Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Sharjah Warriors Prediction - International League T20 2025-26

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders enter this crucial bottom-half clash as favourites, backed by stronger batting depth and a decisive head-to-head win earlier this season. Both teams need wins to stay in playoff contention, but ADKR hold the edge at home.

Team News & Match Context

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders broke a four-match losing streak with back-to-back wins before falling to MI Emirates. Their batting lineup featuring Alex Hales, Liam Livingstone, and Andre Russell gives them firepower across all phases. Captain Jason Holder has been economical with the ball, supported by the experienced Piyush Chawla.

Sharjah Warriors are in trouble after being dismissed for just 90 runs in their last match against Desert Vipers. With only 2 wins from 7 matches, they need to win their remaining games to have any playoff hopes. Johnson Charles and Tom Abell have been their most consistent batters, but the middle order has been fragile.

Head-to-Head This Season

These teams met earlier in ILT20 2025-26, with Abu Dhabi Knight Riders winning by a comfortable 39 runs. That result underlines the gap between the sides when both are at full strength.

Key Player Stats (ILT20 2025-26)

Player	Team	Runs	Key Stat
Alex Hales	ADKR	213	All-time ILT20 leading scorer
Liam Livingstone	ADKR	187	SR 158.47
Andre Russell	ADKR	112	5 wickets, most sixes
Johnson Charles	SW	157	SR 120.77, power hitter
Tom Abell	SW	-	68 off 41 vs Gulf Giants

Bowling Comparison

Bowler	Team	Wickets	Economy
Jason Holder	ADKR	8	6.95
Piyush Chawla	ADKR	8	-
Taskin Ahmed	SW	-	Strong form in 2025
Adil Rashid	SW	-	Experienced spinner

Venue Analysis

Sheikh Zayed Stadium has produced an average first innings score of 171 this season. The venue has favoured teams batting first, with a 62% win rate for sides setting a target. Captains have predominantly chosen to bat first after winning the toss. The surface allows batters to settle before accelerating, making it crucial to build partnerships through the middle overs.

Final Verdict

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have the superior batting lineup, more economical bowling, and the psychological edge from their convincing earlier win. Sharjah's collapse to 90 in their last match exposes a fragile batting unit that ADKR's bowlers can exploit.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at 68% confidence is our pick.

Value Note

The bookmakers currently price ADKR at around 61% implied probability. Our model gives them 68%, suggesting value on Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to win with a 7% edge.

Back ADKR at current odds for positive expected value.