By Anas Ahmed 
Ben McDermott Leads Hurricanes to Emphatic Victory in GSL Opener
The Hobart Hurricanes XI made a thunderous entrance into the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), cruising to a dominant seven-wicket win over the Dubai Capitals in Providence. With just 18 balls remaining, the Hurricanes’ chase was executed with precision, underlining their intent in this year’s GSL.
Skipper Ben McDermott, who won the toss and opted to bowl first, backed his bowlers to restrict the opposition—and they delivered. Despite the Capitals having a win under their belt from defending in their tournament opener, this time their total of 141/8 proved insufficient.
Capitals Collapse After Bright Start
The Dubai Capitals got off to an aggressive start thanks to Sediqullah Atal, who blasted a quick 25 off just 9 balls, featuring two massive sixes. However, the introduction of spin turned the tide rapidly. Mohammad Nabi struck first, removing Atal with a well-disguised delivery, expertly caught by Fabian Allen.
Allen followed up with the wicket of Niroshan Dickwella before Shakib Al Hasan, who had just crossed 7,500 T20 career runs, fell immediately after hitting a six—caught behind off Nabi. The Capitals suddenly found themselves reeling at 55/4 in the seventh over, unable to regain momentum even after a brief rain delay.
Lower-order resistance from Kadeem Alleyne (14), Jesse Bootan (18), and Dominic Drakes (11) took them past 140, but the dual spells of Nabi and Allen, both returning figures of 3/21, had already sealed much of their fate.
McDermott-Wright Partnership Breaks the Back of the Chase
In reply, the Hurricanes came out all guns blazing. McDermott led from the front with an explosive 48 off 24 balls, peppered with five boundaries and three towering sixes. His 78-run stand with Macalister Wright took the sting out of the Capitals’ bowling attack.
Leg-spinner Qais Ahmed bowled the ball of the match to clean up McDermott, denying him a well-deserved half-century. But the chase was firmly in control by then. Wright anchored the innings with a steady 50 off 47 balls, while Jake Doran applied the finishing touches.
The Hurricanes wrapped up the game in clinical fashion under bright Guyanese sunshine, marking a perfect start to their GSL journey. McDermott was deservedly named Player of the Match for his impactful knock and leadership.