[PICTURES] The ILT20 Season 3 (11 Jan - 09 Feb 2025) - Discussion Thread

[BouncerGuy]

ILT20 season 3 to start from January 11, 2025, set to clash with BBL and SA20

The third season of the ILT20 is set to start from January 11, 2025 and the league is all set to be on a collision course with the Big Bash League and the SA20 in South Africa. The 34-match tournament will be running until February 9 of next year with the final being played on that day. This means that the league is expected to collide with the BBL and SA20.

While the dates for the BBL and SA20 haven't been officially announced yet, the former is expected to run until January 26, according to reports. The SA20 is expected to start after January 7 when the New Year's Test between South Africa and Pakistan will come to an end. The Bangladesh Premier League is also expected to clash with the ILT20 next year.

The BBL last season saw many of the overseas leave the competition before the final series. There were a few of the players that stayed till league stages of BBL came to an end. However, that might not be the case next year.

The ILT20 CEO David White said that the window was confirmed after discussions with the stakeholders.

“We are delighted to confirm the window for DP World International League T20 Season 3. The window has been finalised after discussions with our stakeholders. We have begun our preparations for Season 3 with an aim of making the league even bigger and better."

“Season 2 was a massive success in terms of all relevant metrics’ and helped further strengthen the league’s reputation, making it one of the most sought after T20 leagues for players, fans and broadcasters from around the world. Having considered all aspects, the January-February window for Season 3 has turned out to be the most suitable.

“The DP World ILT20 is also proving to be a successful platform for the development of the UAE players as seen in their recent outstanding performance in the ACC Premier Cup in Oman which helped them qualify for the prestigious Asia Cup (2025, T20 format) for the first time in eight years. Most of the players who excelled in Oman had gained invaluable experience and exposure in Season 2.

“The cricket fans in the UAE and those who travel to our wonderful destinations Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah from across the globe will have a lot to look forward to in Season 3. We have a series of exciting announcements lined-up as our six world-class franchises and their coaching staff put their heads together for retention of players while eyeing new local and international talent for Season 3 signings.”

SOURCE: https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cr...to-clash-with-bbl-and-sa20-2537689-2024-05-10

 

[FearlessRoar]

Super Star of Pakistan's white ball cricket has joined the party

https://twitter.com/x/status/1836712345428459904

 

[Cricket Warrior]

 

[Rana]

Babar and Rizwan will play Bangla Premier League instead of this nonsense

Why waste your time in ILT20 when you can improve your spin game in the BPL?

 

[BouncerGuy]

The Desert Vipers are pleased to announce the launch of their new kit for season three of the DP World ILT20.

Members of the squad, including fast bowler Luke Wood and wicket-keeper-batter Azam Khan, will showcase the new kit, which is locally produced using sustainable production techniques.

 

[Kianig89]

The poison for international cricket, i hope all these league financiers go bankrupt

 

[asifp]

These leagues are going to get very diluted.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Defending champions MI Emirates to play Dubai Capitals in DP World ILT20 Season 3 opener

The DP World International League T20 Season 3 will begin with a blockbuster clash between the defending champions MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium (DIS) in what would be a rematch of Season 2’s final. The first ball will be delivered at 6:00pm local time on Saturday, 11 January 2025.

The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will launch their Season 3 campaign with a home game against Season 1 finalists’ the Desert Vipers on Sunday, 12 January at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. In the evening game on the same day, Season 1 champions Gulf Giants will face the Sharjah Warriorz in their tournament opener at the DIS. The first of eight matches at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium is set to be an exciting clash between the hosts Sharjah Warriorz and Dubai Capitals on Friday, 17 January – 6:30pm.

Fifteen tournament matches will be played at the Dubai International Stadium. Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium will host 11 while the Sharjah Cricket Stadium will be the centre stage for eight Season 3 matches. The evening games will begin at 6:30 pm on weekdays and at 6:00pm on the weekends. On the double-header weekends, the afternoon games will be played at 2:00pm.

