Cricket Stadiums in Bangladesh
Most commonly known as the Tigers, the Bangladesh Cricket Team is no more a weak team to fight against. The evolution of cricket in Bangladesh has been exemplary.
In the last decade, cricket in Bangladesh has grown by leaps and bounds. The Tigers even won the recently concluded under-19 cricket World Cup. The nation has been able to nurture out some amazing talents and the future looks anything but grim.
A cricket-mad nation, Bangladesh team have never been short of support. The stadiums have always been jam-packed which makes it even more satisfying to watch the game.
In this article, here’s a look at 5 most popular cricket stadiums in Bangladesh:
#1. Shere Bangla Stadium
Undeniably, the best stadium in Bangladesh, Shere Bangla Stadium was built in 2006. It has a seating capacity of 25,000 people. The venue hosts most of the matches played in Bangladesh and has witnessed some of the most gripping matches in world cricket.
The first test match played at Shere Bangla Cricket Stadium in Bangladesh was held in 2007 between Bangladesh and India. India won that game by an innings and 239 runs.
The first one-day international played here was between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in 2006. The ground is popular for its drainage system which is also said to be the best among the other subcontinent countries.
#2. Bangabandhu National Stadium
Having a seating capacity of 36,000 spectators, Bangabandhu is the oldest cricket stadiums in Bangladesh. The stadium is the only venue in the world to have hosted the inaugural home fixture for two Test nations.
India and Pakistan played the first test match at this ground in 1955, while the first ODI took place in 1988 between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
In 1944-55, Bangladesh became the tenth nation to claim the test status with the Bangabandhu Cricket Stadium hosting the first test in the nation.
As many as 17 test matches and 58 one-day internationals have been played at this ground so far.
#3. Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
One of the newly built cricket stadiums in Bangladesh, Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is definitely one to watch out for. The stadium boasts of a seating capacity of 13,533.
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium has played host to only one test match so far. Bangladesh and Zimbabwe played the only test played here. Interestingly, Zimbabwe won that game by a huge margin of 151 runs.
The first one-day international at this ground was played between Bangladesh and West Indies in 2018.
Shai Hope holds the record for scoring the first century at this ground, while Liton Das is the first Bangladeshi to score a century at this ground.
#4. Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium
Home ground of Khulna Division, Seikh Abu Naser Cricket Stadium in Bangladesh is one of the most picturesque venues for watching cricket. Established with the view of hosting 2004 under-19 world cup matches, Seikh Abu Naser Stadium got the ODI status in 2006.
The first test at this ground was played in 2012. West Indies was all over Bangladesh, as the former won that game by 10 wickets.
Bangladesh and Kenya played the first ODI hosted at this ground. Bangladesh, on this occasion, proved victorious, winning the game by 9 wickets.
#5. Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium
Named after the former Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury cricket stadium in Bangladesh hosted two matches of the 2011 World Cup. Having a seating capacity of 20,000, the stadium presents a beautiful view for watching the game.
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium attained the test status in 2006. The first test match was played between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in 2006. The Lankans didn’t have to toil too hard as they won that game by 8 wickets.
The same teams participated in the first ODI played here. Batting Sri Lanka posted a daunting 309-run total. Bangladesh, in reply, could only make 231, resulting in a 78-run defeat.
