International League T20: We didn’t have enough runs on the board – Sharjah Warriors captain Moeen Ali after loss against MI Emirates

Sharjah Warriors skipper Moeen Ali admitted his team didn’t score enough runs after they lost their third match of the inaugural International League T20 against MI Emirates by six wickets on Tuesday. The Warriors posted 146-7 in the allotted 20 overs after MI Emirates skipper Kieron Pollard won the toss and decided to bowl first.

Kohler-Cadmore top-scored with 55 runs for the Sharjah Warriors but their middle order collapsed like a pack of cards. On the other hand, DJ Bravo was the pick of the bowlers for MI Emirates as he returned with impressive figures of 3-25 in his four overs. Furthermore, Imran Tahir scalped two wickets and conceded only 17 runs in his quota of four overs.

Subsequently, MI Emirates came up with a collective batting show as Will Smeed (29), Muhammad Waseem (40), and Nicholas Pooran (39) got their team over the line.

Moeen Ali said in the post-match presentation, “We had a brilliant start with the bat and we lost wickets in the middle and that really slowed us down. We couldn’t manage to get going. We got a bit of a score but they played really well. Noor bowled really well and he was our outstanding player. Disappointed with the result. It didn’t spin massively, there was lack of bounce. The dew did come in right at the end. That’s no excuse, we didn’t have enough runs. We got to keep going. You try the good things, hopefully we’ll turn it around.”

Meanwhile, MI Emirates skipper Kieron Pollard was delighted with the win and wants his team to continue the good show.

He added, “Good feeling to get points on the board. A bit disappointed with the way we started with the ball. We were a bit flat and I had to bring the guys together after two overs. Winning is a habit, losing is also a habit. In a new franchise it’s hard to get the guys going. It has been good for us in the last couple of games. We’re trying to take care of the old boys in the dressing room. You don’t want to change too much because you want to get to the top-two position. You want to play consistent cricket.”

On the other hand, Dwayne Bravo was awarded Player of the Match for his fine bowling show against the Warriors.

He said after the game, “You have to adjust quickly. I know when it’s my time. You either take the ball away from the arc or try to go wicket-to-wicket. I am feeling good. I was a bit stiff in the first game. I was able to do some gym work. I’ll get better as the tournament progresses. Abu Dhabi is bouncier. Here, it’s smaller and lower. I do the preparation and stick to my skills.”

Sharjah Warriors will next take on Dubai Capitals on Saturday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.