A total of 34 matches will be staged in the month-long tournament which will conclude with the final at the DIS on Sunday, 9 February. The entire Season 3 will be broadcast live on Zee Network in India. The syndicate broadcast partners around the world will be announced in the coming days.

The six DP World ILT20 franchises have retained T20 superstars like Andre Russell (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Alex Hales (Desert Vipers), Sherfane Rutherford (Desert Vipers), David Warner (Dubai Capitals), Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals), Chris Jordan (Gulf Giants), Shimron Hetmyer (Gulf Giants), Akeal Hossein (MI Emirates), Nicholas Pooran (MI Emirates), Adil Rashid (Sharjah Warriorz Wildcard Pick in Season 2) and Johnson Charles (Sharjah Warriorz).

Additionally, Jason Roy (Sharjah Warriorz), Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers), Shai Hope (Dubai Capitals), Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers), Roston Chase (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Matthew Wade (Sharjah Warriorz), Ibrahim Zadran (Gulf Giants) and Romario Shepherd (MI Emirates) will make their DP World ILT20 debuts in Season 3 and dazzle the crowds. The latest squad list is available here. Additional UAE players will be selected next week.

DP World ILT20 CEO David White: “We are set for a bigger and better edition of the DP World International League T20 as we unveil the schedule for Season 3 with the first ball to be bowled at our iconic Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, 11 January with the defending champions MI Emirates hosted by the Dubai Capitals in what would be a rematch of Season 2’s grand finale. Our six teams have gathered a line-up of world-class T20 stars besides the best of the UAE talent who will combine to provide rich entertainment to cricket fans during the 34-match tournament.

“The DP World ILT20’s glittering trophy is one of the most sought-after prizes in the cricket calendar and we expect fierce battle between the global superstars who will be giving it their all for their respective franchise.

“The DP World ILT20 provides both spectators at the stadium and fans from around the world via our global broadcast partners Zee Network the opportunity to witness riveting cricketing action. In the coming days we would be launching Season 3 match tickets with special offers for both the diehards and fans while encouraging families to come in numbers especially during the weekends at our fan carnivals at the stadiums in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

“The weather across UAE will be ideal for cricket for both afternoon and night games, for fans and tourists that are set to visit the country in these months, the DP World ILT20 is surely an experience they cannot afford to miss.”

DP World International League T20 – Season 3 match schedule:

Saturday, 11 January – Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates, Dubai – 6:00pm

Sunday, 12 January – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Desert Vipers, Abu Dhabi – 2:00pm

Sunday, 12 January – Gulf Giants vs Sharjah Warriorz, Dubai – 6:00pm

Monday, 13 January – MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals, Abu Dhabi – 6:30pm

Tuesday, 14 January – Gulf Giants vs Desert Vipers, Dubai – 6:30pm

Wednesday, 15 January – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Sharjah Warriorz, Abu Dhabi – 6:30pm

Thursday, 16 January – Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates, Dubai – 6:30pm

Friday, 17 January – Sharjah Warriorz vs Dubai Capitals, Sharjah – 6:30pm

Saturday, 18 January – Desert Vipers vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Dubai – 2:00pm

Saturday, 18 January – Gulf Giants vs Dubai Capitals, Sharjah – 6:00pm

Sunday, 19 January – Sharjah Warriorz vs MI Emirates, Sharjah – 2:00pm

Sunday, 19 January – Gulf Giants vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Dubai – 6:00pm

Monday, 20 January – Dubai Capitals vs Desert Vipers, Dubai – 6:30pm

Tuesday, 21 January – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs MI Emirates, Abu Dhabi – 6:30pm

Wednesday, 22 January – Desert Vipers vs Sharjah Warriorz, Dubai – 6:30pm

Thursday, 23 January – Dubai Capitals vs Gulf Giants, Dubai – 6:30pm

Friday, 24 January – MI Emirates vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Abu Dhabi – 6:30pm

Saturday, 25 January – Sharjah Warriorz vs Desert Vipers, Sharjah – 2:00pm

Saturday, 25 January – MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants, Abu Dhabi – 6:00pm

