By Anas Ahmed 
Avishka Fernando delivered a spectacular performance, leading the Sharjah Warriorz to an emphatic victory over the Dubai Capitals in the DP World ILT20. Fernando’s incredible innings of 81 runs off just 27 balls set a new record for the fastest half-century in the tournament, achieving the milestone in just 16 balls. This remarkable feat shattered the previous record held by Azam Khan, who had reached his fifty in 18 balls.
The match, held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, saw the Dubai Capitals post a formidable total of 201/5. Shai Hope was the standout performer for the Capitals, scoring a well-compiled 83 runs. His innings, supported by Rovman Powell’s quick-fire 28 runs and Sikandar Raza’s steady 27 runs, laid the foundation for a competitive score.
In response, the Sharjah Warriorz got off to a strong start, thanks to Johnson Charles, who scored a brisk 37 runs off 19 balls. His early aggression, coupled with Jason Roy’s contribution of 26 runs, kept the Warriorz on track during the powerplay. However, it was Avishka Fernando who stole the show with his explosive batting. Entering the fray in the seventh over, Fernando launched a relentless assault on the Capitals’ bowlers, smashing eight sixes and six fours.
Fernando’s dominance was particularly evident in the 27-run over against Gulbadin Naib, marking the most expensive over in the tournament’s history. His innings, though, came to an end in the 16th over when he was caught behind off Obed McCoy’s bowling. By then, the damage was done, and the Warriorz were well on their way to victory.
Luke Wells provided a composed finish, scoring 31 runs off 17 balls, ensuring the Warriorz chased down the target in 18.1 overs, with five wickets to spare.
Reflecting on his performance, Fernando said, “I wanted to play my natural game. The wicket was great to bat on, and when they scored 200, I knew I had to play positively. I didn’t realize I had broken the record for the fastest fifty, but I’m happy with the performance.”
Dubai Capitals’ captain, Sikandar Raza, acknowledged the brilliance of Fernando’s innings and expressed, “I thought 202 was a very good total. The wicket got better later, and the dew made it tougher. Our fielding could have been better, and Avishka played brilliantly.”
This victory adds another highlight to the DP World ILT20, showcasing the excitement and talent in the tournament.
Brief scores
Dubai Capitals 201/5 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 83 not out, Rovman Powell 28, Sikandar Raza 27, Tim Southee 2 for 35, Karim Janat 1 for 24, Adil Rashid 1 for 36)
Sharjah Warriorz 202/5 in 18.1 overs (Avishka Fernando 81, Johnson Charles 37, Luke Wells 31 not out, Dushmantha Chameera 3 for 30, Obed McCoy 1 for 30)
Player of the Match: Avishka Fernando
Sharjah Warriorz beat Dubai Capitals by five wickets
Zainab Shafiq