ILT20: Twitter reacts as Sharjah Warriors live to fight another day in ongoing event; Abu Dhabi Knight Riders' horrid campaign continues

Sharjah Warriors registered a four-wicket win over a struggling Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Match 19 of the ongoing International League (ILT20) 2023 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday, January 28. By virtue of this win, Warriors have kept their knockout hopes alive by making some advancements on the points table. 

At the same time, this was also a very important match for Knight Riders as they were looking for their first win in the competition. The Sunil Narine-led side will need to wait another day for that after being completely outclassed by Sharjah in all departments. Abu Dhabi continue to languish at rock bottom and are already out of this year’s competition.

Earlier, Sharjah Warriors skipper Joe Denly called it right at the toss and decided to bowl first. Paul Stirling and Joe Clarke ensured a cautious start for Abu Dhabi Knights Riders with a 32-run opening stand. Even though the Sharjah bowlers kept providing breakthroughs from one end, Paul Stirling counter-attacked from the other end and kept the scoreboard ticking for Knight Riders.

The Irish power-hitter succeeded in registering a vital half-century and he was dismissed for a 50-ball 55 just when Abu Dhabi Knight Riders needed to accelerate in the 16^th over. The Caribbean all-rounder Andre Russell then played a cameo of 33 runs off 28 deliveries and an unbeaten 13-ball 21 by Charith Asalanka helped Abu Dhabi post a fighting total of 149/4 on the board.

For Sharjah Warriors, Paul Walter was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/29 in his four overs at an economy of 7.25. 

In reply, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Tom Kohler-Cadmore made a statement right from the word ‘go’ as they dealt in boundaries against a helpless Abu Dhabi bowling attack. The duo added 62 runs for the opening stand before the latter was dismissed for 17. Gurbaz, on the other hand, successfully converted his brisk start into a half-century and walked back after scoring a 39-ball 56 in the tenth over. 

Captain Joe Denly and Marcus Stoinis’ dismissals opened up the floodgates for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Things got complicated for Sharjah Warriors when they were reduced to 125/5 in the 14^th over. Lahiru Kumara who castled Paul Walter then accounted for the set batter Adam Hose for 15.

Nonetheless, veteran Afghan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi did not allow the in-form bowler to settle down and hit Kumara for 14 runs (two fours and a six) in the 16th over to completely shift the momentum in the favour of Sharjah Warriors. He completed the formalities in the 18th over by successfully taking the Warriors over the line. 

Here's how the Twitterati reacted to Sharjah Warriors' brave win

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