Taskin continues good form in ILT20

Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed is enjoying a productive run with the ball in the ongoing ILT20 in the UAE.

Taskin picked up two wickets against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, playing a key role as his team, Sharjah Warriorz, secured a four-wicket victory yesterday in Abu Dhabi. He has taken seven wickets in his last three matches and eight wickets in five matches overall, underlining his consistency as a frontline pacer for the Warriorz.

The match against the Knight Riders was a closely fought contest. Batting first at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders were bowled out for 134 for 9. Their innings got off to a poor start as they slumped to 10 for 4, losing Phil Salt, Alex Hales, and Liam Livingstone cheaply. Sherfane Rutherford top-scored with 44 off 36 balls to steady the innings, while Adil Rashid impressed with the ball for Sharjah, claiming 3 for 18. Taskin's two wickets further restricted the hosts and kept the total within reach.

In reply, Sharjah Warriorz chased down the target of 135 on the final ball of the match. Needing 12 runs from the last over bowled by Andre Russell, England batter James Rew hit a four off the first delivery, and Russell also conceded a no-ball and a wide. Needing just one run from the final ball, Adil Rashid guided the ball past cover to seal the victory. Rew finished unbeaten on 42 from 29 balls.

The win was Sharjah Warriorz's third in eight matches. Despite the victory, they remain at the bottom of the six-team table with six points, level on points with Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (fifth) and Gulf Giants (fourth), but behind both on net run rate. The top four teams will qualify for the play-offs, with all three sides still in contention as the tournament approaches its final stages.