Dubai Capitals script history with record chase against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

Abu Dhabi, Nawaz Gohar

Fans were treated to a thrilling run-fest at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Sunday afternoon as the Dubai Capitals pulled off a stunning eight-wicket victory over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the DP World ILT20 Season 3.

Chasing a daunting 204, the Capitals were powered by match-winning performances from Shai Hope and Gulbadin Naib in a sensational 135-run partnership that laid the foundation for the largest run chase in the league’s history.

Hope’s composed half-century and Naib’s explosive 80 were pivotal in the Capitals’ triumph. Earlier, Charith Asalanka set the stage for a high-scoring spectacle, with standout performance of 74 runs in 34 balls.

Faced with a mammoth target, Adam Rossington and Shai Hope kept the Capitals in the hunt with 54 runs in the powerplay. Rossington registered a quick fire 21 runs in 13 balls before he was dismissed by Andre Russell in the fifth over.

Shai Hope, extending his purple patch, reached his third half century of the league in 34 balls striking four fours and two sixes on his way there.

Hope was joined by Gulbadin Naib. Naib’s restrained start saw him collect just one boundary in his first 27 runs, but he shifted gears soon after, taking charge of the chase and racing to his half-century, also off 34 balls.

Between the 13th and 17th over, the Capitals scored 71 runs to inch within striking distance of their target.

The partnership of 135 runs was finally broken when Jason Holder’s slower one saw the end of Naib in the 18th over. Naib finished his innings with 80 runs in 47 balls, including four fours and five sixes.

With two overs to go, the Capitals needed 26 runs. Dasun Shanaka who had just walked in had an instant impact, taking down Andre Russell for two fours and a six in the 19th over ensuring the Capitals reached the target in 19.5 overs and thereby completing the largest run chase in the history of the competition. Dasun Shanaka remained unbeaten with 17 runs in eight balls.

The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders asserted their dominance with a 63-run partnership between openers, Kyle Mayers and Andries Gous. Gous exploited the powerplay to carve out six boundaries in his 27 runs off 17 balls before falling to Obed McCoy. Mayers smashed 35 from 21 balls, including four fours and two sixes,

until Sikandar Raza dismissed him in the seventh over to briefly quell the run rate. Raza struck again in the eighth, removing Michael Pepper for 10, leaving the Knight Riders at 82/3 in 8.2 overs.

The momentum shifted dramatically as Charith Asalanka and Alishan Sharafu unleashed an onslaught on the Capitals’ bowlers. Dropped multiple times,

the duo punished the fielding errors by amassing 105 runs in just 52 deliveries. Asalanka’s commanding 74 off 38 balls featured six fours and four sixes, while Sharafu added a swift 36 from 21 balls before retiring hurt in the 17th over.

Dushmantha Chameera restored some control at the death, dismissing Asalanka and conceding just six runs across his last two overs. However, the damage had been done, as the Knight Riders surged to 203/4, their highest-ever total in the DP World ILT20 and the highest first innings total of the season.

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)

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Desert Vipers cruise to eight-wicket win against Sharjah Warriorz

Sharjah, Nawaz Gohar

Alex Hales and Sam Curran powered the Desert Vipers to a commanding eight-wicket victory over the Sharjah Warriorz, here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Their stunning 128-run partnership off just 65 balls turned a modest chase of 152 into a one-sided affair, with Hales smashing a 36-ball half-century and Curran following with a blistering 33-ball fifty.

The duo ensured the Vipers sealed the win in 14.5 overs to inch closer to the play-offs stage

Earlier, David Payne set the tone for the Vipers with a sharp spell of two wickets. UAE’s Khuzaima Tanveer then ripped through the middle and lower order with an excellent four-wicket haul while Jason Roy made a spirited contribution for the Warriorz with 55 runs in 38 balls.

Defending 151, early breakthroughs were crucial for the Warriorz, and Adam Milne delivered by removing Fakhar Zaman and Dan Lawrence within the first four overs, giving his side the ideal start.

However, Alex Hales and Sam Curran seized control of the chase. Initially cautious, Hales shifted gears spectacularly, launching three consecutive sixes off Muhammad Jawadullah in the 13th over to bring up a 36-ball half-century. Hales finished the innings with seven fours and five sixes.

Sam Curran soon followed suit, unleashing a flurry of boundaries. He hammered Adam Zampa for a six and two fours in the 14th over, while Tim Southee’s 15th over went for 19 runs, sealing the deal for the Vipers. Curran reached his 33-ball fifty on the back of two sixes and five fours as the Vipers comfortably chased down the target in just 14.5 overs.

