Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and West Indies opener Shai Hope's half-centuries helped Dubai Capitals chase down 204 with one ball to spare against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and win the game by eight wickets on January 26 in the ongoing ILT20 2025. The former Delhi Capitals batters who were unsold in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, took the attack to the opposition and helped their side register their fourth win from seven games in the season.
Asalanka's knock helps Capitals post big score
Earlier, Dubai Capitals captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and opted to bowl first. Kyle Mayers and Andries Gous got their side to a blazing start. USA's Gous was the first to fall. He was dismissed for a 17-ball 27 by Obed McCoy. In the next over, skipper Raza got the wicket of Mayers. The opener scored 35 runs from 21 balls. In his next over, Raza dismissed Michael Pepper as well. Then Charith Asalanka and Alishan Sharafu took control of the innings.
Sharafu got retired hurt in the 17th over. He scored 36 runs from 21 balls.They shared a 107-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Asalanka departed in the 18th over to his countryman Dushmantha Chameera. The Sri Lankan skipper hit six fours and four sixes in his 38-ball 74. Andre Russell struggled to rotate strike and scored just three runs from eight balls. On the other end, Jason Holder remained unbeaten for 11 off nine deliveries. Knight Riders posted 203/4 on the board.
Naib, Hope dazzle in run chase
In the run chase, Capitals' openers looked to attack as well. Adam Rossington's cameo was ended by Russell in the fifth over of the innings. Rossington scored 21 runs from 13 balls. Naib batted at run-a-ball till the 12th over. Capitals needed 60 runs in last five overs and Naib accelerated and hit Ali Khan for a couple of sixes. In the 18th over, Holder ended his stay at the crease. Naib got caught at long-on for a 47-ball 80 laced with four fours and five sixes.
In the penultimate over, Dasun Shanaka took down Russell with a couple of fours and a six. In the final over, Capitals needed seven runs to win. Hope hit a couple of fours off Holder to seal the run chase for Capitals with a ball to spare. Hope remained unbeaten for a 53-ball 74 featuring nine fours and a six. Capitals are now second on the points table.
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Naib dedicates award to Afghan bodybuilder
Naib was named 'Player of the match'. He was happy with his approach and dedicated his knock to a body builder from Afghanistan.
"200 is never easy to chase. Just waiting for the right balls and loose balls. T20 cricket is all about entertainment. So, was waiting for my time. Every over we were talking to each other. I tried to seize the momentum. I saw they were worried and went for it. I am happy batting at any position from 1-10. As an athlete, you should be prepared for every situation. I dedicate this award to Ali Reza Asahi, a legendary body builder from Afghanistan," he said in the post-match presentation.
Giants beat Warriorz
In the second game of Sunday, James Vince's Gulf Giants beat Tim Southee's Sharjah Warriorz by six wickets. After Blessing Muzarabani's three-fer, Giants opener Tom Alsop scored 85 runs from 60 runs to guide Giants to a six-wicket win with three balls to spare. This is Giants' third win of the tournament. They are placed fifth on the points table, just above Warriorz.