Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Sharjah Warriorz Prediction & Match Preview – ILT20

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders face Sharjah Warriorz at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in the 25th match of ILT20 2025-26.

The Knight Riders will look to Alishan Sharafu, Philip Salt, Liam Livingstone, Brandon McMullen, Sherfane Rutherford and Andre Russell for runs. McMullen top-scored in their previous game with 64 off 49, and Alex Hales added 40 off 27, but the rest of the line-up struggled and the side lost by 35 runs. Ajay Kumar, Olly Stone, Sunil Narine, Russell and Jason Holder lead the bowling, and Holder and Piyush Chawla took a wicket each last time.

The Warriorz rely on Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Johnson Charles, Sikandar Raza, Tom Abell and James Rew. Their last match went badly, as they were bowled out for 90 in 17.5 overs, with Abell’s 35 off 36 the only real resistance. Wasim Akram, Taskin Ahmed, Harmeet Singh, Dwaine Pretorius and Raza will try to provide breakthroughs, and Taskin was the pick of the bowlers last time with 2 for 20.

On a true surface with a fast outfield, sides batting second have often chased competitive totals at Abu Dhabi if momentum is kept. Our preview picks the Knight Riders.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

Sheikh Zayed Stadium typically offers a balanced contest. Pacers enjoy some bounce and movement in the first few overs before the surface settles and becomes good for stroke-play, with a smooth outfield rewarding batters who spend time in the middle. Spinners do not get dramatic turn but can control the middle overs. The wicket is reliable, and teams often feel comfortable chasing unless it slows later in the evening.

Weather

Conditions should be pleasant and mostly dry, with temperatures around 21–22 °C at sunset, partly cloudy to clear skies and a very low chance of rain. Winds are expected to be light to moderate.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 165–180
• 2nd innings: 160–175

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