AM | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs MI Emirates | 21st Match |
| Monday, 22 Dec 2025 | 2:30 PM | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Sharjah Warriorz | 25th Match |
| Tuesday, 23 Dec 2025 | 2:30 PM | MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants | 26th Match |
| Saturday, 27 Dec 2025 | 2:30 PM | MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals | 29th Match |
| Tuesday, 30 Dec 2025 | 2:30 PM | TBC vs TBC | Qualifier 1 |
During the International League T20 2025-26, the Sheikh Zayed Stadium is scheduled to host multiple league-stage matches and Qualifier 1. December weather conditions in Abu Dhabi are ideal for cricket, with pleasant evenings, low humidity, and no threat of rain, making it a perfect venue for night matches.
FAQs
What is the T20I record at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi?
A total of 98 T20Is have been played at this venue. The team batting first has won 45 matches, and the chasing side has won 53 games.
What is the boundary size of Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi?
The straight boundary is off 70-72 meters, while the square boundaries are off 65-67 meters.
What is the weather forecast for upcoming T20I match at Sheikh Zayed Stadium?
The weather will be clear and sunny, with the temperature ranging around 25 to 27 °C with 65–70% Humidity with 0% chance of rain.
