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The iconic Sheikh Zayed Stadium of Abu Dhabi will host a three-match ODI series between Ireland and South Africa, starting today (October 2). This will be the first time South Africa will lock horns with Ireland in an ODI on UAE soil.
Abu Dhabi has previously played as a neutral host for many ODI matches. In fact, out of the 50 ODIs played at this venue, only five featured the home team UAE. Both South Africa and Ireland have a decent amount of experience playing on this ground.
Ahead of the three-match series, here's a quick look at the pitch history and ODI records of Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi ODI records
As mentioned ahead, Abu Dhabi has hosted 50 ODIs, and teams batting second have won only 18 times. It should not be a surprise if the skipper winning the toss prefers to bat first here.
The last time South Africa played an ODI match in Abu Dhabi was back on November 8, 2013, when they beat Pakistan by 28 runs. Here's a summary of some stats to know from previous ODIs hosted by Abu Dhabi:
Matches played: 50
Won by teams batting first: 32
Won by teams batting second: 18
Tied: 0
No result: 0
Highest individual score: 137 - Alastair Cook (ENG) vs Pakistan, 2012
Best bowling figures: 6/28 - Josh Davey (SCO) vs Afghanistan, 2015
Highest team total: 313/9 - Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2007
Lowest team total: 63 - Afghanistan vs Scotland, 2015
Highest successful run-chase: 295/6 - Pakistan vs West Indies, 2008
Average first innings score: 241
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi pitch report
The pitch report for the three ODIs between Ireland and South Africa will be broadcast live before Paul Stirling and Temba Bavuma walk out for the toss. Generally, bowlers have enjoyed bowling at this venue.
It is rare to see a team post a 300+ score in ODIs on this ground. Also, not a single team has ever chased down a target of more than 300 successfully in an ODI hosted by Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi last ODI match
Afghanistan defeated Ireland by 36 runs in the last ODI hosted by this stadium. Rashid Khan's magnificent 40-ball 48 helped Afghanistan reach 266/9 despite three-wicket hauls from Simi Singh and Mark Adair. In reply, Ireland were bundled out for 230 even though Paul Stirling scored a century.
15 sixes were hit in that ODI match between Afghanistan and Ireland. Here's a summary of the scorecard:
Brief scores: Afghanistan 266/9 (Rashid Khan 48, Simi Singh 3/37) beat Ireland 230 (Paul Stirling 118, Rashid Khan 4/29) by 36 runs.
