SHARJAH: Sharjah Warriorz continued their strong start to the International League T20 season with an 11-run victory over Gulf Giants at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday, making it two wins from two matches.
A composed batting effort led by Tom Abell, followed by disciplined bowling from Matheesha Pathirana and Wasim Akram, proved decisive as the Warriorz successfully defended a total of 174.
Abell anchored the innings with a well-judged 68 off 41 balls, striking five fours and three sixes.
After an early loss of Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Abell seized control in the powerplay, lifting the tempo with a 19-run over off Fred Klaassen. He later found valuable support from James Rew, who contributed 39, as the pair added 71 runs to stabilize the innings.
Dwaine Pretorius provided late impetus with a brisk 28 off 13 deliveries, while Ethan D’Souza chipped in with an unbeaten cameo as the Warriorz closed on 174 for 6.
In response, the Gulf Giants were rocked early as Akram and Taskin Ahmed removed Pathum Nissanka and James Vince cheaply.
Matheesha Pathirana further tightened the screws, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz with a wicket-maiden before the Giants slumped to 44 for 4 inside the powerplay.
Azmatullah Omarzai and Moeen Ali attempted to rebuild with a 79-run partnership, with Omarzai striking 41 off 26 and Ali anchoring the chase with 45. However, Akram broke the stand and regular wickets in the closing overs halted the Giants’ momentum.
Pathirana claimed three wickets, including the key scalps of Ali and Matthew Forde, while Pretorius struck twice late on as the Giants were restricted to 163 for 9.
Player of the match Pathirana said the performance was a step forward after a challenging period. “I’m gradually finding my rhythm, and this gives me a lot of confidence,” he said.
Stand-in captain Sikander Raza praised his side’s composure, adding: “Winning those small, decisive moments makes all the difference. There’s still room to improve, but full credit to our seamers for closing it out.”