In the first innings, David Payne gave the Vipers the first advantage, exploiting the new ball to remove Johnson Charles and the in-form Avishka Fernando within the first five overs. The early breakthroughs left the Warriorz searching for stability.

Kohler-Cadmore, batting at a measured pace, shifted gears with a towering six off Wanindu Hasaranga. However, the leg-spinner struck back in the same over, dismissing the batter for 42 runs off 36 balls. At the halfway mark, the Warriorz were 75/3.

Jason Roy continued to lead the charge and brought up his half-century in just 35 balls. His dismissal in the 17th over, courtesy of Mohammed Amir, derailed the death overs.

Meanwhile, Khuzaima Tanveer was exceptional as he dismantled the middle and lower order with a decisive spell. He accounted for Tim Seifert for 16 runs, Rohan Mustafa, Luke Wood, and Tim Southee, finishing with figures of four wickets for 22 runs.

Brief Scores
Desert Vipers beat Sharjah Warriorz by eight wickets

Sharjah Warriorz 151/8 in 20 overs (Jason Roy 55, Tom Kohler-Cadmore 42, Tim Seifert 16, Khuzaima Tanveer 4 for 22, David Payne 2 for 33)

Desert Vipers 152/2 in 14.5 overs (Alex Hales 77 not out, Sam Curran 54 not out, Adam Milne 2 for 17)
Player of the Match: Khuzaima Tanveer

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Gritty Gulf Giants get the better of MI Emirates in thrilling contest

Abu Dhabi, Nawaz Gohar

The Gulf Giants were forced to dig deep, and they responded brilliantly, to defeat the MI Emirates by two wickets, in what was a nail-biter at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, in Season 3 of the DP World ILT20.

The Gulf Giants looked down and out at one stage, before their lower order showed nerves of steel to guide the side over the finish line against the MI Emirates. The win helps the Gulf Giants move to fifth on the points table.

Asked to bat first, the MI Emirates had a slow start as they lost the openers Kusal Perera for four and Muhammad Waseem for 12, both to Daniel Worrall, in the powerplay. The in-form Tom Banton then began the job of rebuilding for the MI Emirates, and was looking for support from his skipper.

However, Nicholas Pooran could only add eight to the cause while Dan Mousley added five more, before both were dismissed, leaving the MI Emirates in a spot of bother at 57/4. Banton was joined by Kieron Pollard, and they dug in

. Banton and Pollard kept the scoreboard moving even when the big hits were tough to come by. Banton completed his fifty in the 15th over, and in the next Pollard took Aayan Khan to the cleaners, smashing three sixes in a 21-run over.

The 17th over though saw Banton depart for 56, as a superb 66-run stand came to an end. The MI Emirates would need a strong finish and along with Pollard, who scored 34, Akeal Hosein and Romario Shepherd added a few lusty blows as well.

While Hosein finished unbeaten on 20, Shepherd was not out on eight, the MI Emirates got 151/6 in their 20 overs. Incidentally, Banton’s half-century meant he took over the Green Belt for being the highest run-getter in the tournament.

The Gulf Giants too could not get off to a fast start, as the captain James Vince was the first to fall for one. Soon after, Jordan Cox was packed off for nine, and the Gulf Giants were 20/2 in the fourth over. Tom Alsop was joined by Gerhard Erasmus, and they had to rebuild after the early scares.

Shimron Hetmyer and Ibrahim Zadran tried to up the ante after that, but Joseph castled the West Indian southpaw for seven, which put further pressure on the Gulf Giants. Fazalhaq Farooqi cleaned up Zadran for 11 after that, but Tom Curran was soldiering on at the other end for the Giants, who had four wickets left.

Curran and Mark Adair were picking some crucial boundaries at this point, and brought the Giants to within 17 runs of the target, with two overs to go.

Farooqi accounted for Adair for 15 in the 19th over, and then Aayan Khan combined with Curran and Muhammad Zuhaib to clinch a thrilling win off the final delivery of the game. Aayan, who scored an unbeaten 11 of six deliveries, was instrumental in helping his side over the line.