Sunday, 26 January – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Dubai Capitals, Abu Dhabi – 2:00pm

Sunday, 26 January – Sharjah Warriorz vs Gulf Giants, Sharjah – 6:00pm

Monday, 27 January – MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers, Abu Dhabi – 6:30pm

Tuesday, 28 January – Dubai Capitals vs Sharjah Warriorz, Dubai – 6:30pm

Wednesday, 29 January – Desert Vipers vs Gulf Giants, Dubai – 6:30pm

Thursday, 30 January – Sharjah Warriorz vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Sharjah – 6:30pm

Friday, 31 January – Gulf Giants vs MI Emirates, Dubai – 6:30pm

Saturday, 1 February – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Gulf Giants, Abu Dhabi – 6:00pm

Sunday, 2 February – MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriorz, Abu Dhabi – 2:00pm

Sunday, 2 February – Dubai Capitals vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Dubai – 6:00pm

Monday, 3 February – Desert Vipers vs Dubai Capitals, Sharjah – 6:00pm

Wednesday, 5 February – Qualifier 1 – Seed 1 vs Seed 2, Dubai – 6:30pm

Thursday, 6 February – Eliminator – Seed 3 vs Seed 4, Abu Dhabi – 6:30pm

Friday, 7 February – Qualifier 2 – Loser of Q1 vs Winner of Eliminator, Sharjah – 6:30pm

Sunday, 9 February – Final – Winner of Q1 vs Winner of Q2, Dubai – 6:00pm

Venues:

Abu Dhabi – Zayed Cricket Stadium

Dubai – Dubai International Stadium

Sharjah – Sharjah Cricket Stadium

DP World ILT20

www.ilt20.ae

 

[BouncerGuy]

ILT 20 Season3, The first ball will be delivered on 11 Jan 2025

Dubai,

The DP World International League T20 Season 3 will begin with a blockbuster clash between the defending champions MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium (DIS) in what would be a rematch of Season 2’s final. The first ball will be delivered at 6:00pm local time on Saturday, 11 January 2025.

The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will launch their Season 3 campaign with a home game against Season 1 finalists’ the Desert Vipers on Sunday, 12 January at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

In the evening game on the same day, Season 1 champions Gulf Giants will face the Sharjah Warriorz in their tournament opener at the DIS. The first of eight matches at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium is set to be an exciting clash between the hosts Sharjah Warriorz and Dubai Capitals on Friday, 17 January – 6:30pm.

Fifteen tournament matches will be played at the Dubai International Stadium. Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium will host 11 while the Sharjah Cricket Stadium will be the centre stage for eight Season 3 matches. The evening games will begin at 6:30 pm on weekdays and at 6:00pm on the weekends. On the double-header weekends, the afternoon games will be played at 2:00pm.

A total of 34 matches will be staged in the month-long tournament which will conclude with the final at the DIS on Sunday, 9 February. The entire Season 3 will be broadcast live on Zee Network in India. The syndicate broadcast partners around the world will be announced in the coming days.

 

[FearlessRoar]

ILT20, The quality of the tournament keeps improving, Nicholas Pooran

The third season of the DP World International League T20 is on the horizon with the star West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran among the players preparing to dazzle as the MI Emirates get their title defence underway on Saturday, 11 January in Dubai. The tournament’s growing reputation for competitiveness and its role as a platform for UAE players to develop have captured the attention of cricket fans globally. Pooran, who led MI Emirates to glory in the previous season, is determined to make an impact once again.

Sharing his thoughts on the season ahead, Pooran remarked, “It's nice to be back for the third season of the DP World ILT20. We're really looking forward to this season. We're hoping to do our best again this year and try to retain the title, but there's a lot of hard work ahead for me and the team to make that happen.”

Reflecting on the competition’s intensity, the explosive left-hander added, “Each year, I feel the quality of the tournament keeps improving. The DP World ILT20 is doing a better job every single year. I think competitiveness is important and it feels like international cricket with nine overseas players and two UAE guys.”

