Salt & Pepper shine as Abu Dhabi Knight Riders dominate Dubai Capitals in ILT20 Eliminator

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders kept their ILT20 Season 4 title hopes alive with a convincing 50-run win over Dubai Capitals in the Eliminator at Dubai International Stadium. The Knight Riders’ innings got off to a flying start, thanks to an excellent opening partnership between Michael Pepper and Phil Salt. Pepper continued his hot form, hitting his second consecutive half-century, finishing on 72 off 49 balls, with seven fours and three sixes. Salt contributed a measured 43 from 34 balls. Together, they put on 122 runs for the first wicket in just 81 balls.

Knight Riders' spin trio controlled the chase

After the strong start, the Capitals’ bowlers fought back, taking seven wickets for 36 runs to restrict the Knight Riders to 158/7. But it was the Knight Riders’ spin trio, Sunil Narine, Jason Holder, and Liam Livingstone, that completely controlled the chase. The spinners shared nine wickets between them, reducing the Capitals to just 108 and securing a comprehensive win.

Dubai Capitals' chase

Chasing 159, the Capitals failed to get a good start as Jason Holder removed Toby Albert early, followed by Ajay Kumar taking out Jordan Cox. Sunil Narine then tightened the screws, dismissing Shayan Jahangir and Navin Bidaisee, while also claiming Gulbadin Naib. Liam Livingstone struck soon after, getting Rovman Powell caught in the deep. By the halfway stage, the Capitals were reeling at 64/6, with the chase slipping well out of reach.

In the final stages, the Knight Riders wrapped up the contest efficiently. Livingstone removed James Neesham and David Willey, while Holder dealt the knockout blow in the 16th over, dismissing Mohammad Nabi and Muhammad Jawadullah in quick succession.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders batting

Earlier, the Knight Riders’ innings had been full of fireworks. Pepper and Salt raced to 55/0 in the Powerplay, with Pepper reaching his half-century in 36 balls. Their partnership crossed the 100-run mark, but momentum shifted when Mohammed Nabi dismissed Salt in the 14th over. A sudden collapse saw five wickets fall for just eight runs, including Pepper run out after a mix-up with Andre Russell. Nabi and Waqar Salamkheil then removed Alishan Sharafu, Alex Hales, and Liam Livingstone, leaving the total at 158/7. Jason Holder’s late 22* off 11 balls helped push the score to a defendable target.

Knight Riders to face MI Emirates in Qualifier 2

With this win, the Knight Riders will now face MI Emirates in Qualifier 2 on Friday, with the winner earning a place in the final against Desert Vipers on Sunday, January 4.