Dubai International Stadium Capacity: The venue will host its first T20I since the T20 World Cup Grand Final last year.
The highly anticipated battle for continental supremacy has begun, with Sri Lanka taking on ‘Group B’ Afghanistan at the Dubai International Stadium.
With the chasing teams having won 13 of the previous 14 T20Is at this venue, Afghanistan skipper Mohammad Nabi didn’t hesitate a bit as he chose to post first by winning the Toss.
“We want to go bowling here first. It is a new wicket, there is cricket after a long time in Dubai. We have a lot of versatile players,” said Nabi after the Toss.
It is worth mentioning that the stadium will host its first T20I since Australia’s grand final against New Zealand of the T20 World Cup 2021.
Dubai International Stadium Capacity
According to Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Sports City, the Dubai International Stadium has a capacity for a total of 25,000 spectators, which can be expanded to 30,000.
While expressing his delight at hosting the ongoing 2022 Asia Cup, Zarooni exclaimed: “We are delighted to host the 2022 Asia Cup, the second largest cricket event in the world. Doors will open three hours before the start of the matches. The ground has a capacity of 25,000 seats, which can be expanded to 30,000”.
Turning to the match in progress, Afghanistan’s bowlers hit the nail on the head with the new ball, as left-arm pacemaker Fazalhaq Farooqi saw off Kusal Mendis (2 for 4) and Charith Asalanka (0 for 1) in the first over of the match. Right-arm pacemaker Naveen-ul-Haq, in the next over also disposed of Pathum Nissanka (3 for 7), and the third referee made a controversial decision, reducing Sri Lanka to 5/3 in two overs.
However, with 20 runs coming off the last Over of the Powerplay thrown by Azmatullah Omarzai, Sri Lanka finished the stage on a stronger note, going 41/3 after six Overs.
