ILT20 2025 Match 25: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Sharjah Warriorz – Preview

Match Overview

Date: Monday, 22nd December 2025
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Time: 14:30 GMT | 20:00 IST | 18:30 Local Time
Tournament: International League T20 (ILT20) 2025
Match No.: 25
Broadcast: Zee Network Channels & Zee5 App/Website

Team Form and Context

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

• Currently sitting at fifth place in the standings with three wins from their last eight matches.
• A recent win over MI Emirates has given the team confidence, but their loss to Sharjah Warriorz in their opening fixture will serve as motivation.
• Key contributors have been Alex Hales, Liam Livingstone, and Andre Russell with the bat, and Ajay Kumar, Jason Holder, and Piyush Chawla with the ball.

Sharjah Warriorz

• Placed near the bottom of the table with two wins from seven matches.
• Their recent loss to Dubai Capitals ended a winning streak and has put pressure on the side to win crucial matches to stay in the race for the playoffs.
• Tom Abell, James Rew, and Sikandar Raza have been consistent performers, while Mateesha Pathirana and Dwaine Pretorius offer strong bowling options.

Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Matches)

• Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: 3 wins
• Sharjah Warriorz: 2 wins

This match is a revenge opportunity for Abu Dhabi after losing to Sharjah in their first meeting this season. The winner will gain momentum in the qualification race.

Venue Conditions – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

• Batting Bias: The pitch has historically favored batters, with first innings scores averaging above 160 in recent years.
• Bowling Conditions: Spinners have struggled, with an average of 7.47 runs per over, but fast bowlers have found more success.
• Win Percentages:
  • Batting First: 47.7%
  • Batting Second: 52.3%

The pitch is expected to be flat and true, offering minimal assistance to bowlers. This will make aggressive batting and tight bowling crucial for success.

Key Players to Watch

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

• Alex Hales – A powerful opener with a knack for hitting boundaries.
• Jason Holder – The captain and wicketkeeper, providing all-round impact with both bat and ball.
• Piyush Chawla – The leg-spinner with a consistent economy and wicket-taking ability.
• Andre Russell – The explosive all-rounder who can change the game in an over.

Sharjah Warriorz

• Tom Abell – A steady middle-order batter with a high strike rate.
• Sikandar Raza – The captain and key all-rounder with match-winning potential.
• Mateesha Pathirana – The spin option who can trouble batters with variations.
• Dwaine Pretorius – The death-overs specialist with match-winning ability.

Match Prediction

• Toss Winner: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
• Match Winner: Sharjah Warriorz
• Top Batter: Liam Livingstone (ADKR) / Tom Abell (SWR)
• Top Bowler: Jason Holder (ADKR) / Mateesha Pathirana (SWR)
• Most Sixes: Andre Russell (ADKR) / Dwaine Pretorius (SWR)
• Player of the Match: Dwaine Pretorius (SWR)
• Estimated Scores:
  • Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: 165-170
  • Sharjah Warriorz: 170-175

Strategic Outlook

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will look to capitalize on the power-hitting prowess of Hales, Livingstone, and Russell to post a competitive total. Their bowling attack, led by Holder and Chawla, will aim to restrict the opposition and pick up crucial wickets.

Sharjah Warriorz, on the other hand, need a win to stay in the playoff race. Their balanced squad, with a strong middle-order and death-overs bowling options, gives them the potential to chase down any total. If Tom Abell and James Rew can anchor the innings, and Pathirana and Pretorius can execute tight lines, the Warriorz can pull off a surprise.

Final Verdict

This is a crucial clash with both teams needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The flat pitch and batter-friendly conditions will favor the side that can accelerate in the middle and death overs. While Abu Dhabi have the edge in form, Sharjah have the depth and experience to challenge them.

Prediction: Sharjah Warriorz to win by 8-10 runs
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