The Dubai Capitals delivered an eight-wicket victory against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in front of fans at the Zayed Cricket Stadium during Sunday’s ILT20 Season 3 match.
With their eyes on a formidable 204-run target the Dubai Capitals achieved the league’s biggest run chase due to Shai Hope and Gulbadin Naib delivering match-winning performances in their sensational 135-run partnership.
The Capitals won their match thanks to Shai Hope’s composed half-century (74 not out off 53 balls) alongside Gulbadin Naib’s explosive 80 off 47 balls.
During the 14th over we changed our approach from rotating strikes to taking control of the match according to Naib who received the player of the match award.
T20 cricket needs to remain consistently entertaining for spectators. When you see the opposition showing signs of worry it indicates you are performing well.
Charith Asalanka delivered an impressive 74 runs off 34 balls that set the tone for an exciting high-scoring match.
The Capitals remained competitive in pursuit of a huge target thanks to Adam Rossington and Hope who scored 54 runs during the powerplay. Rossington scored 21 runs off 13 balls before Andre Russell dismissed him during the fifth over.
Shai Hope continued his excellent form by reaching his third fifty for the league in 34 balls while hitting four boundaries and two sixes. Naib began his innings slowly with just one boundary in his initial 27 runs but quickly accelerated his play to take control of the chase and reach his half-century mark off 34 balls.
The Capitals moved within striking distance of their target by scoring 71 runs during the 13th to 17th overs. The partnership which lasted 135 runs collapsed after Jason Holder bowled a slower delivery that dismissed Naib during the 18th over.
The Capitals had to score 26 runs during the last two overs. Dasun Shanaka (17 not out off 8 balls) entered the game and immediately made a significant difference by hitting Andre Russell for two fours and a six in the 19th over which allowed the Capitals to reach their target in 19.5 overs and complete the largest run chase ever recorded in the competition.
Brief scores:
Dubai Capitals beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by eight wickets
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 203/4 in 20 overs (Charith Asalanka 74, Alishan Sharafu 36 retired hurt, Kyle Mayers 35, Sikandar Raza 2/24)
Dubai Capitals 207/2 in 19.5 overs (Gulbadin Naib 80, Shai Hope 74 not out, Andre Russell 1 for 38, Jason Holder 1 for 40)