'Trying to make playoffs': Ashton Agar as Sharjah beat Abu Dhabi in ILT20

Sharjah Warriorz

put up a commanding performance to secure a four-wicket victory over

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

in a crucial

ILT20

clash at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Johnson Charles’ brilliant 65 and impressive bowling efforts from Adam Zampa and Adam Milne played key roles in the victory, which propelled the Warriorz from sixth to third place on the points table.
Chasing 162, the Warriorz made a fiery start, with Charles and Tom Kohler-Cadmore taking the attack to the opposition. They tore apart Ibrar Ahmad in the fourth over, collecting 24 runs, and Kohler-Cadmore smashed 18 in four balls against Vijayakanth Viyaskanth before falling for a rapid 39 off 21 balls. The duo's explosive batting saw the Warriorz cruise to 75/1 at the end of the powerplay, setting a strong platform for the chase.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Following the game, Warriorz spinner Ashton Agar, who contributed with both bat and ball, emphasised the significance of the win. "Big win for the team. Trying to make the playoffs and the finals is what we’re after. The table is tight, and if you win a couple of clutch games, you never know what can happen. Everyone’s pretty excited now," Agar said.

Reflecting on the challenging chase, Agar acknowledged the fluctuations in the game. "It was a bit of a yo-yo match. Winning the toss was great, but they got off to a flyer and set the tone well. Me and Zampa love bowling together. We’ve done it so many times, so it’s always fun trying to pull things back," he added.

He also praised Charles and Kohler-Cadmore for laying the foundation. "Johnson Charles, my God, he’s hitting the ball beautifully. TKC and he did all the tough work, making the chase easier. There was pressure at the end, but we backed ourselves. You still have to hit the ball hard and clear the fence when needed."
Agar also spoke about his partnership with Zampa, who returned figures of 3/27. "We feed off each other, communicate well, and know what the other is trying to do. It’s comforting to have a good friend on the field. It makes the dressing room fun off the field and relaxing on it."
On ILT20, Agar expressed enthusiasm, saying, "This tournament is really cool. Everyone wants to play here. Dubai and the UAE are amazing places, and the competition is of a high standard with so many international players. It’s all about competing with the best."

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders head coach Dwayne Bravo reflected on the team’s struggles. "We’re still in the running, but we need to be smarter in key moments. That’s what’s costing us games. We have two matches left, and our destiny is in our hands, but if we don’t capitalise on crucial moments, we won’t qualify."
On the tournament’s broader impact, Bravo stated, "A league like this makes

UAE cricket

stronger. The IPL helped India, the Big Bash helped Australia, and ILT20 will do the same here. Domestic competitions develop local players and ultimately strengthen the national team."