Another standout performer from MI Emirates last season was UAE’s Muhammad Waseem, whose aggressive batting saw him finish as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the tournament. Waseem tallied 321 runs in 12 innings, showcasing his flair and consistency. Pooran praised the opener, highlighting him as an example of UAE’s cricketing potential.

“There are a lot of talented players in the UAE. I've played with Waseem over the years, and he has been incredible right from when he got his chance. He seized that opportunity, and he's been brilliant for us with MI in both seasons. He's one of my favourites, for sure. I hope he continues to do great things for himself and his family,” Pooran stated.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Fakhar Zaman has to prove his worth here to reclaim his spot in the Pakistan team for the Champions Trophy.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1875862311665303697

 

[Kianig89]

Is this mini IPL or is SAT20 the Jaali IPL. T20 katchra wiping out international calendar for cricket. Alas

 

[BouncerGuy]

All squads are here for this tournament:

 

[BouncerGuy]

Week 1 schedule of matches here:

 

[Devadwal]

I'll keep the eye on this league as india is going to play champions trophy at the same Dubai Stadium so you would know how the pitches play this time of the year.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Dazzling DP World ILT20 Season 3 opening ceremony entertains big crowd at Dubai International Stadium

The DP World ILT20 launched in spectacular fashion at the Dubai International Stadium today. The star-studded trio of Bollywood superstars Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Sonam Bajwa headlined a blockbuster opening ceremony as fans packed the iconic ‘Ring of Fire’ for the double-entertainment offer – opening ceremony and the tournament opener – for the region’s premier T20 tournament.

The festivities culminated in a stunning fireworks display signaling the start of the season. Bollywood actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani and popular host Ridhima Pathak kept the crowd engaged as emcees for the evening.

Following the opening ceremony, anticipation soared for the season opener that will see Dubai Capitals host defending champions, MI Emirates in a thrilling rematch of last year’s final. The opening ball of the season was bowled at 7:30pm local time with MI Emirates winning the toss and choosing to bowl first.

Audiences from around the world can catch the action live on the Zee Network and its syndication partners through both linear and digital platforms.

Zee Network’s most widely distributed and viewed 15 linear TV channels include: &Pictures SD, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema 2, Zee Action, Zee Biskope, Zee Zest SD, Zee Cinemalu HD, Zee Telugu HD, Zee Thirai, Zee Tamil HD, Zee Kannada HD, Zee Zest HD, &Flix SD and &Flix HD. The DP World ILT20 is also free to view on one of India’s leading OTT platforms – ZEE5.

Furthermore, fans can take advantage of an incredible offer for matchdays from Sunday, 12 January onwards—four tickets for just AED 40, available exclusively in the general category, and a final and limited release of tickets for fans, with 25% off on all Pavilion and Platinum tickets.

The month-long cricket fest will see some of the world’s finest cricketers in action, including Nicholas Pooran (MI Emirates), Sikandar Raza (Dubai Capitals), Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers), James Vince (Gulf Giants), Tim Southee (Sharjah Warriorz), David Warner (Dubai Capitals), Jason Holder (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Shimron Hetmyer (Gulf Giants), Phil Salt (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Sharjah Warriorz), Sam Curran (Desert Vipers), Jake Fraser-McGurk (Dubai Capitals), Tim David (Gulf Giants), Fazalhaq Farooqi (MI Emirates), Adil Rashid (Sharjah Warriorz), Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers), Roston Chase (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Matthew Wade (Sharjah Warriorz), Ibrahim Zadran (Gulf Giants), Alex Hales (Desert Vipers), Sherfane Rutherford (Desert Vipers), Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals), and Chris Jordan (Gulf Giants).

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Electrician who turned into cricketer, now chasing Shoaib Akhtar pace, leaves Pakistan to play ILT20 in THIS country

Only 8 runs were needed in the last over. It was very tense because defending just 8 runs in the final over is tough, especially with 2 wickets remaining,” recalled UAE left-arm fast bowler Muhammad Jawad Ullah. Just two weeks ago, he was given what many thought was an almost impossible task. In the final over of the ILT20 Gulf Cricket Championship (GCC), Kuwait required just a few runs to prevent UAE from securing their maiden title.

