DUBAI: Dubai Capitals recorded a comprehensive 63-run victory over Sharjah Warriorz at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday, their first-ever win against their rivals in the International League T20.
A measured half-century from Sediqullah Atal (66 runs off 44 balls), and a fiery cameo from Mohammed Nabi (38 not out off 19) propelled the Capitals to a challenging total of 180/6.
The Warriorz were then dismantled by a disciplined bowling attack, including three-wicket hauls from Nabi (3 for 23) and Waqar Salamkheil (3 for 22), as they were bowled out for 117 in 17 overs. James Rew was the top-scorer for Sharjah with 47 runs.
“The top order set a great platform for the middle order,” said Nabi, the player of the match.
“I always try to practice my power hitting, since I bat at number six or seven a lot. Sediqullah Atal has been on the bench for a few games but he came back to bat really well today, and Salamkheil is always picking up wickets.”
The Capitals survived an early wobble when Sikandar Raza removed Shayan Jahangir in the first over. However, Atal’s composed knock, supported by partnerships with Leus du Plooy (18 off 14) and Rovman Powell (12 off 11), steadied the ship and helped ensure they posted a challenging total. Nabi’s late-inning assault, featuring three boundaries and three sixes, left the Warriorz facing an uphill chase.
Their response faltered early on when Mustafizur Rahman removed Johnson Charles. Haider Ali then claimed Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Tom Abell, both for 15, leaving the Warriorz on 45/3 after six overs.
Rew and Raza briefly brought some stability to the innings with a 39-run stand, before wickets began to fall rapidly under some tight Capitals bowling. Nabi and Salamkheil shared the spoils as they dismantled the middle and lower order.
Raza, Sharjah’s captain, acknowledged the challenge they had faced: “We didn’t really field well to start with. We bowled well in patches. On that wicket, the score was chasable; we needed partnerships.
“After winning two in a row, this loss is a setback but we need to start peaking now to stay in the competition. Facing the table-topping Desert Vipers tomorrow will be a true test of where this team stands.”
The victory moved the Capitals into second place on six points, six behind the Vipers. With three other teams also sitting on six points, and bottom-of-the-table Sharjah on four, the race for the three remaining playoff spots remains wide open.
