Sharjah Warriors stand-in captain Joe Denly admitted that they could get the partnerships going in the run-chase of 149 runs against Desert Vipers in the 23rd match of the ongoing International League T20. The Vipers went on to win by 22 runs to book their playoff place in the tournament.
Vipers posted a fighting total of 148-6 on the board after their skipper Colin Munro won the toss and decided to bat first. In fact, the Vipers were struggling at 80-5 after 13 overs but Howell added the finishing touches with a fine cameo of 23-ball 34.
On the other hand, Sharjah Warriors could not achieve any kind of impetus in their batting innings as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. In fact, none of the batters could go past the 30-run mark in the run-chase.
Joe Denly said in the post-match presentation, “It was a tricky one but that’s the kind of conditions we know we’ll get here. We have one more game here. Need to adjust well to it. Maybe (whether 130 or so was par). We started well with the ball but they got to a competitive score and we took that lack of momentum into our batting. Just couldn’t get the partnerships going. We have shown some strong character, we’re still in a position to make the playoffs. Have enjoyed the captaincy but can’t wait to have Mo (Moeen) back.”
Meanwhile, Colin Munro was delighted with the win and gave credit to his bowlers for keeping the opposition at bay.
Munro said, “Happier than the other night. Tricky wicket but we did really well to scrap to that total. And our bowlers did well, didn’t go away from our plans and stuck to the hard lengths. It (pitch) did look similar to the other night but didn’t play the same at all. They (Billings and Howell) got us a partnership which gave us a handy score. We’ve got a fantastic bench and it will take a wonderful squad to win the tournament. Credit goes to the support staff to keep the boys ready. Everyone is stepping up at different times. It’s all working out well for us at the moment.”
Wanindu Hasaranga was awarded the Player of the Match for returning with impressive figures of 3-13 in his quota of four overs. Furthermore, Luke Wood took three wickets and conceded only 20 runs in his allotted overs.
Hasaranga said, “Really happy with the win and my googly is really coming out well. The body looks good. Got some rest last game and I’m fine now. We all saw how this pitch played and I’m enjoying bowling on it.”
Sharjah Warriors will next take on Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on Saturday.
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