AD Knight Riders vs Sharjah Warriorz ILT20 2026 in Abu Dhabi

AD Knight Riders vs Sharjah Warriorz ILT20 2026 in Abu Dhabi is a Sunday afternoon DP World ILT20 Season 5 match at Zayed Cricket Stadium on 29 November, with Abu Dhabi Knight Riders hosting Sharjah Warriorz on their home ground in Khalifa City. Gates open at 12pm and the first ball is at 2pm, so the 20-overs-a-side game is done by early evening.

The ticket listing describes previous meetings between these two as competitive, with neither side dominating for long, and last season’s results bear that out.

How these two sides compare

In Season 4, played over December 2025 and January 2026, the two teams split their meetings. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders won the second match of the season by 39 runs, making 233 for 4 and holding Sharjah Warriorz to 194 for 9. Sharjah hit back later in the tournament, winning the return fixture by four wickets in a low-scoring game at the Knight Riders’ home venue.

Their seasons then went in different directions. The Knight Riders, captained by Jason Holder, finished fourth in the group stage, beat Dubai Capitals in the Eliminator and went out to MI Emirates in Qualifier 2. Sharjah Warriorz, led by Tim Southee, finished sixth on six points. So this fixture has a bit of everything: a home side looking to build on a playoff run, and a visiting side with a recent win at this ground to remember.

The teams

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

The Knight Riders joined the league in its first season in 2023 and are owned by the Knight Riders Group, the alliance between Red Chillies Entertainment and the Mehta Group that also runs Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. They play in purple and gold and call Zayed Cricket Stadium home. Their record has been up and down, with sixth-place finishes in 2023 and 2025 and playoff runs in 2024 and 2026. Ahead of Season 5, previews named New Zealand opener Finn Allen among their players.

Sharjah Warriorz

Sharjah Warriorz are owned by Capri Global Holdings and play their home games at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. For Season 5, Khaleej Times named Mohammad Nabi, Sikandar Raza and Adil Rashid among their players, a group with a lot of experience in T20 leagues around the world, and spin in particular. Final squads and playing elevens are confirmed closer to the match.

Season 5 and this weekend’s fixtures

Season 5 runs from 21 November to 20 December 2026, with six teams playing 10 group matches each and the top four reaching the playoffs. Zayed Cricket Stadium hosts 11 of the 34 matches, including Qualifier 1 on 16 December.

This Sunday game is the first of two that day: Desert Vipers meet Gulf Giants at Dubai International Stadium at 6:30pm. Abu Dhabi stays busy across the weekend, with MI Emirates against Desert Vipers here on Saturday 28 November and MI Emirates against the Knight Riders on Monday 30 November.

Match day at Zayed Cricket Stadium

Zayed Cricket Stadium is part of the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub in Khalifa City and holds more than 20,000 people. It also served as a home ground for Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2020 and 2021 IPL seasons, so the Knight Riders connection here runs deep. Seating is unreserved and first come, first served, and some seats have restricted views, so groups who want to sit together should arrive together. For a 2pm start, it is worth thinking about shade when you choose your spot.

By car, take Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, then the Abu Dhabi to Al Ain Truck Road (E30), followed by Al Mudwi Street and Al Mabrouk Street, taking the second exit at the two roundabouts that follow. The listing strongly recommends GPS. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also an option.

Entry rules

• Children aged 5 and over need a ticket; under-5s can sit on an adult’s lap without one, and anyone under 15 must be with an adult.
• Not allowed: alcohol, weapons, fireworks, metal cans, glass bottles and banners with political, religious or offensive messages. Outside food and drink, drones, strollers, umbrellas, camping chairs and large bags are restricted, and there is no storage.
• Betting is banned inside the venue, including passing match details to third parties.
• Tickets arrive by email 48 hours before the match, with a limit of 10 per person.

Who it suits

A Sunday afternoon start makes this an easy family outing, especially with the under-5 rule. It suits Knight Riders supporters in the capital, fans of the Sharjah stars making the trip, and anyone new to cricket who wants a short, lively introduction to T20 cricket on a relaxed Sunday afternoon in the capital. For more fixtures, see our UAE sports events, what is on in November and more things to do in Abu Dhabi.