In an exciting encounter at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders defeated the Sharjah Warriorz by 30 runs in Match 6 of the International League T20 2025. The Knight Riders, led by their bowlers David Willey and Jason Holder, defended a modest target of 160 to register their first win of the season. While the Knight Riders showed resilience in both innings, the Warriorz struggled to build partnerships, ultimately falling short with 129 runs.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ balanced batting performance
After being put into bat by the Warriorz, the Knight Riders managed to post a competitive 159/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Kyle Mayers provided a fiery start, smashing 21 off 9 balls before falling to Adam Milne. Joe Clarke (32 off 27) and Alishan Sharafu (25 off 22) contributed steady runs in the middle overs, ensuring the scoreboard ticked over despite regular wickets. Laurie Evans anchored the innings with an unbeaten 39 off 31, supported by Andre Russell’s explosive cameo of 24 off 12 balls. Their partnership added crucial runs in the death overs.
Adil Rashid was the standout bowler for the Warriorz, taking 2 wickets for just 14 runs in his 4 overs. Harmeet Singh also impressed with figures of 1/22. However, the remaining bowlers, including Milne (2/37), failed to contain the Knight Riders during the closing stages, allowing them to finish with a flourish.
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David Willey and Jason Holder shine in a dominant bowling display
Chasing 160, the Warriorz struggled from the outset, losing Tom Kohler-Cadmore in the first over and Jason Roy shortly after. Willey dismantled the top order with a superb spell, claiming 3/19 in his 4 overs, including key wickets of Kohler-Cadmore and Roy. Holder proved to be equally effective, taking 4/23 and troubling the middle order with his variations.
While Rohan Mustafa (20 off 19) and Keemo Paul (21 off 16) tried to stabilize the innings, they received little support from other batters. Tim Southee’s valiant 24 off 11 was too little, too late. Sunil Narine bowled economically, conceding only 16 runs in his 4 overs, further stifling the Warriorz chase. Mayers sealed the victory by cleaning up the tail, finishing with figures of 2/16. The Warriorz were eventually bowled out for 129 in 19.3 overs, handing the Knight Riders a well-deserved victory. The Knight Riders claimed two valuable points, while the Warriorz were left to reassess their strategies moving forward in the tournament.
A convincing victory tonight. 😌
Well played Knights! 👏#WeAreADKR | #AbuDhabiKnightRiders | #DPWorldILT20 | #ADKRvSW pic.twitter.com/WUxeOCEnyE
— Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (@ADKRiders) January 15, 2025
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