By Anas Ahmed 
Dubai Capitals Clinch One-Run Victory Over MI Emirates in ILT20 Season 3 Opener
In an exhilarating start to DP World ILT20 Season 3, the Dubai Capitals edged out MI Emirates by a single run in a nail-biting encounter at the Dubai International Stadium. Fans witnessed a last-ball thriller as the Capitals’ bowling attack, led by Gulbadin Naib and Olly Stone, successfully defended a modest total of 133/8, handing MI Emirates a heart-wrenching defeat.
MI Emirates were on track for a comfortable win, needing just 16 runs off 15 balls, but disciplined death bowling turned the tide in favor of the Capitals. Gulbadin Naib, who was named Player of the Match, delivered an exceptional spell, picking up 3/13, while Olly Stone chipped in with 2/14.
Nicholas Pooran played a valiant knock of 61 off 40 balls, steering MI Emirates close to victory with a crucial partnership of 79 runs alongside Akeal Hosein. Despite Pooran’s efforts, a series of quick wickets in the final overs swung the match in the Capitals’ favor.
Earlier, the Capitals’ innings was anchored by Brandon McMullen, who scored a resilient 58 off 42 balls, helping his side recover from a poor start. Rovman Powell’s brisk 25 off 20 balls also provided vital support, while Fazalhaq Farooqi‘s 5/15 for MI Emirates restricted the Capitals to a defendable score.
In a tense final over bowled by Farhan Khan, MI Emirates’ hopes rested on Kieron Pollard, but the veteran could only manage 11 runs, falling short by two runs of the revised target of 136.
Zainab Shafiq