SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Neither Andre Russell nor Johnson Charles had any real impact for their respective sides, as Abu Knight Riders beat Sharjah Warriors by seven wickets in a low-scoring encounter in the ILT20 here yesterday.
Russell sent down just one over which cost 10 runs as Warriors were bundled out for 75 off 17 overs, after being sent in at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Charles, who like Russell will fly to Australia this week for West Indies’ three-match Twenty20 series against the hosts starting Friday, made only one at the top of the order.
He was one of three early wickets as Warriors slumped to seven to three in the second over as part-time medium pacer Ravi Bopara (4-15) and Irish new-ball left-arm seamer Josh Little (3-17) hurt the innings.
Number seven Daniel Sams, who top-scored with a 19-ball 24, was the only batsman to pass 20.
In reply, Joe Clarke struck 34 off 25 deliveries with half-dozen fours, in a 54-run opening stand with Michael Pepper (18) which quickly settled the affair, despite three wickets tumbling thereafter for 11 runs off 15 deliveries.
United Arab Emirates left-armer Muhammad Jawadullah took all three wickets to fall, finishing with three for five from two overs.
Russell has been the leading batsman for Knight Riders with 192 runs at an average of 96 while taking six wickets while Charles has also led the Warriors’ batting with 232 runs at an average of 33.
