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Welcome to match six of the 2025 ILT20, where the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) take on the Sharjah Warriors (SW) at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Both teams are in the early stages of the tournament, still settling their lineups and assessing the conditions. The Knight Riders are eager to bounce back after a close loss, while the Warriors will aim to maintain their momentum after a thrilling last-ball victory. With the tournament’s close contests so far, this game promises to be another exciting encounter.
Match Details
| Match | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Sharjah Warriors, ILT20 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, January 15, 2025 |
| Time | 7:30 PM (Local Time) |
| Venue | Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
| Weather | Clear skies, 20–21°C, humidity over 50%, no rain |
Team Preview
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
The Knight Riders suffered a narrow loss in their tournament opener but will take heart from Phil Salt’s explosive unbeaten 71 off 49 balls. Salt’s form at the top is crucial for setting the tone, while Alishan Sharafu and Andre Russell provide firepower in the middle. Joe Clarke looked rusty and will aim to make amends in this match.
Bowling-wise, Sunil Narine led from the front with an economical spell, supported by Andre Russell and Shahid Bhutta, but they lacked penetration at key moments. David Willey showed promise with his variations and will be a key asset alongside Jason Holder and Narine on a surface offering some movement.
Key Players: Phil Salt, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, David Willey
Predicted Playing XI:
Phil Salt (wk), Kyle Mayers, Joe Clarke, Michael Pepper, Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Shahid Bhutta, David Willey, Jason Holder, Laurie Evans, Sunil Narine (c)
Sharjah Warriors
The Warriors are riding high after Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s match-winning 83* off 56 balls in their opener. His partnership with Rohan Mustafa, who scored 45, laid the foundation for their thrilling victory. With experienced players like Jason Roy and Johnson Charles in the top order, the Warriors possess a dynamic batting lineup.
Their bowling attack, led by Tim Southee’s 3/30, offers both experience and variety. Adam Milne’s pace and Adil Rashid’s spin provide wicket-taking options, while Muhammad Jawadullah has been impressive in his short spells. The team will rely on Southee and Milne to deliver in the powerplay and at the death.
Key Players: Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tim Southee, Rohan Mustafa, Adam Milne
Predicted Playing XI:
Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Johnson Charles (wk), Jason Roy, Rohan Mustafa, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Karim Janat, Keemo Paul, Harmeet Singh, Adil Rashid, Adam Milne, Tim Southee (c)
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Team | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Phil Salt (C) | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Wicketkeeper |
| Tom Kohler-Cadmore (VC) | Sharjah Warriors | Batter |
| Jason Roy | Sharjah Warriors | Batter |
| Alishan Sharafu | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Batter |
| Rohan Mustafa | Sharjah Warriors | Batter |
| Andre Russell | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | All-rounder |
| David Willey | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | All-rounder |
| Tim Southee | Sharjah Warriors | Bowler |
| Adam Milne | Sharjah Warriors | Bowler |
| Sunil Narine | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Bowler |
| Adil Rashid | Sharjah Warriors | Bowler |
Pitch Report
The Zayed Cricket Stadium has been a balanced surface with an average first-innings score of 180. While the new ball provides some assistance to pacers, spinners can exploit the conditions as the game progresses. Batters who take time to settle can score heavily here.
Toss Prediction: Bowl First
Given the conditions and early tournament results, both teams might prefer to chase. However, setting a total around 180 could be challenging to defend.
Winning Prediction
While Sharjah Warriors have momentum, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders boast a more experienced lineup with match-winners like Phil Salt, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine. Expect a close contest, but the Knight Riders have the edge.
Prediction: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to win.
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