International League T20 2023: We got off to a good start but could not capitalize – Moeen Ali

Sharjah Warriors captain Moeen Ali admitted they could not capitalize on the good start they got against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the 28th match of the ongoing International League T20 2023. ADKR went on to win their first match of the tournament by five wickets.

Meanwhile, Sharjah Warriors were 71-1 after 9.2 overs but they veered off the track after a steady start. Ali feels they played poor shots and it led to their self-destruction.

Only three Sharjah Warriors batters could score in the double digits and the rest of the players failed to contribute to the score. It was a poor batting effort from Sharjah Warriors as they could only post 130-9 in their 20 overs.

Moeen Ali said in the post-match presentation, “It was more the case of self-destruction. We got off to a good start but could not capitalize. We tried sending messages out to give a strike to the set batter but nothing worked. But we did well to drag the game with the ball. That’s the only way and tomorrow’s result is going to be big for us. But we also have to win our final game. I don’t think it will get worse than tonight and hopefully, the boys will fight back.”

On the other hand, ADKR captain Sunil Narine was delighted with the team’s maiden win of the season, though it did come a bit late for them.

He said after the game, “The win does bring a smile. We didn’t play great cricket but we can take this win. We lost the key moments and that is where we lost most games. It (captaincy) is a new experience; it wasn’t that great but the guys tried every game and that made it easier for me, that was a good thing. The boys were keen even though we were losing.”

Meanwhile, Joe Clarke was awarded the Player of the Match for scoring 54 runs from 32 balls in the run-chase. The England batter scored seven fours and struck two sixes in his fine match-winning knock.

Clarke said, “It was fun. When you are chasing a small target it is important to get off to a good start. I always try and kill the game in the first six overs. I was dropped in the very first over and rode my luck after that. I have been here for four games and really enjoyed my time. The pitches have been slower coming in from Australia (BBL), they are always good here. I want to come back next year.”

Sharjah Warriors will play the last league stage match against Gulf Giants on Monday.