SW Defeat MIE to Stay in ILT20 Title Hunt

SW Knock Out Defending Champions MIE to Keep ILT20 Title Hopes Alive

The Sharjah Warriorz (SW) produced a commanding performance to eliminate defending champions MI Emirates (MIE), securing a six-wicket victory in the ILT20 Eliminator at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. With this win, SW advance to Qualifier 2, where they will battle Desert Vipers (DV) for a place in the grand final.

A standout 40-run blitz off 20 balls from Tim Seifert and a disciplined bowling display led by Tim Southee ensured MIE’s title defense came to an end. By virtue of MIE’s exit, ILT20 Season 3 is set to crown a new champion.

Seifert and Kohler-Cadmore Seal the Chase for SW

Chasing 147, SW openers Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Johnson Charles got off to a flying start. Charles was in destructive form, smashing 36 off 20 balls, including an audacious six off Alzarri Joseph. His attacking intent propelled SW to 58/1 at the end of the powerplay.

Kohler-Cadmore continued the charge with a steady 40 off 40 balls, anchoring the innings. Despite a double-wicket over from Muhammad Rohid, which momentarily shifted momentum in MIE’s favor, Seifert took control.

"Always nice to get to that winning position. Our bowlers did a great job. The way they use the new ball is outstanding," Seifert said after the match.

Needing 46 off the final seven overs, Seifert attacked at the right moments, ensuring SW reached the target in the 19th over with six wickets in hand.

MIE’s Struggles with the Bat Cost Them the Match

Batting first, MIE’s innings never quite found momentum. Opener Andre Fletcher fell early, and while Tom Banton and Will Jacks tried to stabilize, Ashton Agar’s crucial breakthrough put them under pressure.

Nicholas Pooran played an aggressive knock of 42 off 19 balls, keeping MIE’s hopes alive. However, Dilshan Madushanka’s well-directed short ball dismissed him at a crucial moment.

MIE’s lower order failed to capitalize, losing wickets in quick succession. Tim Southee struck at the death, dismissing Kusal Perera, while Romario Shepherd fell cheaply.

MIE finished with 146/8 in 20 overs, a total that proved insufficient against SW’s batting firepower.

MIE Captain Pooran Reflects on the Loss

"We were below par, and we put ourselves in a hole. The pitch offered little assistance, and SW took their chances. We weren’t consistent this season, and that’s why we are out," said a dejected Pooran after MIE’s elimination.

SW Eye Final Spot as They Face DV Next

With their first-ever ILT20 Qualifier 2 appearance, SW will now face Desert Vipers for a place in the final. The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown, with both teams hungry for their maiden ILT20 title.

Can SW continue their dream run, or will DV stand in their way? The battle for the final spot is heating up!