Brief Scores ;

Gulf Giants beat MI Emirates by two wickets
MI Emirates 151/6 in 20 overs (Tom Banton – 56, Kieron Pollard – 34, Daniel Worral 2 for 19, Mark Adair – 1 for 24, Blessing Muzarabani – 1 for 16,)

Gulf Giants 152/8 in 20 overs (Gerhard Erasmus – 37, Tom Alsop – 32, Tom Curran 16, Fazalhaq Farooqi – 3 for 34, Muhammad Rohid Khan – 2 for 15)

Player of the Match: Mark Adair

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Shepherd and Nicholas Power MI Emirates to Important Win Against Knight Riders

Abu Dhabi, Nawaz Gohar

The MI Emirates produced a clinical display with the bat and the ball, handing the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders a 28-run defeat at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Tuesday.

The MI Emirates had the likes of Romario Shepherd and Nicholas Pooran to thank as they played a crucial part in helping their side get to within two points of the table toppers.

The MI Emirates’ bowlers were in fine form on the night, with four of them picking a wicket each, while Alzarri Joseph and Shepherd bagged two each to derail the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ chase.

Put into bat first, the MI Emirates started off well, with openers Kusal Perera and Muhammad Waseem (38) put a fine stand at the top. After the duo put on a 42-run stand, the Sri Lankan Perera was the first to depart for 23, just before the end of the powerplay. In walked Tom Banton, and along with Waseem ensured the MI Emirates kept the scoreboard ticking.

Halfway into the innings, Banton was dismissed for nine, and soon after Waseem followed suit for 38. Skipper Nicholas Pooran was joined by Kieron Pollard, but the veteran right-hander found it tough to get going, and was eventually knocked over by Ali Khan for five. At this point, the score read 102/4, with just over 6 overs to go.

Dan Mousley was the next to fall for six, after which Romario Shepherd joined his captain for the final phase of the innings. Pooran, who was striking it cleanly, was closing in on his half-century before Jason Holder had his number after a well-made 49.

That put the focus on Shepherd in the final few overs. The big-hitting right-hander then went through the gears and smashed three maximums along with four boundaries, to finish with an unbeaten 38 from 13 deliveries.

The MI Emirates, who had slowed down for a few overs in the middle, eventually posted 186/6.

The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders got off to a quick start, as openers Kyle Mayers and Andries Gous took the attack to the MI Emirates bowlers. Mayers, who smashed three sixes, scored 22 off 14 deliveries, before Dan Mousley ran him out with a fine a piece of fielding. That ended a 39-run stand in the fourth over, after which the MI Emirates took control.

Akeal Hosein dismissed Joe Clarke for three, after which Romario Shepherd accounted for Michael-Kyle Pepper for five and Alishan Sharafu for four. At the end of an action-packed Powerplay, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders were 56/4.
However, in the 18th over, Narine was caught at cover for 13,

and then Fazalhaq Farooqi cleaned up David Willey in the 19th. Russell, who remained unbeaten on 37 from 23 deliveries could not take his side over the line as the MI Emirates came away with a comfortable win on the night.

Brief Scores
MI Emirates beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 28 runs

MI Emirates 186/6 in 20 overs (Nicholas Pooran 49, Romario Shepherd 38 not out, Muhammad Waseem 38, Jason Holder 2 for 38, Ali Khan 2 for 58)

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 158/9 in 20 overs (Andre Russell 37 not out, Andries Gous 34, Romario Shepherd 2/14, Alzarri Joseph 2/33, Waqar Salamkheil 1/13)

Player of the Match: Romario Shepherd

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Our Bowlers Delivered an Exceptional, Munaf Patel

Dubai ;  Nawaz Gohar

The Dubai Capitals delivered a masterful performance to halt the Desert Vipers’ unbeaten run with a convincing six-wicket victory at the Dubai International Stadium.

The win was orchestrated through a clinical bowling display, with Dushmantha Chameera and Zahir Khan each claiming three wickets to restrict the Vipers to 139.

Former Indian cricketer Munaf Patel now Assistant Coach of Dubai Capitals, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance; “Our recent form had dipped slightly, with three consecutive losses, but today our bowlers delivered an exceptional performance. The pitch conditions worked in our favor from the moment we started bowling.”

Reflecting on the team’s strategy, Patel added; “We gave our players complete freedom to express themselves, whether it was about scoring runs or rotating the strike.

We had confidence in our batting depth, with three capable batsmen still in reserve. Today’s victory wasn’t just about breaking their streak; it was about executing our plans perfectly.”

Patel also praised the team’s tactical approach; “Our bowling unit’s performance today showcased their true potential. The conditions suited our style, and the decision to bowl first proved crucial in setting up this victory. The team demonstrated great character in bouncing back from our recent setbacks.”

