Ijaz Ali Safi
Desert Vipers continued their strong run in the DP World International League T20 Season 4 with a five-wicket victory over Sharjah Warriorz in Match 28 at Sharjah.
Batting first after losing the toss, Sharjah Warriorz posted 140 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Johnson Charles top-scored with a fighting 43, while James Rew chipped in with 22. For Desert Vipers, the bowling attack was led by Naseem Shah, who picked up three wickets, while Qais Ahmad supported well with two scalps, keeping the Warriorz in check on a batting-friendly surface.
In reply, Desert Vipers had an early setback as they lost both openers for just 9 runs, putting immediate pressure on the chase. However, Sam Curran and Max Holden steadied the innings with a crucial partnership, taking the score to 73. Curran contributed a useful 25 before departing.
The middle order failed to capitalize, as Jason Roy and Dan Lawrence were dismissed cheaply, giving Sharjah a brief hope of a comeback. That hope was soon extinguished by a calm and composed finish from Hassan Nawaz and Max Holden.
Hassan Nawaz played a decisive cameo, smashing 24 off just 14 balls, including three towering sixes, while Max Holden anchored the chase superbly with an unbeaten 65, guiding Desert Vipers home with confidence.
For Sharjah Warriorz, Harmeet Singh was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets, but his effort wasn’t enough to defend the modest total. Max Holden was awarded POTM.
Desert Vipers sealed the match with five wickets last match before Qualifier, while Sharjah Warriorz, with just three wins from ten matches, remain bottom of the points table after 28 matches in ILT20 Season 4.
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