Sharjah Warriorz Secures Second Straight Win in ILT20 Against Gulf Giants
Sharjah Warriorz Triumph Over Gulf Giants
Sharjah [Abu Dhabi], December 16: The Sharjah Warriorz continued their impressive performance in the International League T20 (ILT20) by clinching their second consecutive victory, showcasing a well-rounded display to overcome the Gulf Giants and solidify their position in the points standings, according to a statement from ILT20.
Batting first, the Warriorz were propelled by Tom Abell, who scored a solid 68 runs off 41 deliveries, including three sixes, helping the team set a formidable target. Matheesha Pathirana was exceptional with the ball, earning the Player of the Match title for his remarkable figures of 3 wickets for 19 runs, effectively stifling the Gulf Giants' chase and securing a comfortable win.
Tom Abell reflected on the team's increasing confidence, stating, “Winning two matches in a row boosts our morale. We performed well tonight, and it was crucial to secure this victory to remain competitive. This win places us in the middle of the table, and we are eager to maintain this momentum.”
Discussing his batting strategy and the pitch conditions, he mentioned, “I don’t usually hit many sixes, but the new ball was coming onto the bat nicely, so we aimed to play freely during the Powerplay. The middle overs became more challenging as the pitch slowed down, but we managed to compile a competitive score with partnerships throughout the innings.”
Abell also emphasized the strong camaraderie within the team, saying, “It’s a fantastic group to be part of. We have world-class players alongside some exciting young talent, and the team is very united. Early setbacks in a tournament can be tough, but we have remained together, building confidence and cohesion, which is evident in our performances.”
On the squad's diversity and its positive influence, he added, “It’s been wonderful. Our group includes players from the UAE and Kuwait, along with several from Africa who are training with us. Everyone supports one another, which is a very encouraging aspect for the game.”
Captain Sikandar Raza commended the team's belief and resilience despite a rocky start to the tournament. “The team has maintained a positive atmosphere, even with the challenging beginning,” he remarked. “I was confident that everyone still believed in themselves.”
He further stated, “I knew it was just a matter of time before the players would harness that confidence to turn the team's fortunes around.” Raza acknowledged the importance of the win, saying, “This victory doesn’t allow us to relax, but it provides the motivation to approach the next game with the belief that we can continue to improve.”
The Sharjah Warriorz will aim to extend their winning streak and gain further momentum in their upcoming match against the Dubai Capitals.