Kuwait batter Meet Bhavsar, who was looking strong at 68 off 52, was the player many would have backed to finish the game. The start of the over didn’t hint at any late drama either.

“The first ball was a wide, and the second delivery went for a four. At that point, I approached the captain, and he gave me a plan,” Jawad Ullah shared in an exclusive conversation with TimesofIndia.com.

There were nerves, of course. Jawadullah admitted that before the tournament, he “feared” the format itself. “I feared being hit for fours and sixes off every delivery. But I trusted my process and have performed well,” he said. By the time the final arrived, Jawadullah was no longer the hesitant newcomer but a seasoned professional, equipped with skills and confidence. With figures of 1/16 in two overs, he helped his team, the Strikers, restrict the Gladiators to 91/5 before chasing down the target with four balls remaining.

Jawadullah lifted the trophy, marking the first of his playing career. Hard as it may be to believe, he had yet to make his professional debut at this time last year.

About 170 km east of Abu Dhabi lies Al-Ain, the Emirates’ largest inland city, known as the ‘Garden City’ for its greenery, Camel Souks, oases, and wildlife. It was here that Muhammad Jawadullah’s cricketing ambitions took root upon his arrival in the Emirates in January 2020. Hailing from a modest family near Mardan in the mountainous region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Jawadullah’s early life lacked opportunities in both cricket and stable employment. Remarkably, he had never even held a professional cricket ball before stepping foot in the UAE.

“I only used to play with a tennis ball earlier. But here in the UAE, I got an opportunity to start playing with the hard ball,” Jawadullah tells Hindustan Times in an exclusive interview.

Jawadullah secured a job as an electric contractor at Al Ain’s renowned shooting club, but his passion for cricket remained unwavering, even amidst hardships. “Those were challenging days. Balancing a nine-hour shift as an electrician with regular cricket matches was incredibly tough. I worked during the day and played cricket in the evenings, making it my daily routine,” he recalls, his voice reflecting the weight of those difficult times.

On some days, Jawadullah played two to three consecutive club matches, earning around 100 Dirhams per game—enough to make ends meet, but it took a physical toll. Cricket, however, became his escape, a way to cope with life’s challenges. Despite this, his journey as a cricketer remained somewhat disconnected from formal training, as most matches in Al Ain’s club cricket were played on hard cement surfaces, limiting his development as a fast bowler in his early years.

Adding to these challenges was a lack of awareness regarding fitness and nutrition. While players his age in other countries received structured fitness regimes from physios, Jawadullah played for over two years without a focused approach to fitness or skills development. Without proper guidance, he was on the verge of injuries, which could have jeopardized his future in the game even before he formally began his professional cricket career.

The turning point came in April 2022 when UAE’s national cricket team, under former India batter Robin Singh’s coaching, held nationwide bowling trials. Nearly 600 players attended, including Jawadullah, the left-arm bowler from Pakistan. In just two deliveries, Jawadullah left such a lasting impression on the UAE support staff that they invited him to join their camp, despite the fact that ICC regulations required him to have lived in the country for at least three years before representing it.

Asked to bowl an in-swinging delivery on his first ball, Jawadullah executed it perfectly, immediately catching the attention of the scouting team. His next challenge was delivering a well-timed bumper, which he also nailed flawlessly.

His raw talent was undeniable. Recognizing his potential, the support staff decided to keep Jawadullah in the camp as a net bowler, awaiting the completion of his three-year residency in the UAE before formally incorporating him into the squad.

Electrician who turned into cricketer, now chasing Shoaib Akhtar pace, leaves Pakistan to play ILT20 in THIS country

An electrician-turned-cricketer, now chasing Shoaib Akhtar's pace, Muhammad Jawadullah leaves Pakistan to play for the UAE national team.

www.india.com

 

[Devadwal]

Another thriller

 

[Kianig89]

Gus Atkinson, JFM & Motie apart from them all pensioners looking for some ransom

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Dan Lawrence, Sam Curran lead Desert Vipers to seven-wicket victory against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

Abu Dhabi, January 12 2025: The Desert Vipers began their campaign with a seven-wicket victory against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Half centuries from Dan Lawrence and Sam Curran ensured the Vipers would comfortably surmount their target of 167. Dan Lawrence powered his way to 70 runs in 39 balls, while Sam Curran remained unbeaten on 50 from 37 deliveries.

