The Sharjah Warriorz continued their perfect start to DP World ILT20 Season 4 with a composed 11-run victory over the Gulf Giants at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday.

A controlled batting effort led by Tom Abell, followed by disciplined death bowling from Matheesha Pathirana, helped the Warriorz defend 174 and register their second consecutive win of the season.

Abell anchored the innings with a fluent 68 off 41 balls, striking five fours and three sixes to steady the Warriorz after early wickets. He found solid support from James Rew (39 off 33), before Dwaine Pretorius added late momentum with a quick-fire 28 off 13 to lift the total to a competitive 174/6.

In reply, the Gulf Giants were rocked early as Wasim Akram and Taskin Ahmed removed Pathum Nissanka and James Vince inside the powerplay. Rahmanullah Gurbaz showed brief resistance, but Pathirana’s clever, slower delivery ended his charge and triggered a collapse that left the Giants reeling at 44/4.

Azmatullah Omarzai (41) and Moeen Ali (45) revived the chase with a 79-run stand, but Akram’s breakthrough proved decisive. Despite Ali battling deep into the innings, regular wickets in the death overs, including two from Pathirana, stalled the Giants’ momentum.

The Warriorz held their nerve in the closing stages to restrict the Giants to 163/9, sealing an 11-run win and maintaining their unbeaten run.

Pathirana, who finished with figures of 3 for 19, was named Player of the Match. “I’m gradually finding my rhythm, and this performance gives me confidence,” said Pathirana. “I’m focused on staying calm and trusting my process.”

Stand-in captain Sikander Raza praised the team’s execution: “Winning the small moments has made the difference. Our seamers were outstanding again.”

Brief scores:
Sharjah Warriorz 174/6 (Tom Abell 68, James Rew 39, Dwaine Pretorius 28)
Gulf Giants 163/9 (Moeen Ali 45, Azmatullah Omarzai 41, Matheesha Pathirana 3/19)