The decision to bat first backfired badly for Sharjah Warriorz as they were bundled out below 100, never once finding any rhythm against a disciplined Vipers attack. Payne set the tone up front with a superb new-ball spell, removing both openers inside the first five overs and finishing with excellent figures of 3 for 14 from four overs. Tom Abell was the lone batter to show resistance, batting deep for his 35 off 36, while Ethan D’Souza chipped in with a measured 18. However, scoring was consistently difficult on a surface that offered early swing and later grip, and the Warriorz limped to 60 for 3 at the halfway stage.