Earlier in the day, the Vipers won the toss and elected to field first. Phil Salt anchored the innings with an unbeaten half century of 71 runs that came in 49 balls. Alishan Sharafu contributed with a vital knock of 46 runs while Andre Russell provided the finishing flourish with a quick-fire innings of 30 runs.

The Desert Vipers’ run chase started well as they put on 46 runs in the powerplay. Fakhar Zaman looked to be in good form, cracking three boundaries and a six in his innings of 23 runs before he was scalped by Andre Russell in the 5th over. Soon after, Alex Hales’ cautious knock of 10 runs came to an end at the hands of Sunil Narine in the 8th over to leave the Vipers at 56/2.

Dan Lawrence and Sam Curran then combined to script a match winning partnership of 95 runs in 59 balls. Lawrence led the way with 71 runs along with four sixes and five boundaries. Meanwhile Sam Curran notched up a half century in 37 deliveries, but his innings comprised very few risks with only two fours and a six.

Shahid Bhutta ended the massive partnership with the wicket of Dan Lawrence in the 18th over. With 16 runs needed, Sherfane Rutherford joined Sam Curran at the crease as the Vipers comfortably reached their target in 18.4 overs, finishing at 168/3.

In the first innings, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders had a contrasting powerplay. Kyle Mayers was scalped by Mohammad Amir, while Joe Clarke was cleaned up by Lockie Ferguson to leave the Knight Riders in trouble at 19/2 in 4.1 overs.

Opener Phil Salt took the onus of carrying the Knight Riders forward as he remained unbeaten with 71 runs. Salt carved four sixes and five fours in his 49-ball innings.

Michael Pepper was run out after a brief contribution of 11 runs to make way for Alishan Sharafu. Sharafu buttressed Salt with a crucial knock of 46 runs in 34 balls. Following Sharafu’s departure, it was Andre Russell who provided the innings with a much-needed surge, smashing 30 runs in just 14 deliveries. Russell hammered two fours and three sixes before he was run out to help the Knight Riders post 166/5 in 20 overs.

Speaking on his innings and his broader experience at the DP World ILT20, Player of the match, Dan Lawrence said, "The situation was quite nice to come into, knowing I had to give myself time. From the hotel to how the coaches treat you, this is probably the most professional set-up."

Reflecting on the loss, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ skipper Sunil Narine said, “We did well to get back in the game. We had a tough powerplay and we obviously wanted more runs. The key was the difference in the first six overs.”

Brief Scores

Desert Vipers bt Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by seven wickets
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 166/5 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 71 not out, Alishan Sharafu 46, Andre Russell 30, Lockie Ferguson 1 for 26, Mohammad Amir 1 for 29)

Desert Vipers 168/3 in 18.4 overs (Dan Lawrence 70, Sam Curran 50 not out, Fakhar Zaman 23, Andre Russell 1 for 15, Shahid Bhutta 1 for 27, Sunil Narine 1 for 29)

Player of the Match: Dan Lawrence

 

[FearlessRoar]

Tom Kohler-Cadmore's heroic knock seals last-ball victory for Sharjah Warriorz

Dubai, January 12 2025: Fans at the Dubai International Stadium were treated to yet another dramatic finish on Sunday evening as Sharjah Warriorz registered a three-wicket victory against the Gulf Giants. Tom Kohler-Cadmore was the standout performer in a match that went down to the last ball. He finished unbeaten on 83 runs from 56 balls with six fours and four sixes to steer the Warriorz to their target of 175.

Kohler-Cadmore's exploits were complemented by a breezy knock of 45 runs from UAE’s Rohan Mustafa as the pair put on a 105-run partnership. The Warriorz endured a few anxious moments in the final over, but a composed Kohler-Cadmore helped them sail through and secure the two points.

