By Anas Ahmed 
The Dubai Capitals etched their names in the history books with a thrilling eight-wicket victory over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Sunday, completing the largest run chase in ILT20 history.
Chasing a formidable target of 204, the Capitals showcased a batting masterclass, led by a 135-run partnership between Shai Hope and Gulbadin Naib, and sealed the win with just one ball to spare. The duo’s contrasting approaches and timely acceleration proved decisive in the high-stakes encounter.
Hope and Naib Lay the Foundation
After being set a daunting total, the Capitals started steadily, with Adam Rossington and Shai Hope scoring 54 runs in the powerplay. Rossington’s brisk 21 off 13 balls kept the momentum alive before falling to Andre Russell in the fifth over.
Shai Hope, continuing his consistent form, anchored the chase with a composed half-century, his third of the tournament, striking four boundaries and two sixes. At the other end, Gulbadin Naib played a calculated knock, taking his time initially but shifting gears as the game progressed. Naib’s explosive 80 off 47 balls, laced with five towering sixes and four boundaries, injected the Capitals’ innings with much-needed firepower.
Between overs 13 and 17, the Capitals scored 71 runs, closing in on the target with remarkable ease. Although Naib’s dismissal in the 18th over momentarily stalled their progress, Dasun Shanaka stepped in with an unbeaten 17 off eight balls, delivering a clutch performance to steer the Capitals to victory in 19.5 overs.
Charith Asalanka Sets the Stage for a Run Fest
Earlier, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders made a strong statement with the bat. Charith Asalanka, the standout performer, powered their innings with a scintillating 74 off just 38 balls, featuring six boundaries and four sixes. Alongside Alishan Sharafu, who contributed 36 off 21 balls, the pair capitalized on fielding lapses to amass a 105-run partnership.
Kyle Mayers and Andries Gous had provided a solid platform at the top, adding 63 runs for the opening wicket. However, the Capitals’ bowlers, led by Dushmantha Chameera and Sikandar Raza, fought back in the middle overs to keep the total within reach. Despite the Knight Riders’ record-setting 203/4, their efforts proved insufficient against a determined Capitals side.
Post-Match Reactions
Player of the Match Gulbadin Naib credited his partnership with Shai Hope for setting up the win. “We kept things simple early on and shifted the momentum after the 14th over. T20 cricket is all about entertaining the crowd, and we’re glad we could do that tonight,” Naib said.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders captain Sunil Narine admitted their bowling fell short. “Our batting did well to post a big total, but we couldn’t execute with the ball. Credit to the Capitals—they batted brilliantly under pressure,” Narine stated.
Brief Scores
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 203/4 in 20 overs (Charith Asalanka 74, Alishan Sharafu 36 retired hurt, Kyle Mayers 35, Sikandar Raza 2/24)
Dubai Capitals 207/2 in 19.5 overs (Gulbadin Naib 80, Shai Hope 70, Andre Russell 1 for 38, Jason Holder 1 for 40)
Dubai Capitals beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by eight wickets
Zainab Shafiq