Sharjah Cricket: The Desert Classic Matches That Made Cricket Global
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium hosted legendary matches in the 1980s-90s that made cricket popular across the Middle East. Learn about Javed Miandad's last-ball six, Sachin's desert storm, and Sharjah's place in cricket history.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates was the setting for some of the most dramatic cricket moments of the 1980s and 1990s. Bilateral tournaments between India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka held at Sharjah became globally watched events, with Javed Miandad's last-ball six in 1986 and Sachin's twin centuries in 1998 among the most memorable moments in ODI history.
Javed Miandad's Last-Ball Six (1986)
In the Australasia Cup final on 18 April 1986, Pakistan needed 4 off the last ball to beat India. Chetan Sharma bowled a full-toss to Javed Miandad, who hit it over long-on for six. Pakistan won. The moment became the most celebrated in Pakistan cricket history and established Miandad as a national hero.
Sachin's Desert Storm (1998)
In the Coca-Cola Cup in 1998, Sachin Tendulkar scored 143 off 131 balls against Australia in a sandstorm, and then 134 in the final chase to eliminate Australia from the tournament. The twin centuries, played against one of cricket's greatest bowling attacks, established Tendulkar as the world's best ODI batsman.
Sharjah's Legacy
Sharjah matches of the 1980s-90s built cricket's enormous South Asian fanbase in the Gulf. The tournaments were instrumental in making cricket the most-watched sport in the Middle East and helped establish India-Pakistan fixtures as must-see events. Sharjah still hosts international cricket today.
Frequently asked questions
What was Javed Miandad's famous shot at Sharjah?
Javed Miandad hit a last-ball six off Chetan Sharma to win the 1986 Australasia Cup final for Pakistan against India at Sharjah. Pakistan needed 4 off the last ball and Miandad deposited the full-toss over long-on.