The National Stadium Karachi is a cricketing venue located in Pakistan. It is regulated by the Pakistan Cricket Board.    

Deemed Pakistan’s largest stadium with a capacity of 34,228, the ground is home to Karachi Kings, who compete in the Pakistan Super League, which is the country's premier T20 tournament. 

Karachi Kings won their only PSL title in 2020 when they defeated Lahore Qalandars by five wickets in the final which was staged at the National Stadium Karachi.

As far as ODIs are concerned, the first match at the venue took place in November 1980 between Pakistan and West Indies. Sir Vivian Richards was adjudged Player of the match for his all-round performance as the visitors won by four wickets.

Here are the ODI records at the National Stadium Karachi.

National Stadium Karachi ODI records

Highest total

The 300-run mark has been breached on multiple occasions in ODIs at the National Stadium Karachi, with India heading the list with 370/4.

In the Asia Cup 2008 match against Hong Kong, skipper MS Dhoni and all-rounder Suresh Raina scored tons to power Team India to a daunting total, which was defended with ease to register a 256-run win.

Lowest Total

Bangladesh were bowled out for 115 runs against Pakistan in the Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2008, which is the lowest total in ODIs at the venue.

A resilient bowling show by the hosts bundled the Bangla Tigers for an ordinary total as Pakistan won the match comfortably by 10 wickets, with more than 30 overs to spare.

Highest individual score

West Indies’ Sir Vivian Richards smashed a fantastic 125-ball 181 against Sri Lanka in the group stage match of the World Cup 1987, which is the highest individual score at the stadium.

The knock, consisting of 16 fours and seven maximums, guided the Windies to a huge 191-run win.

Best bowling

Two players have bagged six-wicket hauls in ODIs at the National Stadium Karachi.

While Ajantha Mendis’ 6/13 in the final of the Asia Cup 2008 against India helped Sri Lanka clinch the trophy, Shoaib Akhtar’s 6/16 powered Pakistan to a massive 153-run victory against New Zealand in April 2002.

Highest partnership

Sri Lankan batters Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara hold the record for the highest partnership in ODIs at the venue. 

In an Asia Cup 2008 match against Bangladesh, the duo stitched together an opening stand of 201 runs, with each of them getting their century. 

The Mahela Jayawardene-led side won the fixture convincingly by 158 runs.

 

Photo credit: Alamy