Sharjah Warriorz made history by clinching their first-ever playoff spot in Season 3 of the ILT20. They secured their place with a stunning turnaround, winning their final three league matches to set up an Eliminator clash against MI Emirates on February 6 in Abu Dhabi.
Head Coach JP Duminy, reflecting on this milestone, highlighted the significance of fostering a strong, cohesive unit to establish high standards for the team.
“The thing we discussed at the start was that we wanted to be very consistent in our behaviours. It’s the set of values and standards we want to adhere to, and whatever the result might be, we try to be as consistent as we can with it. We believe that guys will respond as best as they can. We know as leaders we’re not necessarily responsible for results but we’re responsible for the people who are responsible for the results. So, how do we get them in the best frame of mind is the important part to find that consistency and performance,” he said.
He also acknowledged the match-winners within the Sharjah Warriorz squad and the significant impact they have had this season.
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“Having match-winners in your team is always important. You think of guys like Adam Zampa and Matthew Wade, who are World Cup winners. They’ve obviously got a formula and an idea of how to perform in big moments. They’ve showed their class and as soon as they’ve come in, they understand what’s needed of them and the standards they have to adhere to. That’s been exciting. It’s not something you can coach per se, but you want to give them the space to be relaxed and free, and understand that they have the potential to make big decisions under pressure. Fortunately, they have executed the plans and hopefully they can be consistent in the playoffs as well,” he stated.
Duminy emphasised the importance of his team entering the final week of the tournament with strong form and momentum.
“To win big games and tournaments, you need a few guys to be consistent in their performances and you naturally would lean on your big gun players who have been through it in the previous times, to come through. We’ve seen this particularly in the last few games for us. The big players have really stepped up and put in some big performances. As much as you rely on them, the other guys grow in confidence when your big players are stepping up because it just raises the standard of the playing eleven. In the playoff week, you catch momentum that creates confidence, and anybody can really step up and put in a big performance for the team,” he said.
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Duminy provided insight into Tim Southee’s leadership style and how the highly experienced New Zealand bowler has contributed to the team’s success.
“It’s been amazing to work with Tim Southee as captain. I’m a firm believer in your captain and coach needing to have a sound and sincere relationship with each other. What we’ve done well is the ability to communicate in pressure moments. He has rallied the troops beautifully. If the team needs a little bit of a jolt, he’s stepped up. If the guys need an arm around the shoulder, he understands that. He comes with a huge amount of experience in international cricket, so he not only understands how to manage his people well but also get the best out of them. And that’s been the true mark of a good leader and captain in a short space of time. He certainly has great qualities as a leader, and he’s excited for this coming week. Hopefully, he can lead from the front through his performances as well,” he explained.
The head coach also praised the Sharjah Warriorz batting unit, highlighting the exceptional form of Tom Kohler-Cadmore. The Englishman has been outstanding this season, amassing 347 runs in 8 matches with an impressive strike rate of 147.03.
Speaking on the batters’ performance, Duminy said, “What has been most impressive about Tom Kohler Cadmore is his consistency in the way he plays. He takes a lot of pride in his performances and doesn’t necessarily relax when he’s put in a big performance. In fact, he wants to continue with that. In tournaments such as these, consistency is so key. He’s been a big player for us in key moments. I’m a big believer in momentum in T20 cricket. Whenever we’ve been behind the eight ball, he’s the one that has created and developed the momentum for us, and when we’re on top, he maintains it. He’s been very consistent and looking forward to a big week from him.”