The Dubai Capitals will look to maintain their winning momentum when they face Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in their next fixture at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday 26th of January.

With this crucial victory boosting team morale, the Capitals aim to climb higher in the tournament standings and secure their position in the playoff race.

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Tom Banton’s century sets up a fantastic nine-wicket win for MI Emirates over Sharjah Warriorz

Sharjah, Nawaz Gohar

MI Emirates rode on Tom Banton’s unbeaten 102 off just 55 balls to set up a mega nine-wicket win against Sharjah Warriorz here at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday in the ongoing ILT20 Season 3.

Making his maiden campaign for MI Emirates special, Tom Banton became the fourth century-maker in the history of the competition and only the second in this season after Shai Hope’s blistering century a week ago.

While Hope’s century went in vain, Banton’s was a special one as it not only helped his team jump to the second position in the points table but this was also only the first century scored in the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the history of ILT20.

Banton’s blitz was well-supported by Kusal Perera who scored an unbeaten 56 off 42 balls, making light of the run chase, as they romped home to 177 in 17.4 overs. Banton brought about his ton with great authority, sending Dilshan Madushanka’s short ball over the deep square leg for a huge six.

His incredible knock was studded with 10 boundaries and six biggies while Perera packed off six boundaries and sent one over it in his commanding unbeaten knock.

Though Warriorz scalped dangerman Muhammad Waseem for 12 runs in only the second over through Dilshan Madushanka, their bowlers did not pose any threat to Banton-Perera’s rock-solid partnership of 157 runs.

To add to their woes, a drop catch in the 12th over proved costly for the Warriorz when Karim Janat could not hold on to a sitter before Perera brought on his 50.

Put in to bat first, Sharjah Warriorz set up a total of 176/9 in 20 overs. MI Emirates left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi was the cynosure of MI Emirates bowling attack,

tormenting the Warriorz batting order with four wickets for 24 runs while Alzarri Joseph bagged two for 39 with Romario Sheperd and Waqar Salamkheil chipping in with a wicket each.

It was Romario Shepherd who eventually put an end to Fernando’s quick-fire innings of 39 runs in just 17 balls, with a slower delivery that was slogged to the cover but not timing it well enough, went straight to Muhammad Waseem who juggled a bit before safely holding on to a big wicket that put Sharjah Warriorz at 57/2.

Johnson, in the meantime, consolidated the Warriorz innings but lost Rohan Mustafa for six runs putting Warriorz at a precarious 71/3. A 32-run stand between Johnson and Luke Wells brought some semblance to the home team’s innings until Wells fell for Alzarri Joseph with 18 runs to his name.

At 140/5, Warriorz huffed and puffed their way to 176/9 losing wickets regularly in the following over with no significant contribution coming from the tailenders after Janat departed for 18 runs.

Brief Scores
MI Emirates bt Sharjah Warriorz by nine wickets
Sharjah Warriorz 176/9 in 20 overs (Johnson Charles 59, Avishka Fernando 39, Luke Wells 18, Karim Janat 18, Fazalhaq Farooqi 4 for 24, Alzarri Joseph 2 for 39)

MI Emirates 177/1 in 17.4 overs (Tom Banton 102 not out, Kusal Perera 56 not out, Dilshan Madushanka 1 for 36)
Player of the Match: Tom Banton

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Aayan Afzal Khan’s record spell goes in vain as Abu Dhabi Knight Riders beat Gulf Giants

Dubai, Nawaz Gohar

The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders clinched their second victory of the ILT20 Season 3, defeating the Gulf Giants by 37 runs at a packed Dubai International Stadium.

Despite Aayan Afzal Khan’s shrewd four-wicket haul for just 16 runs, which set a new record for the best figures by a UAE player in DP World ILT20 history the Knight Riders posted 176/9, buoyed by Michael Pepper’s half-century. Ibrar Ahmad, Jason Holder and Ali Khan each bagged two wickets to keep the Giants at bay.

It was a tough outing for the Giants batters as they lost both openers in the powerplay. Adam Lyth was scalped by David Willey in the first over, while skipper James Vince who looked in good form, miscued off Ibrar Ahmad for 14 runs in the fourth over.

At 40/2 by the end of the powerplay, the Giants were falling well behind the equation. The innings unraveled further as Jordan Cox departed for 10 runs and Ibrahim Zadran was bowled by Sunil Narine after he had worked hard for 24 runs in 22 balls.