Earlier in the evening, the Giants did well to recover from a tepid start. Rehan Ahmed, Jordan Cox and Shimron Hetmyer put up scores of 46, 38 and 36 runs respectively to place the Giants at 174/7. Meanwhile, Tim Southee led the Sharjah Warriorz bowling attack with enviable figures of 3 for 30.

Chasing 175, the Warriorz lost Johnson Charles to Daniel Worall as early as the first over, while Mark Adair scalped Jason Roy in the second over. The Warriorz still had a lucrative powerplay courtesy of Tom Kohler-Cadmore and UAE’s Rohan Mustafa as they finished the phase at 55/2.

Kohler-Cadmore was in scintillating form, smashing three fours and three sixes on his way to a 32-ball half-century. Together with Mustafa, he forged a commanding partnership, with Mustafa contributing a well-paced 45 runs off 33 balls.

The stand was broken in the 13th over when Blessing Muzarabani dismissed Mustafa, leaving the Warriorz at 119/3. While Kohler-Cadmore cruised ahead on one end, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Karim Janat perished quickly, only managing two and five runs respectively.

Keemo Paul arrived at the crease with the Warriorz needing 48 runs off 33 balls. He made a quick 11 off five deliveries before Blessing Muzarabani claimed his second wicket of the night. Harmeet Singh followed soon after, dismissed for just two runs with a sharp caught-and-bowled effort from Mark Adair.

With 24 runs required from the final two overs, Adil Rashid struck a crucial six in the 19th over, which yielded 14 runs and brought the target within reach. In a tense final over, Tom Kohler-Cadmore held his nerve to secure the 10 runs needed, guiding the Warriorz to victory off the last ball in a thrilling finish.

Sharjah Warriorz Captain Tim Southee’s decision to bowl first was quickly validated as the pacer picked up the wickets of Adam Lyth and James Vince in the powerplay. Rehan Ahmed and Jordan Cox saw the Gulf Giants through the remainder of the fielding restrictions, finishing the first six overs at 41/2.

The duo’s partnership played a key role in helping the Giants recover from the loss of early wickets with a 57-run stand. Rehan Ahmed was particularly impressive, scoring a brisk 46 runs off 27 balls, laced with four boundaries and two sixes, before being dismissed by Harmeet Singh in the 11th over.

Meanwhile Jordan Cox played the supporting role with 36 runs in 23 balls but fell to Adam Milne in the 14th over to leave the Giants at 102/4.

Shimron Hetmyer and Mark Adair produced much needed contributions to power the Giants through the death overs. Hetmyer struck five fours and a six in his 23-ball knock of 36 runs until he was caught off Tim Southee in the penultimate over.

Mark Adair posted 20 runs at a strike-rate of 200 while Saghir Khan squeezed 11 runs in just four balls to conjure a strong finish at 174/7 in 20 overs.

Following his innings, Player of the Match Tom Kohler-Cadmore said, “It is great to get off with a win. I would have been devastated had we not got over the line. The pitch played well once you got your eye in, it was easier to hit.”

Praising Kohler-Cadmore's knock, Gulf Giants skipper James Vince said, "I'm pretty happy with that score. There was some quality bowling from them upfront. Rehan and Cox built a good partnership, and Hettie did what he does. We thought they would come out strong, and the half chance of Cadmore proved costly. Having someone staying till the end was crucial. He is a quality player, a clean striker of the ball. It was a quality knock.”

Brief Scores

Sharjah Warriorz bt Gulf Giants by three wickets

Gulf Giants 174/7 in 20 overs (Rehan Ahmed 46, Jordan Cox 38, Shimron Hetmyer 36, Tim Southee 3 for 30)

Sharjah Warriorz 175/7 in 20 overs (Tom Kohler-Cadmore 83 not out, Rohan Mustafa 45, Mark Adair 2 for 22, Blessing Muzarabani 2 for 27)

 

[Cricket Warrior]

 

[BouncerGuy]

Curran, Rutherford star as Desert Vipers cruise to six-wicket victory Over Gulf Giants

Dubai January 14, 2025: The Desert Vipers defeated the Gulf Giants by six wickets in a low scoring affair to complete their second consecutive victory, at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday evening. An unbeaten knock of 42 runs from all-rounder Sam Curran orchestrated a comfortable run chase for the Desert Vipers. He was assisted by Sherfane Rutherford who finished with 40 runs in 18 balls to bring the Vipers home in 17.4 overs.

