By Anas Ahmed 
Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s Masterclass Leads Sharjah Warriorz to Last-Ball Triumph Over Gulf Giants
In a nail-biting encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, the Sharjah Warriorz edged past the Gulf Giants by three wickets, thanks to a stunning unbeaten 83 from 56 balls by Tom Kohler-Cadmore. His remarkable innings, laced with six fours and four sixes, guided the Warriorz to chase down a target of 175 off the final ball in the DP World ILT20 Season 3.
Kohler-Cadmore’s heroics were complemented by Rohan Mustafa, who scored a breezy 45 off 33 balls. Their crucial 105-run partnership for the third wicket laid the foundation for the successful chase, despite a tense finish.
Gulf Giants’ Innings:
Opting to bowl first, Warriorz captain Tim Southee struck early, reducing the Giants to 41/2 in the powerplay. Rehan Ahmed and Jordan Cox then steadied the ship with a 57-run stand. Ahmed’s brisk 46 off 27 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes, set the tone before his dismissal in the 11th over.
Shimron Hetmyer added a vital 36 off 23 balls in the death overs, alongside Mark Adair’s explosive 20 off 10 balls. The Giants posted a competitive 174/7 with Tim Southee leading the Warriorz bowling with 3/30.
Sharjah Warriorz’ Chase:
Chasing 175, the Warriorz faced early setbacks, losing Johnson Charles and Jason Roy within two overs. However, Kohler-Cadmore and Mustafa’s partnership propelled them to 119/3 by the 13th over. After Mustafa’s dismissal, Kohler-Cadmore stood firm as wickets fell at the other end.
The chase came down to the wire with 24 runs needed off the last two overs. A crucial six from Adil Rashid in the penultimate over left the Warriorz needing 10 from the final over. Kohler-Cadmore held his nerve, sealing the win on the last ball, ensuring the Warriorz claimed the two points.
Post-Match Reflections:
Player of the Match, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, expressed relief and joy at the victory, “It is great to get off with a win. I would have been devastated had we not got over the line.”
Giants’ skipper James Vince praised Kohler-Cadmore’s innings, stating, “He is a quality player, a clean striker of the ball. It was a quality knock.”
Brief Scores Sharjah Warriorz vs Gulf Giants:
- Gulf Giants: 174/7 in 20 overs (Rehan Ahmed 46, Jordan Cox 38, Shimron Hetmyer 36, Tim Southee 3/30)
- Sharjah Warriorz: 175/7 in 20 overs (Tom Kohler-Cadmore 83*, Rohan Mustafa 45, Mark Adair 2/22, Blessing Muzarabani 2/27)
Zainab Shafiq