The Sharjah Warriorz are gearing up for a fresh start in the third season of the International League T20 (ILT20), with an eye on delivering consistent performances and overcoming their disappointing finishes in previous editions. Led by New Zealand’s Tim Southee and coached by former South African cricketer JP Duminy, the team will begin their campaign against the Gulf Giants on January 12 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
After finishing fifth and last in the first two seasons, the Warriorz are determined to reverse their fortunes. Coach JP Duminy emphasized the importance of keeping things simple and focusing on critical phases during matches. “Winning the crucial moments is key,” Duminy said. “Understanding and adapting to the conditions as we go along will be part of our evolving strategy.”
Focus on Experience and Key Players
Leg-spinner Adil Rashid echoed the team’s philosophy of taking it one game at a time. “It’s about executing our plans and staying in the present. Cricket has its ups and downs, so keeping things simple is essential,” he remarked.
Duminy highlighted the role of experienced players like Rashid and captain Tim Southee in guiding the team. “Adil is a proven match-winner, and Tim Southee brings immense experience and leadership to the squad,” Duminy stated. “Our top-order batters—Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Jason Roy, and Johnson Charles—will also play a crucial role in ensuring consistency.”
Rashid, who has featured in over 400 T20 matches, shared his approach to preparation. “My focus is on playing to my strengths and creating opportunities to pick up wickets. Experience helps in understanding and managing different situations during the game,” he said.
Strategic Additions and Retained Core
The Warriorz have made significant changes to their roster for Season 3, bringing in new players like Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Adil Rashid, Ashton Agar, and Jason Roy. They have also retained key players including Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Johnson Charles, and Dilshan Madushanka, ensuring a blend of fresh talent and experienced campaigners.
New Signings:
Tim Southee
Adam Milne
Adil Rashid
Ashton Agar
Avishka Fernando
Bhanuka Rajapaksa
Daniel Sams
Ethan D’Souza
Harmeet Singh
Jason Roy
Karim Janat
Keemo Paul
Matthew Wade
Rohan Mustafa
Tim Seifert
Traveen Mathew
Virandeep Singh
Retentions:
Tom Kohler-Cadmore
Johnson Charles
Dilshan Madushanka
Junaid Siddique
Muhammad Jawadullah
Kusal Mendis
Luke Wells
Peter Hatzoglou
Looking Ahead
The Sharjah Warriorz are approaching the tournament with a refreshed mindset and a focus on preparation. “The key will be how well we execute our plans in training and matches,” Duminy said. With a mix of experience, tactical insights, and new energy, the Warriorz are aiming for a strong performance in Season 3 of the ILT20.
