By Anas Ahmed 
Dubai Capitals secured the final playoff spot in the ILT20 Season 3 with a commanding 26-run victory over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The highlight of the match was David Warner’s sensational unbeaten 93, guiding his team to a formidable total of 217/4—the highest-ever score in Dubai for this tournament.
Warner’s Explosive Knock Sets the Stage
Making his first appearance of the season, David Warner wasted no time in stamping his authority. He stitched together an 82-run opening partnership with Shai Hope, setting the foundation for a massive total. Hope contributed with a brisk 29-ball 38, while Warner remained the star, reaching his half-century in 33 balls—his 116th T20 fifty, the most by any batter in the format.
Despite an early drop by Andre Russell, Warner made the most of his second chance, dispatching four consecutive boundaries off Gudakesh Motie. His acceleration in the death overs, alongside quick cameos from Gulbadin Naib (47 off 25) and Dasun Shanaka (17 off 7), propelled Dubai Capitals to 217/4.
Knight Riders’ Chase Falters Despite Strong Start
Chasing a steep target of 218, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders began aggressively. Andries Gous and Kyle Mayers formed a solid 89-run opening stand, with Gous smashing 78 off 47 balls. However, Gulbadin Naib’s breakthrough, dismissing Mayers for 42 off 29, shifted the momentum.
With 96 needed off the last seven overs, Joe Clarke added fireworks with a 91m six, but a sudden injury forced him to retire hurt. His replacement, Andre Russell, failed to make an impact, falling for a first-ball duck. Dushmantha Chameera’s brilliant 17th over further dismantled the chase, as the Knight Riders slumped from 122/1 to 153/5, eventually falling short by 26 runs.
Post-Match Reactions
David Warner (Player of the Match)
“It took me back to when I was 21 again! Shai made my job easier, and we got off to a solid start. I just wanted to stay positive, hit straight, and contribute to the team. Hopefully, I can go one better in the next match.”
Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Captain)
“Chasing 217 was always going to be tough. We had a good start, but we couldn’t finish strong. Credit to the Capitals, they bowled brilliantly when it mattered.”
Dubai Capitals’ Road to the Playoffs
With this win, Dubai Capitals join MI Emirates, Sharjah Warriorz, and Desert Vipers in the playoffs. Warner’s return has added firepower to their batting, making them a strong title contender.
ILT20 Playoff Picture
Qualified Teams:
- Dubai Capitals
- MI Emirates
- Sharjah Warriorz
- Desert Vipers
Brief scores:
Dubai Capitals beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 26 runs
Dubai Capitals 217/4 in 20 overs (David Warner 93 not out, Gulbadin Naib 47, Shai Hope 36, Dasun Shanaka 34 not out, Sunil Narine 1 for 34)
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 191/5 in 20 overs (Andries Gous 78, Kyle Mayers 42, Joe Clarke retired hurt for 29, Dushmantha Chameera 2 for 25, Gulbadin Naib 1 for 32)
Player of the Match: David Warner
Zainab Shafiq