SHARJAH: Sharjah Warriorz delivered a commanding performance in the DP World International League T20 on Thursday as they secured a crucial four-wicket victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.
Powered by a match-winning 65 from Johnson Charles and an inspired bowling display led by Adam Zampa and Adam Milne, the Warriorz moved from sixth to third in the standings, boosting their playoff chances no end.
Chasing 162, Sharjah’s openers wasted no time asserting their dominance. Charles and Tom Kohler-Cadmore launched an aggressive assault, hammering Ibrar Ahmad for 24 runs in the fourth over.
Kohler-Cadmore then took on Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, smashing 18 runs in just four balls before falling for a quickfire 39 off 21 deliveries. The Warriorz stormed to 75 for one at the end of the powerplay, nearly double the required run rate.
As Charles continued to attack, Rohan Mustafa played a supporting role before falling to Sunil Narine for six. Despite a slight dip in momentum, Charles kept the scoreboard ticking over.
The Knight Riders had a chance to turn the tide but were let down by sloppy fielding. Charles was dropped in the 11th over and made the most of the reprieve, racing to his half-century in style with a boundary. Another dropped catch during the following over spared Jason Roy, further frustrating Abu Dhabi.
Charles’ aggressive stroke play was on full display, including a standout moment where he scooped David Willey for a stunning boundary. Just as he seemed poised for a big score, however, Narine struck again, removing him for 65.
The chase, which had seemed comfortable, took an unexpected twist when Jason Holder bowled a sensational wicket maiden in the 16th over. With only 16 runs needed from 24 balls, Sharjah suffered a mini-collapse, losing three wickets for just two runs as Tim Seifert and Ethan D’Souza fell in quick succession.
At 148 for six, the nerves appeared to have set in, but Ashton Agar stepped up to ensure there were no further hiccups. The Aussie smashed a six off Terrance Hinds in the 19th over, leaving just two runs needed in the final over. Harmeet Singh sealed the win off the first ball, wrapping up a crucial four-wicket triumph for the Warriorz.
Earlier, Milne struck during the Knight Riders’ first over at bat when he dismissed Andries Gous for a golden duck. Though Joe Clarke countered with three successive boundaries, Milne had the final say, forcing Clarke to nick one behind. With both their openers back in the pavilion, the Knight Riders were reeling on 33 for two after three overs.
A 58-run stand between Roston Chase and Kyle Mayers stabilized the inning but Zampa broke the partnership, removing Chase for 28. Mayers powered his way to a 29-ball 50 and looked set to propel his side to a big total. Zampa struck again, however, dismissing the dangerous Mayers for 56.
With the Knight Riders on 130 for six in 16 overs, Holder provided the late fireworks as he hammered Tim Southee for 17 runs in the penultimate over to help push the total to a more competitive 161.
Player of the match Zampa credited strategic bowling for his success.
“I was trying to play my role and get the key wickets to help the team,” he said. “I love competing and bowling against the best, and it’s always a great battle with Andre Russell. He’s got me a few times but I got him tonight, and that was crucial. We planned for this match-up and, luckily, it worked.”
Knight Riders captain Narine was left to rue missed opportunities.
“We fought till the end but we should have finished our batting innings better,” he said. “We were on course for 200 but ended with 160. We also needed to control the powerplay better.
“They played aggressively and put us on the back foot early. We came back into the game but left it too late. We’re still in the tournament and have a lot to play for.”
While the victory moved the Warriorz into third place on eight points, the Knight Riders dropped to fifth on six points and will need to regroup quickly to remain in the playoff race.
