In an thrilling encounter on the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders defeated the Sharjah Warriorz by 30 runs in Match 6 of the Worldwide League T20 2025. The Knight Riders, led by their bowlers David Willey and Jason Holder, defended a modest goal of 160 to register their first win of the season. Whereas the Knight Riders confirmed resilience in each innings, the Warriorz struggled to construct partnerships, finally falling brief with 129 runs.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ balanced batting efficiency
After being put into bat by the Warriorz, the Knight Riders managed to put up a aggressive 159/5 of their allotted 20 overs. Kyle Mayers offered a fiery begin, smashing 21 off 9 balls earlier than falling to Adam Milne. Joe Clarke (32 off 27) and Alishan Sharafu (25 off 22) contributed regular runs within the center overs, guaranteeing the scoreboard ticked over regardless of common wickets. Laurie Evans anchored the innings with an unbeaten 39 off 31, supported by Andre Russell’s explosive cameo of 24 off 12 balls. Their partnership added essential runs within the dying overs.
Adil Rashid was the standout bowler for the Warriorz, taking 2 wickets for simply 14 runs in his 4 overs. Harmeet Singh additionally impressed with figures of 1/22. Nonetheless, the remaining bowlers, together with Milne (2/37), didn’t include the Knight Riders in the course of the closing phases, permitting them to complete with a flourish.
Additionally WATCH: Adam Milne’s damaging bowling shatters the stumps of Phil Salt and Kyle Mayers in ILT20 2025
David Willey and Jason Holder shine in a dominant bowling show
Chasing 160, the Warriorz struggled from the outset, shedding Tom Kohler-Cadmore within the first over and Jason Roy shortly after. Willey dismantled the highest order with an outstanding spell, claiming 3/19 in his 4 overs, together with key wickets of Kohler-Cadmore and Roy. Holder proved to be equally efficient, taking 4/23 and troubling the center order together with his variations.
Whereas Rohan Mustafa (20 off 19) and Keemo Paul (21 off 16) tried to stabilize the innings, they acquired little help from different batters. Tim Southee’s valiant 24 off 11 was too little, too late. Sunil Narine bowled economically, conceding solely 16 runs in his 4 overs, additional stifling the Warriorz chase. Mayers sealed the victory by cleansing up the tail, ending with figures of two/16. The Warriorz have been finally bowled out for 129 in 19.3 overs, handing the Knight Riders a well-deserved victory. The Knight Riders claimed two useful factors, whereas the Warriorz have been left to reassess their methods shifting ahead within the event.
A convincing victory tonight. 😌
Effectively performed Knights! 👏#WeAreADKR | #AbuDhabiKnightRiders | #DPWorldILT20 | #ADKRvSW pic.twitter.com/WUxeOCEnyE
— Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (@ADKRiders) January 15, 2025