The target proved too steep as Holder claimed his second wicket through Mark Adair for 19 runs as the Giants finished proceedings at 139/8.

In the first innings, an exciting powerplay for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders treated the fans to runs and wickets, finishing the phase at 60/2. Kyle Mayers and Andries Gous took the initiative racing to 19 and 17 runs respectively,

in 12 balls each. The assault was halted when Tymal Mills castled Kyle Mayers in the fourth over and Gous was caught behind off Wahidullah Zadran in the fifth over.

Aayan opened his account when he cleaned up Joe Clarke for 24 runs in the 11th over. He followed it up with the wickets of Alishan Sharafu, Andrew Russell and Sunil Narine, of whom only Andre Russell made it to double figures with 12 runs. At the end of Aayan’s spell, the Knight Riders were at 131/6 in 15 overs.

In the death overs, Pepper was caught behind off Mark Adair for 57 runs, while Laurie Evans, Jason Holder and David Willey made small contributions. Blessing Muzarabani snatched two wickets in Evans and Holder as the Knight Riders finished proceedings at 176/9.

Brief Scores
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders bt Gulf Giants by 37 runs
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 176/9 in 20 overs (Michael Pepper 57, Joe Clarke 24, Kyle Mayers 19, Aayan Afzal Khan 4 for 16, Blessing Muzarabani 2 for 28)

Gulf Giants 139/8 in 20 overs (Gerhard Erasmus 24, Shimron Hetmyer 20, Mark Adair 19, Ali Khan 2 for 23, Jason Holder 2 for 25, Ibrar Ahmad 2 for 27)

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Desert Vipers beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 53 runs

Dubai, Nawaz Gohar

The Desert Vipers put up a stunning all-round display as they banked on Alex Hales’ half-century, three wickets from Nathan Sowter and

three incredible catches from Luke Wood to hand the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders a 53-run defeat at the Dubai International Stadium in the ongoing DP World ILT20. With four victories in their first four matches, the Vipers lead the points table with eight points.

Chasing 194, the Knight Riders got off to a solid start courtesy of Joe Clarke, but a middle-innings collapse saw them slip to a massive defeat at the Dubai International Stadium.

The Vipers took to the field in their green kit, celebrating their second annual Sustainability Match, as the Dubai International Stadium marked the occasion by trialing new initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of cricket matches.

With a steep target ahead of them, the Knight Riders got off to a shaky start as Phil Salt fell to Mohammad Amir in the first over, but Clarke took matters into his own hands.

The keeper-batsman struck three successive boundaries in Amir’s next over to get the Knight Riders going on a warm evening in Dubai. With Kyle Mayers slow to get off the blocks, Clarke was on a mission to score at least a boundary every over and he did just that to power his side to a comfortable 54/1 at the end of the powerplay.

The Knight Riders lost three wickets in seven balls as Nathan Sowter dismissed Charith Asalanka and a stroke of luck saw Clarke depart too. Sunil Narine, the new man in the crease, hit the ball straight back at Sowter and it ricocheted off his arm to crash onto the stumps.

Clarke was outside his crease and had to make the long walk back to the pavilion. Narine fell soon after as Wood took his third catch of the evening and the Knight Riders found themselves reeling at 90/5 in 12 overs.

The Desert Vipers seized complete control of the game as Sowter came back to haunt the opposition with two wickets in the 13th over. He first accounted for Laurie Evans when Suri took a brilliant catch behind the stumps and the dangerous Andre Russell followed him soon as Wood put in a stunning effort on the boundary.

He took the catch but sensed he may go over the ropes and threw the ball towards DA Payne, all while being mid-air. That meant the Knight Riders were down to 98/7 and the required run rate was well over 13 runs per over.

Earlier, the Vipers elected to bat first and Alex Hales anchored their innings with some brilliant strokeplay. Hales and Fakhar Zaman looked in good touch, but Jason Holder struck in his first delivery as he dismissed the Pakistani batsman in the fourth over.

Hales, though, kept the scoreboard ticking and the Vipers reached 61-1 at the end of the powerplay after Shahid Bhutta conceded 22 runs in the sixth over.

Hales brought up his 50 in 29 balls, and that too in some style, as he smashed Vijayakanth Viyaskanth for back-to-back sixes. Dan Lawrence gave Hales perfect company as the two of them ensured the run rate did not drop and put up 69 runs for the second wicket.

