ILT20 2023: We didn’t score enough runs – Sharjah Warriors captain Moeen Ali

Sharjah Warriors skipper Moeen Ali admitted his team couldn’t score enough runs after they lost against Desert Vipers by seven wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday. The Warriors could only manage 145-5 after Desert Vipers captain Colin Munro won the toss and decided to bowl first.

The Moeen Ali-led team found themselves on the ropes as they were struggling at 68-5 after 11 overs. Joe Denly scored 36 runs from 33 balls whereas Mohammad Nabi smashed 23-ball 34 to help their team get to a respectable 145.

However, Desert Vipers were able to chase down the score convincingly with 20 balls to spare with opener Alex Hales scoring a fine unbeaten knock of 83 runs off just 47 balls. Furthermore, Sam Billings contributed 49 runs from 38 balls to help his team get over the line.

Moeen Ali said in the post-match presentation, “Didn’t score enough runs. The wicket wasn’t that easy. The dew did come in but they played fantastically well. You want to be positive but it’s quite difficult. We have to be smart. Our next game is in Sharjah and we’ve picked our squad for Sharjah.”

On the other hand, Desert Vipers skipper Colin Munro gave credit to his bowlers for setting up the match and restricting the opposition to an under-par score.

He said after the game, “Great start. We were outstanding with the ball upfront, swung the new ball. The intensity in the field and the attitude was outstanding. It was a tough one to leave Mark Wood out. (Captaincy) I actually loved it. We’ve got experience in the group. I’ll take the easy option and let the bowlers go about their business. They’ve played enough cricket. Alex Hales and Billings were outstanding the way they finished it off.”

Meanwhile, Alex Hales was awarded the Player of the Match and he also showered praise on the collective bowling effort.

He said, “Really good, awesome start to the tournament. To get a win like that, sets the tone really well. We bowled outstandingly well. Once we got ourselves in, it was a nice pitch. Just be busy (when the ball is swinging and seaming), I try my best to get my feet moving. (On his partnership with Billings) That’s what we were saying – be busy, play good shots and let them come to us. We were lucky that there wasn’t too much scoreboard pressure.”