International League T20 2023: Hopefully we are peaking at the right moment – Moeen Ali

Sharjah Warriors captain Moeen Ali is hopeful that his team is peaking at the right moment in the inaugural edition of the International League T20 2023. The Warriors had lost their opening three matches of the tournament but they have bounced back to winning ways after winning the previous two matches.

The Moeen Ali-led team won their previous match against table-toppers Gulf Giants by 21 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Monday.

Sharjah Warriors posted 151-7 in the allotted 20 overs after James Vince won the toss and decided to bowl first. Joe Denly scored 58 runs from 43 balls to help his team get past the 150-run mark.

On the other hand, Gulf Giants found themselves in all sorts of trouble as they were reduced 26-5 after 5.3 overs. It was always going to be a difficult task for GG to bounce back from that situation and they fell 21 runs short in the end. Afghanistan’s pacer Naveen-ul-Haq was the pick of the bowlers as he returned with figures of 5-38 in 3.4 overs he bowled.

Moeen Ali said in the post-match presentation, “Great win in the end. It was swinging and wanted to make the most of the powerplay, he (Woakes) was outstanding tonight. Hopefully we are peaking at the right time. Just felt today I was not needed to bowl. Just the situation really.”

On the other hand, Naveen-ul-Haq was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine bowling show against Gulf Giants.

He said after the game, “Got lucky to be honest but it’s the nature of the game. Great to contribute for the team’s win. Some times when you attack, you get hit but that’s how it goes and that’s how I play my game.”

Meanwhile, James Vince gave credit to the opposition’s bowling unit for putting them under pressure.

Vince said, “Trickier to bat on, the way they bowled upfront was brilliant. 150 odd on this ground, you are always in the game chasing but a few soft dismissals at the top. Halfway through the group stages now, try and be a little sharp in that next game.”

Sharjah Warriors will next face Dubai Capitals on Thursday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.