Sharjah Warriorz to Face MI Emirates in ILT20 Match No. 6
The Sharjah Warriorz (SWR) are gearing up to take on MI Emirates (MIE) in match No. 6 of the ongoing International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday, December 7. This highly anticipated match is expected to be a thrilling encounter between two competitive teams.
SWR’s Campaign So Far
Tim Southee-led Sharjah Warriorz kicked off their ILT20 campaign with a tough loss to Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Despite a valiant effort, the Warriorz could only manage to restrict Knight Riders to 233/4 before being limited to 194/9 in their chase. However, with a strong squad at their disposal, the Warriorz will be looking to bounce back strongly in their upcoming match against MI Emirates.
MIE’s Season Opener
On the other hand, MI Emirates also faced defeat in their opening match this season. Led by Kieron Pollard, the team posted a total of 163/6 against the Gulf Giants. However, their opponents chased down the target with six wickets in hand in just 14 overs. MI Emirates will be eager to turn things around in their clash with Sharjah Warriorz.
Match Details and Pitch Report
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is known for its small boundaries, but the pitch conditions can be challenging for the batsmen. Teams will be looking to capitalize on the powerplay overs to set a solid foundation for their innings. However, as the game progresses, the pitch may become slower, making scoring runs a bit more difficult through the middle overs.
Predicted Playing XIs
Sharjah Warriorz (SWR):
Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Johnson Charles, Tom Abell, Tim David, Sikandar Raza, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Dwaine Pretorius, Tim Southee (C), Adil Rashid, Junaid Siddique, Saurabh Netravalkar.
MI Emirates (MIE):
Muhammad Waseem, Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Tajinder Dhillon, Kieron Pollard (C), Romario Shepherd, Rashid Khan, Chris Woakes, Muhammad Rohid Khan, AM Ghazanfar.
Probable Top Performers
Probable Best Batter: Tim David
Tim David was in sensational form during the Abu Dhabi T10 League, finishing as the top run-scorer with 393 runs in nine innings. His explosive batting style, as seen in the previous game where he scored 60 off 24 balls, makes him a key player for the Warriorz.
Probable Best Bowler: AM Ghazanfar
AM Ghazanfar is expected to play a crucial role for MI Emirates with his bowling prowess. In the first match, he was the standout bowler for his team, picking up crucial wickets while maintaining a tight economy rate. His performance will be crucial in containing the Warriorz batsmen.
With both teams looking to secure their first win of the season, the SWR vs MIE match promises to be a thrilling contest filled with exciting cricket action. Fans can expect a competitive battle between two skilled teams vying for victory at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Sharjah Warriorz Key Players
Aside from Tim David, who is expected to shine with the bat, the Sharjah Warriorz have a well-rounded squad with several key players. Johnson Charles, known for his explosive batting at the top of the order, will look to provide a solid start for the team. Tom Abell, with his ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed, adds stability to the middle order. In the bowling department, Tim Southee’s experience and skill in both the powerplay and death overs make him a vital asset for the Warriorz.
MI Emirates Key Players
MI Emirates, led by the dynamic Kieron Pollard, boasts a lineup filled with match-winners. Jonny Bairstow, a proven performer in white-ball cricket, can single-handedly change the course of a game with his aggressive stroke play. Rashid Khan, one of the premier spinners in world cricket, will be a key bowler for MI Emirates with his ability to stifle the opposition’s scoring rate and pick up crucial wickets. Chris Woakes, known for his ability to swing the ball and deliver in crunch situations, adds depth to the team’s bowling attack.
Head-to-Head Record
In previous encounters between Sharjah Warriorz and MI Emirates, both teams have displayed competitive cricket, making their head-to-head record an interesting one to follow. The history between these two teams adds an element of rivalry and anticipation to their upcoming match, as each side looks to assert its dominance and claim victory.
Team Strategies
Sharjah Warriorz may look to capitalize on their strong batting lineup by setting a challenging total if they bat first. Their bowlers will aim to pick up early wickets and put pressure on MI Emirates’ middle order. On the other hand, MI Emirates will focus on containing the Warriorz batsmen early on and then use their power hitters to chase down a target or set a competitive total if they bat first. Both teams will analyze the pitch conditions and adapt their strategies accordingly to gain an advantage in the match.
Match Dynamics
With both teams coming off defeats in their opening matches, there will be a sense of urgency and determination to get their first win on the board. The pressure of performing in a high-stakes encounter will test the players’ skills, temperament, and decision-making under pressure. The match dynamics are likely to be intense, with momentum shifts and key moments shaping the outcome of the game.
As the Sharjah Warriorz gear up to face MI Emirates in match No. 6 of the ILT20, cricket fans can expect a thrilling contest between two competitive teams hungry for victory. The clash promises to deliver exciting cricket action, skillful performances, and a display of talent as both sides look to make a mark in the tournament. Stay tuned for what is sure to be an enthralling battle at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.


