Opting to bowl first proved to be a wise decision for the Dubai Capitals as they managed to limit the Knight Riders to 48/2 by the end of the powerplay. ADKR’s top order faced early setbacks with the losses of Andries Gous and Michael Kyle-Pepper before the powerplay concluded.
Despite this, a notable 37-run partnership between Sam Hain and Alishan Sharafu bolstered the ADKT batting until the latter was dismissed by Roelof van der Merwe. Surprisingly, this dismissal turned out to be advantageous for ADKR, as they witnessed an outstanding third-wicket partnership in the later overs.
Sam Hain and Laurie Evans played exceptionally, rescuing ADKR from a troublesome situation at 48/3 and turning it into a substantial total with a partnership of 131. Initially, Evans took charge, confronting the bowlers aggressively, but in the last five overs, Hain took over and played crucial big shots. Consequently, the Knight Riders reached a total of 183/4 with 60 runs scored in the last five overs.
Although the Dubai Capitals had a shaky start with the early loss of their skipper David Warner, ADKR’s batting, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Jake Fraser-Mcgurk, showcased a remarkable 57-run partnership. Gurbaz’s cameo of 21 off 7 balls at a striking rate of 300 played a pivotal role.
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ADKR found relief after dismissing the duo, but Sam Billings and Sikandar Raza collaborated to guide DC to 149/3 in 13 overs, with the English gloveman scoring 50 off 27 balls. The Raza-Billings partnership, displaying courage, added 109 runs and ensured ADKR’s victory. Despite Sunil Narine’s 2/19, Dubai Capitals triumphed over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 5 wickets. The DC camp celebrated joyfully, with Gurbaz replicating the famous ‘CR7’ celebration.