ADKR vs SW Highlights | ILT20 5th Match, ADKR vs Sharjah Warriors
The 6th match of the ILT20 between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) and Sharjah Warriors (SW) was a thrilling contest held in Abu Dhabi on January 15, 2025. ADKR set a target of 160 runs, and SW could only manage 129 runs in reply, handing the Knight Riders a 30-run victory.
ADKR vs SW Highlights Preview
1st Innings: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – 159/5
Batting:
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders posted a competitive total of 159/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Kyle Mayers gave a fiery start with an explosive knock of 21 runs off 9 balls, including 2 fours and 2 sixes. However, the middle order struggled to build partnerships. Joe Clarke (32 off 27 balls) and Alishan Sharafu (25 off 22 balls) contributed with valuable runs, but both fell under pressure. Michael Pepper (7 off 12 balls) couldn’t stay long at the crease either.
The most significant contribution came from Laurie Evans, who anchored the innings with a well-made 39 not out from 31 balls, while Andre Russell provided a late flourish, adding a quick-fire 24 not out from 12 balls. Together, they helped ADKR reach a challenging total of 159/5 in 20 overs.
Bowling:
Adil Rashid and Harmeet Singh were the standout bowlers for Sharjah Warriorz. Rashid finished with 2 wickets for 14 runs from his 4 overs, while Harmeet Singh took 1 wicket for 22 runs from his 4 overs. The rest of the bowlers, including Adam Milne (2 wickets for 37) and Tim Southee (0 wickets for 42), struggled to contain the ADKR batsmen.
2nd Innings: Sharjah Warriors – 129 all out (19.3 overs)
Batting:
In reply, Sharjah Warriors could not chase down the target and fell short, managing only 129 runs in 19.3 overs. The innings got off to a disastrous start, with Tom Kohler-Cadmore being dismissed for a duck in the first over, followed by Jason Roy who was out for 6.
Johnson Charles (12) and Rohan Mustafa (20) tried to rebuild the innings, but neither could play the anchor role. The middle order collapsed quickly, with Karim Janat (9), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (7), and Keemo Paul (21) all falling cheaply. The tail could not offer much resistance either, as Harmeet Singh (8), Adil Rashid (4), and Tim Southee (24) were dismissed in quick succession. The Warriors were all out for 129 in 19.3 overs, falling short by 30 runs.
Bowling:
The hero of the match was David Willey from ADKR, who was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance. He finished with 3 wickets for 19 runs from his 4 overs, causing significant damage to the Warrior’s top and middle order. Kyle Mayers also played a vital role, picking up 2 wickets for 16 runs in his 3.3 overs. Jason Holder was highly effective, claiming 4 wickets for 23 runs from his 4 overs, while Shahid Bhutta and Sunil Narine contributed with a wicket each, but their economy rates were slightly higher.
Player of the Match: David Willey
David Willey was named the Player of the Match for his brilliant all-round performance. He not only contributed with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 19 runs, but also showed his impact with the bat. Willey’s bowling was the turning point of the match as he dismantled the Sharjah Warriorz batting line-up, and his performance earned him 95 MVP points. His outstanding figures were crucial in guiding Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to a comfortable 30-run victory.
Conclusion
The 6th match of the ILT20 between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) and Sharjah Warriorz (SW) was an exciting contest that saw ADKR emerge victorious by 30 runs. Despite a strong bowling performance by David Willey, who took 3 wickets for 19 runs, the Sharjah Warriors were unable to chase down the target of 160. Key contributions from Kyle Mayers, Joe Clarke, and Andre Russell helped ADKR post a competitive total, while their bowlers, especially Willey, Kyle Mayers, and Jason Holder, restricted the Warriorz to just 129. David Willey was deservedly named Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance. With this win, ADKR showcased their all-around strength, and the match was a testament to the thrilling nature of the ILT20, promising even more exciting contests in the days ahead.
