Rovman Powell’s Blazing Fifty & Sikandar Raza’s Heroics Power Dubai Capitals to Title Victory
Dubai Capitals clinched the ILT20 title in spectacular fashion, thanks to a late-game masterclass from Sikandar Raza.
When Raza walked in, the match was hanging in the balance. His team needed 38 runs from 19 balls. By the time the match ended—with four balls to spare—Raza had smashed an unbeaten 34 off just 12 balls! Despite the tournament’s usual lack of large crowds, the final drew a packed stadium, and Raza gave them a moment to remember. After sealing the win, he let out a triumphant roar like a battle-hardened gladiator, his teammates erupting in wild celebration.
After falling short in the previous ILT20 final, Dubai Capitals finally lifted their first-ever title in the tournament’s third edition, defeating Desert Vipers by four wickets in Sunday’s final.
Powell Shines, But Raza Steals the Show
Despite Raza’s late heroics, the Player of the Match was Rovman Powell. The West Indian batter rode his luck early on—granted an unexpected reprieve after a costly mistake from opposition wicketkeeper Azam Khan. He made the most of it, hammering 63 off 38 balls.
The Vipers, who finished the group stage as table-toppers, suffered yet another heartbreak. They had lost four matches before the final—three of them against the Capitals. Sunday’s defeat meant they had now finished as runners-up twice in three seasons.
Injuries also hampered the Vipers, who were without their regular captain, Lockie Ferguson, and their top wicket-taker, Wanindu Hasaranga.
Vipers Set a Stiff Target
After losing the toss, Desert Vipers had a shaky start, with openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Alex Hales dismissed for just five runs each. However, Max Holden and Dan Lawrence stabilized the innings.
Holden was the standout performer, crafting a brilliant 76 off 51 balls with 12 fours. After his dismissal to Raza, captain Sam Curran and Azam Khan unleashed an explosive finish.
Curran remained unbeaten on 62 off 33 balls, while Azam Khan’s quickfire 27 off 13 helped the Vipers post a strong 189/4. The last six overs yielded a massive 81 runs, giving them a solid total to defend.
A Rocky Start, A Stunning Finish
Chasing 190, Dubai Capitals got off to the worst possible start. Star opener David Warner, who had smashed 93* in the previous game, fell cheaply for 4. Gulbadin Naib (5) and captain Sam Billings (6) followed soon after, leaving the Capitals struggling at 31/3 after five overs.
The turnaround began with Powell and Shai Hope, who put together a crucial 80-run stand off 53 balls.
Powell had a lucky escape on just 2 runs. English leg-spinner Nathan Sowter had seemingly dismissed him with a stumping, but third umpire replays showed that wicketkeeper Azam Khan had collected the ball marginally in front of the stumps. Instead of walking back, Powell was handed a lifeline due to a “no-ball” call—one that would prove costly for the Vipers.
Hope eventually departed for 43 off 39, leaving the Capitals needing 79 from 6.3 overs. That’s when Powell unleashed his firepower. Dasun Shanaka provided valuable support with a 10-ball 21 after being dropped on 1.
Powell’s explosive knock came to an end at 63 off 38, leaving Dubai Capitals with 24 runs to chase off the final two overs.
Raza Takes Over
With the game hanging in the balance, the Vipers turned to their premier pacer, Mohammad Amir, who had been economical all night (3 overs, 20 runs, 2 wickets). But Raza had other plans.
The Zimbabwean all-rounder dismantled Amir in style, smashing him for three fours in an over that yielded 15 runs, bringing the Capitals within touching distance of victory.
Needing nine off the final over, Raza sealed the deal in two balls—launching the first for a six and the next for a four.
Remarkably, after Powell’s dismissal, the Capitals added 25 runs in just eight balls—every single one coming from Raza’s bat.
Ironically, Raza had captained the Capitals for most of the tournament but struggled to find his best form. Sam Billings had taken over the leadership for the final four matches. Yet, in the end, it was Raza who stood tall as the match-winner and the center of Dubai Capitals’ title celebrations.
