- Multan Cricket Stadium, established in 2001, hosted its first ODI in 2003, witnessing Pakistan’s victory over Bangladesh.
- This stadium boasts records such as highest team total, most runs, and best bowling figures.
- Notable partnerships, like Graeme Smith and Shaun Pollock’s 159-run stand, shine in the stadium’s ODI history.
Introduction:
Situated in Multan, Pakistan, the Multan Cricket Stadium has evolved into a versatile venue since its establishment in 2001. Serving as a replacement for the Qasim Bagh stadium, this stadium has played host to a range of cricketing events, marking its significance as the home ground for the Pakistan cricket team, the Southern Punjab cricket team, and the PSL team, Multan Sultans.
Staging Historic Matches:
The stadium gained prominence by staging its inaugural One-Day International (ODI) match on its turf. In 2003, Pakistan clashed with Bangladesh, with the Inzamam-ul-Haq-led Pakistani team securing a resounding 137-run victory in Multan, Punjab. Subsequently, it also held its first day/night ODI between rivals Pakistan and India in 2006, resulting in a five-wicket win for India.
Stadium Statistics:
- Highest Team Total: A remarkable feat was achieved during Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan in 2003 when the Pakistan cricket team posted a monumental 323/3 in their 50 overs. This commanding total was powered by Yasir Hameed’s 116, complemented by fifties from captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and Younis Khan.
- Lowest Team Total: In 2004, the Zimbabwe cricket team faced a challenging target of 293. However, the Pakistani bowlers, notably Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi, demolished Zimbabwe’s batting lineup, bundling them out for 148. Pakistan’s all-rounder Abdul Razzaq’s unbeaten 107 had earlier set up the victory with a score of 292/7.
- Most Runs: Imam-ul-Haq, representing Pakistan, holds the record for the most runs at the Multan Cricket Stadium in ODIs. With 199 runs in three matches, he has showcased an impressive average of 66.33 and a strike rate of 94.31. Yasir Hameed, a former Pakistani cricketer, ranks second with 197 runs in four ODIs.
- Most Wickets: Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz, a talented slow left-arm spinner, claims the distinction of most wickets at the Multan Cricket Stadium in ODIs. Notably, he has taken seven wickets in three matches, boasting an average of 19.42 and an economy rate of 4.53. His standout performance was marked by his 4/19 bowling figures.
- Highest Individual Score: Shai Hope from the West Indies stands as the record holder for the highest individual score at the venue. His impressive knock of 127 off 134 balls, during the first ODI of the West Indies’ tour of Pakistan in 2022, featured 15 fours and a six. However, Pakistan’s Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, and Mohammad Rizwan orchestrated a successful chase to secure a five-wicket victory.
- Best Bowling Figures: In 2022, during the second ODI of the West Indies’ tour of Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz delivered an exceptional performance, capturing match-winning figures of 4/10. Defending 275, Nawaz’s adept left-arm spin dismantled West Indies’ batting lineup, resulting in their bowing out for 155.
- Highest Partnership: Former South African cricketers Graeme Smith and Shaun Pollock etched their names into the records with their monumental 159-run partnership. Forging this alliance during a chase of 231, they guided South Africa to a triumphant seven-wicket victory in 2007, clinching the five-match ODI series 3-2.
Conclusion:
The Multan Cricket Stadium’s storied history is adorned with remarkable ODI performances. With colossal team totals, outstanding individual feats, or unforgettable partnerships. This venue continues to be a testament to cricketing excellence and a source of pride for Pakistan’s cricketing landscape.