David Willey got the all-important breakthrough when Andre Russell took a sharp catch at short third man to send Hales back to the pavilion for a solid 58.

Sam Curran and Azam Khan took the baton from Lawrence as they clobbered a barrage of boundaries to inch closer to a massive target. Khan was in sublime form and played the perfect role of a pinch-hitter as Bhutta, once again,

gave away 22 runs in the 18th over. Khan’s big-hitting cameo – 21 runs in nine deliveries – threatened to take the game away from the Knight Riders, but Holder put in an inspired performance to restrict the Vipers to 193/5.

Brief scores:
Desert Vipers beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 53 runs
Desert Vipers 193/5 in 20 overs (Alex Hales 58, Dan Lawrence 49, Sam Curran 35, Jason Holder 2/24)

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 140 in 17.4 overs (Joe Clarke 55, Jason Holder 27, Nathan Sowter 3/44, Wanindu Hasaranga 2 for 22)

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Urooj Mumtaz applauds ILT20’s role in elevating cricket and local talent

Dubai, Nawaz Gohar

Urooj Mumtaz, the former captain of Pakistan’s national women’s cricket team, brings her unique insight as a commentator at ILT20 Season 3 this year.

While she is no stranger to the game or the commentary booth, this marks her first involvement with the ILT20. A seasoned player and now a respected voice in the cricketing world, Urooj has shared her insights on the tournament, praising the high level of competition and the significant role it plays in developing local UAE talent.

Commenting on the presence of Pakistan’s top cricketers such as Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, and Mohammed Amir in the league, Urooj highlighted the significance of their involvement.

“We have some of Pakistan’s best players in action here, which I think adds an extra layer for fans, giving them the chance to support players from their country. It’s also a great opportunity for the players, as any competition helps improve your game.

Their experience of playing alongside players from all over the world is something they can take back with them.”

She also pointed out the league’s unique opportunity for local UAE players to learn from international stars. “We obviously have so many greats of the game involved,

but the most amazing part of this league is that it gives local UAE players the opportunity to rub shoulders with, play against, and even share dressing rooms with some of the greatest players. That can only benefit both global cricket and UAE cricket.”

On players that have caught her eye, she singled out Dubai Capitals’ Farhan Khan, who held his nerve in a crucial moment of the season opener.

“I thought that young fast bowler Farhan Khan, who said he looks up to Waqar Younis – he’s got fantastic potential. He’s got pace, so that is impressive. You obviously got your senior pros who’ve been impressive as well, but I think potential from your spinners and your quick fast bowler, the one that impressed me a lot so far was Farhan.”

Finally, Urooj spoke about the unique features of the DP World ILT20, such as the special belts awarded to top performers.

“It’s lovely because I think every franchise or model should have its own standout feature, and the belts are fantastic. I haven’t tried picking one up yet—I hear they’re very heavy—but I love that they’re awarded to the leading run-scorers and wicket-takers. The trophy is stunning too, and it’ll be interesting to see who lifts it this time around.”

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Sharjah Warriors focus on improving fielding

Sharjah, Nawz Gohar

A brilliant counter-attacking innings by the Sri Lankan Avishka Fernando helped propel the Sharjah Warriorz to second spot on the points table, as they defeated the Dubai Capitals in Sharjah.

The Sharjah Warriorz, who were playing their first home game this season, won by 5 wickets and 11 deliveries to spare.

Speaking after the match, captain Tim Southee said, “To chase down a score like that and that innings from Fernando was incredible. To get off the plane in the morning and do that is special. Fernando was outstanding for us.”

The captain further added, “There’s plenty of things to improve, the fielding and with the ball, which is always easy to do after a win. It was a good wicket,

if you executed with the ball it was good but if you missed it made it slightly, then it is a different story. Couple of guys were sick and it shows the depth of the team when others come and perform.”

Coach JP Duminy also stated, “Fielding is an area of our game that we can work on. We try to collectively put in a big effort in the field. So, that’s something we want to work on and fielding is something we want to be better at for sure.”

“Focussing on my natural game and thank the lord for today’s knock. The wicket was nice to bat today, the thoughts when chasing 200 was to be positive, it came naturally and thankful for that.

I did not realise that I have broken the record for the fastest-ever 50,” said Avishka Fernando, who scored 81 from 27 deliveries, with 8 maximums and 6 boundaries.

Sharjah Warriorz next take on the MI Emirates at Sharjah on Sunday.

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