DUBAI: David Warner delivered a masterclass in power-hitting to propel the Dubai Capitals into the playoffs of the DP World ILT20, as they secured a commanding 26-run victory over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
The win confirmed the Capitals as the fourth and final team to reach the knockout stage of the tournament.
Warner, playing his first match of the season, was the game-changer with an unbeaten 93, guiding his team to their sixth win in seven encounters against the Knight Riders. His dominant innings helped the Capitals post a formidable total of 217 for four — marking the highest score in the tournament’s history at the venue.
Chasing 218 to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Knight Riders started cautiously before Andries Gous injected momentum with a rapid-fire knock. Gous smashed six boundaries in his first 11 deliveries, propelling his side to 50/0 at the end of the powerplay. Partnered by Kyle Mayers, the duo laid a strong foundation, reaching 89/0 at the halfway stage of the innings.
However, a crucial bowling change swung the match in the Capitals’ favor. Afghan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib deceived Mayers with a clever slower ball, dismissing him for a well-made 42 off 29. Gous, undeterred, continued to attack, reaching 55 before teaming up with Joe Clarke, who unleashed a stunning 91m six before retiring hurt.
The introduction of Andre Russell was expected to shift the game back in the Knight Riders’ favor, but the strategy backfired.
Gous departed for 78 off 47 after mistiming a shot to mid-wicket, while Russell lasted just one ball before being dismissed. David Willey also fell cheaply, leaving the Knight Riders reeling at 153 for five and needing an improbable 65 runs from the final three overs.
Dushmantha Chameera’s outstanding 17th over sealed the result, ensuring the Capitals held on for a crucial victory— marking the first time in seven games at the stadium that a team batting first emerged victorious.
Opting to bat first, the Dubai Capitals made a strong start, with openers Shai Hope and Warner setting the tone early. Despite Willey’s tight spell, which saw him concede just 11 runs in three overs, the Capitals reached 43/0 inside the powerplay.
Warner had an early scare in the seventh over when he holed out to Russell, but the catch was dropped. He capitalized on the lifeline, smashing four boundaries in an over off Gudakesh Motie. Hope contributed with two sixes before being bowled by Roston Chase, ending an 82-run opening partnership.
Warner reached his half-century off 33 deliveries, marking his 116th 50+ score in T20 cricket — an all-time record. The veteran Australian then shifted gears, dispatching Sunil Narine for a massive six as the Capitals surpassed 100 in 12 overs.
Gulbadin Naib provided further impetus with a brisk 47 off 25 balls, punishing Jason Holder’s wayward deliveries. Despite Narine dismissing Naib, Dasun Shanaka’s late cameo (17 off seven balls) ensured the Capitals surged past 200. Warner remained unbeaten on 93, anchoring the innings with a mix of calculated aggression and experience.
Reflecting on his performance, Warner said: “(The innings) took me back to when I was 21 again. You need to have that positive attitude. Shai made my job easier. We got off to a positive start and put up a competitive total. I tried to hit straight. I am still learning. I love this game. I owe this game a lot. Hopefully, I can get one better next game.”
Knight Riders captain Sunil Narine acknowledged his team’s effort but admitted the Capitals were the better side on the night. “It was a decent season. We gave it all we could, but it’s not the result we wanted. In a must-win game, you don’t want to chase 217. We had a decent start and tried to take it deep, but they bowled brilliantly, and that was the key factor,” he said.
With the playoffs now set, the Dubai Capitals will be aiming to carry their momentum into the knockout rounds, while the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders bow out of the competition after a spirited campaign.
