For the first time in the history of international cricket, Nepal and the West Indies are all set to face each other in their first-ever bilateral series starting in late September. The historic bilateral series will be played in the T20 format and will comprise three games that will be played on September 27, 28, and 30. All three games will be hosted at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Although the series will be held in a neutral venue, Nepal will retain the hosting rights. 

Previously, both Nepal and the West Indies have faced each other in the 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which the latter won convincingly by a galloping 101 runs courtesy of Shai Hope's magnificent ton (132 off 129). This has been the only meeting between the two sides up until now. 

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Cricket West Indies refers to this bilateral series as "historic"

In a recent statement released by Cricket West Indies (CWI), the cricketing body termed the bilateral series as "historic" and reiterated its commitment to spreading the global influence of the sport. 

"Significant milestone in the ongoing mission to grow and globalize the game of cricket". The matches will be played on September 27, 28, and 30 in the lead up to Nepal's participation in the men's T20 World Cup Asia qualifier later in the year."

The CWI chief executive, Chris Dehring, also joined in to echo the sentiments of the national cricketing board. He stated that the board strives to grow the game of cricket beyond its borders, emboldening three main traits of the game - pride, purpose, and the power of unity.

"This series is more than just a set of international matches - it's a celebration of the game's expanding global footprint and a testament to what cricket represents: pride, purpose, and the power of unity. As a full-member nation, we see it as part of our responsibility to contribute to the development of cricket beyond our borders."

This series will mark a stepping stone for Nepal cricket to dive deep into the vast realms of professional cricket. Up against the two-time T20 title winners, Nepal will have a grueling test ahead of them. However, this series will give them the opportunity to enhance their preparedness ahead of their participation in the crucial T20 World Cup Asia qualifier. 

At present, both teams are in the midst of a limited-overs tour. The West Indies are currently in Ireland competing in a three-match T20I series, with the first game already washed out. Nepal, on the other hand, are in Scotland for a T20I tri-series also involving the Netherlands.

Popular and iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates has created a new history in international cricket by hosting the three-match ODI series opener between Afghanistan and Bangladesh. 

Sharjah Cricket Stadium: First to host 300 international matches

Sharjah Cricket Stadium will host all the three-match ODI series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, starting on November 6. The first game of the ODI series is the 300th men’s international cricket match at the venue. It is the first venue in the men’s international cricket history to host 300 international matches. 

Last September, during the first ODI of the three-match ODI series between Afghanistan and South Africa, Sharjah Cricket Stadium became the first venue to host 250 men’s ODI matches. Apart from 253 ODIs, including the ODI series opener between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, this venue has also hosted 38 men’s T20Is and nine men’s Tests. 

The first men’s international match at this venue was recorded between Pakistan and Sri Lanka during the Asia Cup 1984, which was an ODI format tournament. 

The legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar recorded seven ODI centuries at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the joint record for most ODI centuries at this venue along with former Pakistan cricketer Saeed Anwar. Sachin's famous “Desert Storm” in 1998 shined at this venue.

In 2023, on the occasion of Sachin Tendulkar’s 50th birthday, the West Stand at Sharjah Cricket Stadium was renamed the ”Sachin Tendulkar Stand”. 

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Teams played most matches at Sharjah

Sharjah Cricket Stadium also holds the record for most men’s international cricket matches for Pakistan at a single venue. Pakistan have played 144 international matches here. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, India, and Afghanistan have played 87, 72, and 54 men’s international matches, respectively. Talking about India men’s most international cricket matches at one venue, Sharjah is on top along with Eden Gardens in Kolkata as they have played 72 international matches on each ground. 

Venues with 250+ international matches

Only four venues have crossed the 250-mark for hosting men’s international cricket matches. Australia’s Sydney Cricket Ground and Melbourne Cricket Ground have hosted 291 and 287 men’s international matches, respectively. Zimbabwe’s Harare Sports Club has also recorded 267 men’s international matches.