Abu Dhabi/Sharjah, Jan 25 (IANS) Placed third in the standings ILT20 Season 3, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will be hoping to improve their position when they take on Dubai Capitals while Sharjah Warriorz meet Gulf Giants in the Sunday doubleheader, which promises to be a blockbuster evening.

In the afternoon, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders face Dubai Capitals as both the teams are tied on the same points and will be vying to snatch the two points. Later, Sharjah Warriorz will face Gulf Giants in the second match of the day hoping to move up the standings as both teams are placed towards the bottom of the table. The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders head into this match with momentum on their side after a convincing win in their previous game.

A gritty half-century from Alishan Sharafu and a quickfire 32 from Charith Asalanka helped the Knight Riders post an impressive total of 182 runs. Despite MI Emirates’ brave attempt to chase, powered by an unbeaten 69 from Kieron Pollard, Alzarri Joseph’s superb bowling performance proved too much to handle, restricting the Emirates to just 140 runs in 20 overs. Dubai Capitals also enter this clash riding high on confidence after a dominant win over Gulf Giants. The Giants managed a modest 153 runs, courtesy of strong performances from Jordan Cox, Gerhard Erasmus, and James Vince.

However, the Capitals comfortably chased down the target in 18.4 overs, led by Shai Hope’s composed 47 and unbeaten knocks from Dasun Shanaka (34*) and Sikandar Raza (26*), securing a vital victory. With both teams tied on points and battling for a playoff spot, this match carries immense importance. A win here will strengthen their standings and provide crucial momentum heading into the final stages of the tournament.

In the second match of the day, Sharjah Warriorz boast a formidable batting lineup featuring power-hitters like Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Avishka Fernando, Jason Roy, and Tim Seifert, ensuring plenty of firepower at the top and middle order. On the bowling front, the likes of Ashton Agar, Luke Wells, captain Tim Southee, and Adam Milne bring precision and aggression, ready to dismantle the opposition with their lethal spells.

On the other hand, the Gulf Giants are equally star-studded, with a batting lineup led by captain James Vince, alongside impactful players such as Jordan Cox, Gerhard Erasmus, and Shimron Hetmyer. Their bowling unit, featuring Blessing Muzarabani, Mark Adair, and Dushan Hemantha, promises to deliver disciplined and fiery performances.

As these two sides face off, fans can expect a hard-fought battle where every run and wicket will count. Both teams will be determined to grab the crucial two points, making this a high-intensity clash filled with thrilling moments. With both sides playing good cricket, this promises to be an entertaining spectacle for fans.

Cricket fans can watch this action-packed tournament on ZEE’s most widely distributed and viewed 15 linear TV channels.