Finisher Adil Rashid snatches win from Knight Riders in last-ball thriller, keeps Sharjah Warriorz alive in ILT20 2025-26 playoffs race

England's experienced leg-spinner Adil Rashid kept Sharjah Warriorz alive in the ILT20 2025-26 playoffs race with a three-fer and crucial finishing touches with the bat. Sharjah Warriorz beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by four wickets in a last-ball thriller at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on December 23.

Pacers dominate in powerplay

Knight Riders skipper Jason Holder won the toss and opted to bat first. Taskin Ahmed and Wasim Akram wreaked havoc with the new ball. Phil Salt, Alex Hales, Brandon McMullen and Liam Livingstone departed as Knight Riders were 10/4 in the fourth over. Alishan Sharafu went into a shell whereas Sherfane Rutherford looked to attack. Skipper Sikandar Raza introduced himself into the attack and got the wicket of Sharafu who scored 19 runs from 25 deliveries. Knight Riders lost half the side for 48 in the 10th over.

ALSO READ: Back in action after 5 months, injury-free Pat Cummins won't play another game in Ashes 2025-26: Australia head coach explains why

Russell, Holder’s late carnage

Unmukt Chand and Rutherford got the innings back on track. Nathan Sowter was targeted as 15 runs came off his third over. Dwaine Pretorius broke the partnership with Rutherford's wicket. He scored 44 runs from 36 balls including four fours and a six. In the next over, Rashid got the better of Chand who contributed with a 22-ball 24. In the penultimate over, Andre Russell and Holder went berserk, hitting Ahmed for two sixes each. In the final over, Rashid dismissed both Caribbean big-hitters, restricting Knight Riders to 134/9.

ALSO READ: England team's Noosa trip to be investigated after reports of 'excessive drinking', Key reveals he warned 2 youngsters before Ashes

Slow start in run chase

Warriorz run chase got off to a poor start. Holder knocked over Johnson Charles whereas Ajay Kumar got rid of Monank Patel. Tom Kohler-Cadmore got a reprieve in the fifth over. He responded by pushing the scoring rate with three fours off the same over. Olly Stone dismissed Tom Abell for a run-a-ball 13 in the eighth over. At the halfway stage, Warriorz were 58/3 with required run rate climbing up.

Rew revives run chase, Rashid holds his nerve

In his last over, Sunil Narine dismissed Kohler-Cadmore who managed to score 30 runs from 35 balls. James Rew injected life into the run chase, finding boundaries in the slog overs. Raza accelerated after a slow start as well but in the 18th over he became Ajay's second victim of the evening. Holder bowled a fantastic penultimate over, conceding just one run and dismissing Dwaine Pretorius for a three-ball duck. 12 runs were needed off the last over. Rew hit a four, Russell erred with a no-ball to Rashid. On the last ball, one run was needed. Russell bowled a full toss and Rashid got forward to cover drive it for a single as Warriorz sealed a thrilling win. On the other end, Rew remained not out for a 29-ball 42.

Rashid on outfoxing Russell and Holder

Rashid was named ‘Player of the match’ as Warriorz claimed their third win of the season. They are still at the bottom of the points table but gained crucial two points.

“It was quite nice to go for few runs. Bowling the 18th and 20th, it can easily go the other way, but it went my way. I have played against Jason (and Russell) for a long time -- sometimes that helps a lot. They are world-beaters but thankfully it worked in my way. Ideally, we didn't want it to go that deep, but I think Rew played an exceptional knock. We've got two big games, the next one is a big one. We have to be adaptable, and if we bring our A-game, we will win it,” Rashid said in the post-match presentation.

Warriorz's next clash is against Dubai Capitals on December 24.