Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Seek Redemption Against Sharjah Warriorz
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) are gearing up to face off against Sharjah Warriorz (SWR) in what promises to be an exciting clash in Match No. 25 of the International League T20 2025-26. The match is scheduled to take place at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday, December 22, 2025.
Current Standings
ADKR currently holds the fifth spot on the points table with three wins from eight matches. Their journey in the tournament started with a defeat against SWR, making this upcoming match an opportunity for redemption. A victory here would not only boost their chances of moving up in the standings but also solidify their position in the race for a spot in the next round.
On the other hand, SWR finds themselves at the bottom of the table with just two wins from seven matches. Their tournament has been challenging, and they are now looking to turn things around with a crucial win against ADKR. A positive result in this match could provide them with the momentum needed to climb up the table as the league phase progresses.
Match Details
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium has been favoring teams batting first in the ILT20 2025–26. The pitch allows batters to settle in and accelerate later in the innings, leading to competitive totals. Bowlers need to maintain discipline, as any mistakes in line or length can prove costly.
Key Players
For ADKR, Alex Hales will be a key batter to watch out for in this match. With 213 runs in eight matches, his stability and intent at the top of the order have been instrumental for the team. Hales’ experience and shot-making ability make him a threat to the opposition bowlers.
On the bowling front, UAE left-arm pacer Ajay Kumar will be crucial for ADKR. With 12 wickets already in the tournament, Kumar has proven to be one of the most effective bowlers. His ability to generate movement and take wickets at crucial junctures makes him a valuable asset for his team.
Predicted Lineups
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR): Philip Salt (wk), Alishan Sharafu, Liam Livingstone, Brandon McMullen, Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Jason Holder (c), Piyush Chawla, Ajay Kumar, Olly Stone
Sharjah Warriorz (SWR): Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Johnson Charles, Tom Abell, James Rew, Sikandar Raza (c), Ethan DSouza, Dwaine Pretorius, Harmeet Singh, Adil Rashid, Wasim Akram, Taskin Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik (wk)
Match Prediction
As per today’s match prediction, the team batting first is likely to have the upper hand. With both teams hungry for a win, fans can expect an intense battle on the cricket field as ADKR and SWR go head-to-head in this crucial encounter.
Team Dynamics
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will be looking to capitalize on their strengths and learn from their previous encounter with Sharjah Warriorz. The team has a balanced mix of experienced players like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, along with emerging talents like Alishan Sharafu and Brandon McMullen. The leadership of Jason Holder will be crucial in guiding the team to a successful performance in this match.
On the other hand, Sharjah Warriorz will be aiming to overcome their recent challenges and put up a strong fight against ADKR. The team will rely on the leadership of Sikandar Raza and the experience of players like Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Adil Rashid to turn their fortunes around in this crucial encounter. The addition of veteran cricketer Wasim Akram to the lineup brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the bowling attack.
Match Strategy
ADKR will be looking to set a competitive total if they bat first, utilizing the aggressive batting style of players like Liam Livingstone and Sherfane Rutherford to put pressure on the SWR bowlers. Their bowling unit, led by Ajay Kumar and supported by the likes of Piyush Chawla and Olly Stone, will aim to restrict the SWR batting lineup and take crucial wickets at regular intervals.
SWR, on the other hand, will need to focus on building partnerships and rotating the strike effectively to build a solid innings if they bat first. Players like Johnson Charles and Tom Abell will need to anchor the innings, with support from all-rounders like Dwaine Pretorius and Harmeet Singh. The team’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Wasim Akram and Adil Rashid, will need to maintain tight lines and lengths to contain the ADKR batting lineup.
Impact Players
In addition to the key players mentioned earlier, the match could see standout performances from individuals like Tom Kohler-Cadmore for SWR, who has the ability to shift the momentum of the game with his aggressive strokeplay. For ADKR, all-rounder Andre Russell’s explosive batting and effective bowling could prove to be decisive in shaping the outcome of the match.
Match Outcome
With both teams eager for a win to improve their standings in the tournament, the match between ADKR and SWR is poised to be a thrilling contest. The battle between bat and ball, combined with strategic captaincy decisions, will make for an engaging viewing experience for fans. Ultimately, the team that can execute their game plan effectively under pressure is likely to come out on top in this high-stakes encounter.
Stay tuned for an exciting showdown between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Sharjah Warriorz at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium as they fight for redemption and crucial points in the International League T20 2025-26.


