The Dubai International Stadium witnessed fireworks as Johnson Charles blasted a match-winning 93 to propel Sharjah Warriors to a thrilling victory over Dubai Capitals in the International League T20.
Charles Carries the Warriors:
The West Indian opener displayed his power-hitting prowess, slamming six sixes and eight boundaries in a blazing 51-ball knock. He formed crucial partnerships with Lewis Gregory (16) and UAE’s Basil Hameed (24*) to guide the Warriors home with seven balls to spare.
Capitals Post Decent Total:
Despite Charles’ heroics, it was a competitive chase for the Warriors. Earlier, Sam Billings (52) and Sikandar Raza (48) shared an 81-run partnership to lift the Capitals to a respectable 170/7. Daniel Sams shone with the ball, claiming three wickets for 28 runs.
Warriors Start Steady, Lose Wickets Early:
Chasing 171, the Warriors started cautiously with Martin Guptill (2) and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (3) falling cheaply. However, Charles took charge, smashing sixes and boundaries from the outset to counter the early setbacks.
Charles, Gregory Partnership Paves the Way:
Niroshan Dickwella contributed a quick 12-ball 25 before departing, but Charles found able support in Lewis Gregory. The duo kept the scoreboard ticking, ensuring the Warriors were well-placed at 60/3 at the powerplay.
Chameera Strikes, but Charles Unstoppable:
Dushmantha Chameera provided the Capitals with brief hope, dismissing Gregory (16) and Charles (93) in quick succession. However, Basil Hameed and Daniel Sams held their nerve, guiding the Warriors to victory with seven balls remaining.
Post-Match Reactions:
- Charles, Player of the Match: “The pitch offered good bounce, making the powerplay crucial. We did well in the powerplay and I just wanted to keep going. Age is just a number, I want to keep improving like fine wine.”
- Winning Captain Tom Kohler-Cadmore: “Thrilled with our first win. It’s great to see the boys step up and win games for us. Basil’s clutch performance and having a full squad with 20 match-winners is what makes us strong.”
- Losing Captain David Warner: “Toss was crucial on this dew-laden ground. We fell a few runs short and their bowlers were impressive in the powerplay. We bowled too many bad balls to Johnson.”
Brief scores:
Dubai Capitals 170 for 7 in 20 overs (David Warner 20, Sam Billings 52, Sikandar Raza 48, Chris Woakes 2 for 21, Daniel Sams 3 for 28, Mahesh Theekshana 2 for 32) Sharjah Warriors 171 for 5 in 18.5 overs (Johnson Charles 93, Basil Hameed 24n.o, Dushmantha Chameera 4 for 28)
Sharjah Warriors bt Dubai Capitals by 5 wickets.
Player of the Match: Johnson Charles
