Sharjah: UAE fast bowler Khuzaima Tanveer made an unforgettable debut, leading Desert Vipers to a commanding eight-wicket win over Sharjah Warriorz in the DP World ILT20 at Sharjah Stadium on Saturday.
The 25-year-old pacer dismantled the opposition’s middle and lower order with a remarkable four-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 4/22. His clinical bowling display helped the Vipers extend their lead at the top of the six-team table as the tournament approaches its final stages.
“Whenever I play cricket, I enjoy it without feeling pressure. The captain gave me a clear plan to hit the deck hard, and I executed it well. I’m really enjoying my time out there,” said Tanveer, who was named Player of the Match.
Hales and Curran Seal the Win in Style
Chasing a modest target of 152, Desert Vipers’ batting duo of Alex Hales and Sam Curran made the task look effortless. Their stunning 128-run partnership off just 65 balls turned the contest into a one-sided affair. Hales smashed a 36-ball half-century, while Curran followed with a blistering 33-ball fifty, guiding the Vipers to victory in just 14.5 overs and moving them closer to the playoffs.
Warriorz Struggle to Capitalize
Earlier, Jason Roy provided a solid foundation for Sharjah Warriorz, scoring 55 off 38 balls. However, his dismissal in the 17th over—courtesy of Mohammad Amir—halted their momentum. Despite a late cameo from Ashton Agar, who remained unbeaten on 15 with two sixes, the Warriorz managed only 151/8 in 20 overs. David Payne set the tone for the Vipers’ bowling attack with two crucial wickets.
Sharjah Warriorz captain Tim Southee acknowledged his team’s struggles, saying, “We got into a good position but lost too many wickets in the second half. We’ve shown glimpses of quality but haven’t been consistent. With four games left, the equation is simple—we need to win. On a positive note, it was great to see Jason Roy back in form.”
Brief Scores
- Sharjah Warriorz: 151/8 in 20 overs (Jason Roy 55, Tom Kohler-Cadmore 42; Khuzaima Tanveer 4/22, David Payne 2/33)
- Desert Vipers: 152/2 in 14.5 overs (Alex Hales 77*, Sam Curran 54*; Adam Milne 2/17)
Player of the Match: Khuzaima Tanveer.
