Such is the scheduling crunch - even in this league, and not just in international cricket - that Sharjah Warriorz will be back in action in only about 19 hours from now. It is one must-win game after another. There's hardly any time for them to recuperate and resume, as Desert Vipers await in Qualifier 2 in Sharjah. Join us for what will be the penultimate game of this season's ILT20 tomorrow, as we wrap the Eliminator up tonight. Until next time, goodnight and take care (and follow the SA20 Qualifier 2 for the time being)!
Tim Seifert is the Player of the Match: "It's always nice to put into winning position. I thought the bowlers did a great job. That first four balls Pooran faced put pressure on us. The bowlers have been unbelievable. The way they use the new ball is outstanding. Southee has done the job for the Black Caps... you still got to be positive. I thought they bowled very well. We lost a couple of bang-bang wickets as well. Big semi-final, so hopefully we can make the final."
Tim Southee, Warriorz captain: "Nicholas came out and took the game on. Nice to get across the line. You shouldn't lose too many games chasing 140-odd. It's been great [playing in Abu Dhabi]."
Nicholas Pooran, MIE captain: "Not much assistance there for the bowlers. It was tough. [Warriorz] were brilliant. They took their chances. We didn't have an answer for them. Congrats to them. You get what you deserve. Looking forward to it next year, obviously. I felt like we were right in the game there. Farooqi has been brilliant this season. It's difficult; it's nine international players."
Time for the presentations
10.07pm Eleven overs into the chase, Warriorz needed only another 52 runs from the remaining 54 balls. They even had nine wickets standing. Three overs and two wickets later, we might have thought this could head anywhere. Another three overs on, MIE barely clung on to some hopes. But Siefert turned out to be the difference. He calmly cracked 40* at a strike rate of 200, even as TKC and Roy took their time before him. It wasn't a chase without its share of nerves, but Warriorz eventually got the victory they wanted. Hang around for the presentations.
Over the stumps
Warriorz need another 14. MIE desperate for a strike or two.
Hosein back
END OF OVER:18 | 7 Runs | SW: 133/4 (14 runs required from 12 balls, RR: 7.38, RRR: 7.00)
- Tim Seifert24 (15b)
- Rohan Mustafa2 (7b)
- Muhammad Rohid4-0-32-3
- Fazalhaq Farooqi4-0-27-1
MIE somehow dragging this on... as Rohid returns from around the wicket
END OF OVER:17 | 2 Runs 1 Wkt | SW: 126/4 (21 runs required from 18 balls, RR: 7.41, RRR: 7.00)
- Rohan Mustafa1 (4b)
- Tim Seifert18 (12b)
- Fazalhaq Farooqi4-0-27-1
- Alzarri Joseph4-0-35-0