The Vipers’ pacers ruled the first innings as skipper Lockie Ferguson and Mohammad Amir ran through the Giants top and middle order with three and two wickets respectively. Leading from the front, James Vince waged a lone battle, putting on an unbeaten 76 runs in 62 balls to steer the Giants to 119/9 in 20 overs.

The Desert Vipers’ were rattled in the second over of their run chase as Mark Adair accounted for Fakhar Zaman and the in-form Dan Lawrence. The English duo of Alex Hales and Sam Curran saw the Vipers through the powerplay, delicately placed at 22/2.
While Hales was the more reserved of the two, Curran broke the shackles in the seventh over with a six over extra cover and a four off Daniel Worall. Curran and Hales steadied the ship, combining for 49 runs before Blessing Muzarabani got the all-important breakthrough of Alex Hales. Hales scored 20 runs in 30 balls.

Azam Khan miscued Tymal Mills’ shorter one to depart for seven runs and leave the score at 66/4 in 12.2 overs. Every time the pressure built; Curran found a boundary to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Sherfane Rutherford joined the run chase as the Vipers cruised towards the target. The pair put on 55 runs in 32 balls as Rutherford struck two sixes and a four in the 18th over to chase down the target of 120 in 17.4 overs. Sam Curran remained unbeaten on 42 runs in 43 balls including four fours and a six.

Earlier in the evening, the Gulf Giants lost early wickets with Mohammad Amir tapping Adam Lyth, LBW, as early as the first over. Soon after, Lockie Ferguson scalped Rehan Khan, while Jordan Cox was dismissed by Sam Curran to leave the Giants in hot water at 32/3 in six overs.

Opener James Vince played a measured innings, taking few chances and frequently rotating the strike. However, he struggled to find support with wickets tumbling around him.

Wanindu Hasaranga cleaned up Ollie Robinson for a duck in the sixth over while Lockie Ferguson returned to the attack to pick up the dangerous Shimron Hetmyer and Mark Adair for single figures.

At 50/6, Vince found brief support in UAE’s Aayan Afzal Khan, who scored 15 off 18 and launched Hasaranga for the first six of the game during a 36-run stand. However, Khan’s dismissal in the 15th over by Luke Wood further dented the Giants’ efforts. Amir then picked off Saghir Khan with a clever slower delivery, leaving Vince to fight a lone battle.

In the 18th over, James Vince took down Luke Wood for 15 runs, bringing up a 47-ball half century in the process. Vince retained strike for the final two overs squeezing a couple more boundaries to place the Giants at 119/9 in 20 overs.

Player of the Match, Sam Curran said, “It is nice to be here for the start of the tournament and it is nice to win on a tricky pitch. It was almost a bit of a Test match out there, trying to trust your defence. I knew they are going go for their best seam bowlers at the top, so had to adjust accordingly.”

Looking back at the defeat, Gulf Giant skipper James Vince said, “It was a tough gig batting first, there seemed to be a bit more moisture in the wicket than the last game. 120 is always going to be tough to defend. We needed a bit of luck going our way on a wicket like that, if we had held onto our chances, it could have been a bit tricky for them.”

Brief Scores

Desert Vipers bt Gulf Giants by six wickets
Gulf Giants 119/9 in 20 overs (James Vince 76, Aayan Afzal Khan 15, Lockie Ferguson 3 for 22, Mohammad Amir 2 for 23)
Desert Vipers 121/4 in 20 overs (Sam Curran 42 not out, Sherfane Rutherford 40 not out, Mark Adair 2 for 12, Tymal Mills 1 for 23
Player of the Match: Sam Curran