Sharjah Warriorz produced a commanding all-round performance to secure their second win of the season, as Pathirana, Akram blow away Gulf Giants with three-fers in a thrilling ILT20 encounter. Coming just a day ahead of the IPL auction, the match showcased elite pace bowling, disciplined execution, and a match-defining knock from Tom Abell.
Batting first after being asked to set a target, the Warriorz overcame early hiccups to post a competitive 174 for 6. Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s struggles continued as he fell cheaply, while Johnson Charles showed brief promise before holing out in the PowerPlay. Amid the early wickets, Tom Abell played with authority and composure, anchoring the innings beautifully.
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Pathirana and Akram Wreck Gulf Giants Chase
The Gulf Giants’ reply never truly settled despite an early reprieve for Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Wasim Akram struck early, removing Pathum Nissanka and later dismissing James Vince for a duck. Soon after, Matheesha Pathirana entered the act, delivering a lethal off-cutter to bowl Gurbaz and reduce the Giants to 38 for 4.
From that point, Pathirana, Akram blow away Gulf Giants with three-fers, keeping constant pressure on the batting side. Moeen Ali (45) and Azmatullah Omarzai (41) attempted a rescue with a 79-run stand, briefly reviving hopes. However, Akram’s third wicket broke the partnership, triggering another collapse.
Tom Abell Anchors Warriorz Innings
Abell counter-attacked brilliantly, taking on both pace and spin. He found regular boundaries against Moeen Ali and Liam Dawson and brought up a fluent half-century off just 32 balls. His 68 off 41 balls included clean sixes and elegant strokes through the off side. Partnered by James Rew, Abell stitched together a vital 71-run stand that shifted momentum firmly in the Warriorz’ favour.
Late fireworks came from Dwaine Pretorius, whose 28 off 13 balls ensured the Warriorz finished strongly. The total proved decisive, setting the stage for what followed, as Pathirana, Akram blow away Gulf Giants with three-fers in the chase.
Warriorz Close Out a Clinical Victory
Pathirana returned to remove Moeen Ali and finished with exceptional figures of 3 for 19, underlining why Pathirana, Akram blow away Gulf Giants with three-fers became the defining theme of the night. Akram matched him with 3 for 34, while the rest of the attack chipped in to restrict the Giants to 163 for 9.
In the end, Pathirana, Akram blow away Gulf Giants with three-fers as Sharjah Warriorz clinched an 11-run win, combining smart batting, sharp fielding, and ruthless pace bowling.
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