Home
Australia's 38-year-old opener David Warner on February 2 proved that he is still got what it takes to perform in T20 leagues around the world. In his first game since arriving in Dubai, he scored an unbeaten 93 to help Dubai Capitals beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 26 runs. The Sam Billings-led Dubai Capitals registered their fifth win of the tournament and booked their spot in the ILT20 qualifiers.
Knight Riders skipper Sunil Narine won the toss and opted to bowl first. After a slow start in the powerplay overs, Warner hit Gudakesh Motie for four fours in the eighth over. In the next over, Shai Hope hit two consecutive sixes off Roston Chase before getting knocked over for a 24-ball 36. Warner reached his fifty from 33 balls. Gulbadin Naib's catch was dropped twice. Meanwhile, Warner kept the run rate up in the middle overs. Naib joined in with a flurry of fours and sixes. In the 17th over, the Afghan all-rounder departed for a 24-ball 47.
Warner reached 90s in the 18th over. Rovman Powell could not do much as he got out for a single-digit score. Dasun Shanaka went berserk in the final over and prevented Warner from completing his century. Shanaka contributed with a 12-ball 34 to help Dubai Capitals post 217/4. Warner carried his bat. He scored 93 runs from 57 balls including 12 fours and a six.
Knight Riders leave too much for the end
In Knight Riders' run chase, 23 runs were scored in first four overs. USA batter Andries Gous took on Obed McCoy and hit him for a six and two fours. He smashed Dushmantha Chameera for three boundaries as Knight Riders had 50 runs on the board after powerplay overs. Kyle Mayers struggled to find boundaries. Gous reached his fifty from 31 balls. When Mayers switched gears, he could not stay longer at the crease and was dismissed by Naib with an off-cutter. He scored 42 runs from 29 balls.
While Joe Clarke was new to the crease, Gous cleared the fence with ease. In the 17th over, Chameera struck twice to dismiss Gous and Andre Russell. The opener scored 78 runs from 47 balls. His knock featured seven fours and four sixes. David Willey returned for a single-digit score as well. Skipper Narine and Holder contributed with their respective cameos but could not take Knight Riders over the line. They managed to post 191/5 and lost the match by 26 runs.
Warner feels young again
"Back to when I was 21 again (chuckles). We know this wicket can be quite difficult. Losing the toss and being sent it, you got to have that positive mindset. Shai has been exceptional this tournament and he made my job a lot easier. We got off to a good start and put a positive total on the board. I tried to hit straight. I am still learning at 38 years of age. I love this game, it's an amazing game. I have played a lot of international cricket, but I owe this game a lot," 'Player of the match' Warner said in the post-match presentation.
"Coming to these tournaments and showcasing what I can do and what I can hand down some of my knowledge, that's what I'd like to do for this game. Hopefully I can get one better next game."
Dubai Capitals will play a dead rubber game against table-toppers Desert Vipers on February 3 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
ADVERTISEMENT
