Having match-winners in your team is always important: JP Duminy

Sharjah Warriorz created history in the DP World ILT20 2025 by securing a playoff spot for the first time. The team’s remarkable comeback, with three consecutive wins in their last league matches, has placed them for an Eliminator clash against MI Emirates in Abu Dhabi on February 06. Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates, and Sharjah Warriorz are eyeing to lift the coveted title.

Reflecting on the team’s achievement, head coach JP Duminy mentioned the importance of building a reliable and strong squad. He revealed that setting clear values and maintaining consistency in approach were key factors behind their success.

"The thing we discussed at the start was that we wanted to be very consistent in our behaviours. It's the set of values and standards we want to adhere to, and whatever the result might be, we try to be as consistent as we can with it. We believe that guys will respond as best as they can. We know as leaders we're not necessarily responsible for results, but we're responsible for the people who are responsible for the results. So, how do we get them in the best frame of mind is the important part to find that consistency and performance," he said, according to the release.

A crucial factor in the Sharjah-based franchise's success has been due to the presence of experienced match-winners, as pointed out by Duminy. He credited players like Adam Zampa and Matthew Wade for their impact, and performing under pressure.

"Having match-winners in your team is always important. You think of guys like Adam Zampa and Matthew Wade, who are World Cup winners. They've obviously got a formula and an idea of how to perform in big moments. They've showed their class and as soon as they've come in, they understand what's needed of them and the standards they have to adhere to. That's been exciting. It's not something you can coach per se, but you want to give them the space to be relaxed and free and understand that they have the potential to make big decisions under pressure. Fortunately, they have executed the plans and hopefully, they can be consistent in the playoffs as well," he stated.

Also Read: DP World ILT20 Season 3 Play-offs Schedule

Amazing to work with Southee as captain: Duminy

He further stressed upon carrying good form and momentum into the final stage of the competition. According to him, while star players are expected to deliver, their performances also inspire the rest of the squad to step up.

"To win big games and tournaments, you need a few guys to be consistent in their performances, and you naturally would lean on your big gun players, who have been through it in the previous times, to come through. We've seen this particularly in the last few games for us. The big players have really stepped up and put in some big performances. As much as you rely on them, the other guys grow in confidence when your big players are stepping up because it just raises the standard of the playing eleven. In the playoff week, you catch momentum that creates confidence, and anybody can really step up and put in a big performance for the team," he further added.

Duminy also praised the leadership qualities of Tim Southee, revealing the veteran New Zealand bowler’s influence on the team’s morale.

"It's been amazing to work with Tim Southee as captain. I'm a firm believer in your captain and coach needing to have a sound and sincere relationship with each other. What we've done well is the ability to communicate in pressure moments. He has rallied the troops beautifully. If the team needs a little bit of a jolt, he's stepped up. If the guys need an arm around the shoulder, he understands that," he further added.

"He comes with a huge amount of experience in international cricket, so he not only understands how to manage his people well but also get the best out of them. And that's been the true mark of a good leader and captain in a short space of time. He certainly has great qualities as a leader, and he's excited for this coming week. Hopefully, he can lead from the front through his performances as well," the Sharjah Warriorz coach concluded.