DUBAI: The third season of the DP World ILT20 got going on Saturday with a nail-biting contest as the Dubai Capitals secured a one-run victory over MI Emirates at Dubai International Stadium.
Stellar bowling performances from Gulbadin Naib and Olly Stone turned the tide in a match in which Nicholas Pooran’s impressive 61-run innings was in vain.
The thrilling encounter was the narrowest win margin in the tournament’s history, with MI Emirates falling short despite needing just 16 runs in 15 balls. Naib, who finished with figures of three wickets for 13 runs, and Stone, who claimed two for 14, led the Capitals’ spirited defense.
Sent in to bat, Dubai Capitals posted 133 for 8, recovering from a slow start thanks to Brandon McMullen’s crucial 58 runs off 42 balls.
Rovman Powell chipped in with a valuable 25 runs, while Fazalhaq Farooqi was the standout bowler for MI Emirates, delivering a stunning spell of five for 15.
In response, MI Emirates’ chase began disastrously, with Muhammad Waseem and Andre Fletcher falling for ducks to Stone. The team was reeling at 23 for four in just 4.3 overs. Captain Pooran then mounted a rescue mission, supported by Akeal Hosein, as the pair stitched together a 79-run partnership.
Pooran’s intent was clear as he smashed Sikandar Raza for six over mid-wicket and reached his half-century in 36 balls. However, his efforts were undone when Naib dismissed him with a clever slower ball, followed by the wicket of Alzarri Joseph in the same over.
With 13 runs needed off the final over, Kieron Pollard took charge but could manage only 11, handing the Capitals a dramatic last-ball victory.
Reflecting on the game, Player of the Match Naib said: “That is the beauty of cricket and T20. Not a good total on the board, but we defended it, with the guys giving 100 percent. The pitch was helping the bowlers a lot. Not easy for the batters. We just tried to keep it stump to stump, and we did it.
