Aayal QureshiDubai, UAE – Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s scintillating unbeaten knock of 83 powered the Sharjah Warriorz to a dramatic three-wicket victory over the Gulf Giants in a nail-biting DP World ILT20 clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing a challenging target of 175, the Warriorz found themselves in trouble early, losing openers Johnson Charles and Jason Roy in the first two overs. However, Kohler-Cadmore showcased nerves of steel, anchoring the chase with a match-winning 56-ball innings that included six boundaries and four towering sixes.
The English batter found an able ally in UAE’s Rohan Mustafa, who contributed a vital 45 off 33 balls during a 105-run partnership that steadied the innings. Despite a mid-innings collapse, with key dismissals of Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Karim Janat, and Harmeet Singh, Kohler-Cadmore kept the Warriorz in the hunt.
With 24 needed off the last two overs, Adil Rashid struck a crucial six in the penultimate over, setting up a tense finish. Kohler-Cadmore’s composure in the final over ensured the team clinched victory off the very last ball, earning him the Player of the Match award.
“It’s great to start with a win,” Kohler-Cadmore said. “The pitch played well once you got your eye in. I would have been devastated if we hadn’t crossed the line.”
Earlier, Warriorz captain Tim Southee’s decision to bowl first paid dividends as he claimed three wickets for 30 runs, reducing the Gulf Giants to 41-2 in the powerplay. Despite the early setbacks, Rehan Ahmed’s 46 off 27 balls and Jordan Cox’s 36 off 23 stabilized the innings. Shimron Hetmyer added a quickfire 36, while contributions from Mark Adair and Saghir Khan propelled the Giants to 174-7.
Reflecting on the defeat, Gulf Giants skipper James Vince praised Kohler-Cadmore’s brilliance: “He is a quality player and a clean striker of the ball. His knock made the difference. We had our moments but couldn’t capitalize on them.”
The thrilling encounter sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting season in the DP World ILT20.
