MI Emirates too strong as Sharjah Warriors suffer crushing defeat in International League T20
LONDON: MI Emirates were simply too strong for the Sharjah Warriors in the International League T20 on Friday night, as the table-toppers crushed their opponents with an eight-wicket victory.
The Emirates bowling attack restricted the Warriors to 129, with spinners Waqar Salamkheil (3 for 18) and Akeal Hoesin (2 for 20) leading the way with the ball.
They then flexed their batting muscles to reach the 130-run target in just 67 balls, with opener Muhammad Waseem particularly impressive. His powerful hitting was on full display against the bowling of Mark Watt, who he hit for three sixes and two boundaries to take 27 runs off his over on the way to scoring 37 off only 13 deliveries.
Emirates captain Nicholas Pooran praised his team and said: "It was just about picking ourselves up after our last game. The guys have been fantastic. Every bowler has been excellent.
"We played here last year and gained a lot of knowledge. Tonight, we thought spin would play a part. We thought Akeal's natural variation would help. Same for Salamkheil as well. I mean, whether we experiment or not, the goal is to win."
Lewis Gregory, who captained the Warriors, said: "It was a tough night for us. Although we got off to a decent start we lost wickets in clumps. We did not quite get going in the middle overs but Sean (Williams) played brilliantly for us. No one else got going."
Warriors coach J. P. Duminy said the team will have to use the heavy defeat as a lesson for their remaining games in the tournament.
"Unfortunately, we came up short today but it gives us great opportunities to see what we have and how we can bowl combinations, leading into the really important part of the tournament," he said.
"Batting partnerships are still key (in T20). Unfortunately we couldn't find our way in that middle phase of the game. We scratched our way to 130 but MI Emirates were just too strong.
"We are still giving ourselves a chance of getting to that last four, and for us it's about trying to find momentum into that playoff phase."