Cricket Highlights, Feb 07: International League T20 2025 (2nd Qualifier) – Sharjah Warriorz vs Desert Vipers

SW vs DV (2nd Qualifier) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling Qualifier 2 match of the International League T20 between SW and DV, held on February 7, 2025, in Sharjah. The high-stakes encounter saw the Warriorz post a competitive total of 162/7 in their 20 overs, but the Vipers, displaying a dominant batting performance, chased down the target with ease. Finishing at 165/3 in just 16.4 overs, the Vipers secured a convincing 7-wicket victory with 20 balls to spare, booking their place in the final. 

The SW had a shaky start after opting to bat first. Tom Kohler-Cadmore fell early for just 1 run off 3 balls, caught and bowled by David Payne in the first over. Soon after, Johnson Charles looked promising with 16 runs off 10 balls, striking a couple of sixes, but his aggressive approach led to his downfall, caught behind off Mohammad Amir. At 19/2 in 3 overs, Sharjah Warriorz were under pressure.

However, English batter Jason Roy stepped up to anchor the innings. He played a measured yet fluent knock of 73 off 56 balls, smashing 7 fours and 2 sixes. His partnership with Tim Seifert (15 off 16) helped stabilize the innings, but the latter’s dismissal in the 9th over further slowed down the run rate.

Matthew Wade’s struggle in the middle order continued as he could only manage 5 runs before falling to Nathan Sowter. Moeen Ali, expected to provide firepower, also fell for 17 off 16 deliveries, caught off Payne. By the 16th over, Sharjah Warriorz were 115/5, needing a late flourish.

That push came from Karim Janat, who played a quickfire cameo of 23 runs off just 10 balls, launching three massive sixes. His powerful hitting in the death overs helped Warriorz cross the 150-run mark. However, Jason Roy fell in the penultimate over, just five runs short of the team’s final total. Rohan Mustafa and Ethan D’Souza remained not out, adding a few crucial runs to push the total to 162/7.

Among the Vipers’ bowlers, David Payne (2/28) and Khuzaima Tanveer (2/20) were the standout performers. Mohammad Amir (1/29) and Nathan Sowter (2/27) also provided crucial breakthroughs to restrict Warriorz from posting a bigger total.

In response, DV had a minor setback early in their chase, losing opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz for just 1 run in the first over to Adam Milne. However, Alex Hales counter-attacked brilliantly, smashing 47 off just 29 balls, hitting 9 boundaries in his blistering knock. His aggressive intent kept the required run rate under control, allowing his team to dictate the pace of the chase.

Hales found an able partner in Max Holden, who also played an excellent knock of 48 off 34 balls, striking 5 boundaries. Together, they put up a crucial 71-run partnership that laid the foundation for an easy chase. Hales eventually fell to Dilshan Madushanka in the 9th over, but by then, Desert Vipers were in a comfortable position at 74/2.

Holden continued to keep the scoreboard ticking before Adam Milne got the better of him in the 12th over. However, Dan Lawrence and Captain Sam Curran ensured there were no more hiccups in the chase. Lawrence remained unbeaten on 28 off 18 balls, hitting a six and a four, while Curran finished things off in style with an explosive 34 off just 15 balls, including 3 fours and 2 sixes.

Sharjah Warriorz vs Desert Vipers Scoreboard

Sharjah Warriorz– 162/7

Desert Vipers – 165/3(16.4/20)

Result – Vipers won by 7 wickets (with 20 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – Alex Hales

SW vs DV Playing XI

Sharjah Warriorz

Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Johnson Charles, Jason Roy, Tim Seifert(WK), Matthew Wade, Moeen Ali, Karim Janat, Rohan Mustafa, Ethan D’Souza, Tim Southee(C), Adam Milne

Desert Vipers

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Alex Hales, Max Holden, Dan Lawrence, Sam Curran(C), Azam Khan(WK), Ali Naseer, Khuzaima Tanveer, David Payne, Mohammad Amir, Nathan Sowter

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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