Sharjah Warriorz continued their perfect start to DP World ILT20 Season 4, producing a composed all-round performance to defeat Gulf Giants by 11 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday.
A commanding middle-overs knock from Tom Abell set up the win before Matheesha Pathirana’s incisive spell sealed it, as the Warriorz made it two wins from two matches.
Abell Anchors, Warriorz Finish Strong
After being put in to bat, the Warriorz recovered well from early wickets to post a competitive 174/6.
Abell led the charge with a fluent 68 off 41 balls, striking five fours and three sixes. He took control in the middle overs, including a decisive fourth over in which he smashed 19 runs off Fred Klaassen, swinging momentum firmly in the Warriorz’ favour.
While Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Johnson Charles fell cheaply, Abell found reliable support in James Rew, who made a composed 39 off 33 balls. The pair stitched together a crucial 71-run partnership, steadying the innings before Dwaine Pretorius provided the late surge.
Pretorius’ brisk 28 off 13 balls, along with a handy cameo from *Ethan D’Souza (8 off 5)**, pushed the Warriorz past 170 despite a late run-out.
Early Strikes Rock The Giants
Defending 175, the Warriorz made immediate inroads. Wasim Akram and Taskin Ahmed struck inside the powerplay to remove Pathum Nissanka and James Vince, setting the tone.
Though Rahmanullah Gurbaz (30 off 15) counter-attacked, his resistance ended when Pathirana bowled a wicket-maiden with a cleverly disguised slower ball. With Kyle Mayers also dismissed cheaply, the Giants slumped to 44/4 inside the powerplay.
Omarzai, Ali Revive Chase, Briefly
Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 26) launched a counter-attack through the middle overs, combining aggression with smart strike rotation. He added 79 runs with Moeen Ali (45 off 41) to briefly revive the chase.
But just as the Giants threatened, Akram broke the stand, forcing Omarzai to hole out at long-off. From there, the required rate climbed sharply.
Pathirana Shuts The Door
The Warriorz kept their nerve in the death overs. Pathirana returned to remove Matthew Forde and Moeen Ali, while Pretorius chipped in with crucial wickets of Asif Khan and Liam Dawson. The steady fall of wickets ensured the Giants never regained momentum, as they were restricted to 163/9.
Pathirana: ‘This Gives Me Confidence’
Named Player of the Match, Pathirana reflected on his return to form.
The last few months were challenging, but I’ve worked hard and I’m gradually finding my rhythm. I’m not at my best yet, but this performance gives me a lot of confidence. For now, I’m just focusing on my process and staying calm.
Raza Praises Key Moments
Stand-in skipper Sikander Raza highlighted the importance of executing under pressure.
Winning those small, decisive moments makes all the difference. There’s still room to improve, especially in the powerplay, but full credit to Pathirana, Taskin and all our seamers.
Brief Scores: Sharjah Warriorz 174/6 (20 overs) Tom Abell 68, James Rew 39, Dwaine Pretorius 28; Chris Wood 2/26 Gulf Giants 163/9 (20 overs) Moeen Ali 45, Azmatullah Omarzai 41; Matheesha Pathirana 3/19, Wasim Akram 3/34. Sharjah Warriorz won by 11 runs.
