Mustafizur Rahman not only took two wickets but also held on to two catches — yet his team couldn’t avoid defeat.
On his ILT20 debut in the UAE franchise league, Mustafizur bowled impressively for Dubai Capitals. The left-arm Bangladeshi pacer struck with his very first ball, added another wicket later on, and took two catches. Despite his strong all-around display, Dubai Capitals still fell short.
At the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, Mustafizur finished with figures of 2 for 26 from 4 overs against Gulf Giants. He bowled 13 dot balls and gave away only 5 runs in his final 2 overs.
Dubai Capitals posted 160 for 6 in their 20 overs, but Gulf Giants chased the target with ease, winning by 4 wickets with 7 balls to spare.
After previously featuring in the IPL, PSL, and Lanka Premier League, the 30-year-old Mustafizur added another overseas T20 league to his resume with his ILT20 debut.
He struck early in the innings, giving his team their first breakthrough in the second over. But credit also went to fielder Jordan Cox for a stunning effort. Rahmanullah Gurbaz tried to loft a length ball over mid-on, but Cox leapt into the air and plucked the ball one-handed.
Mustafizur gave away just 1 run in his first three deliveries before Pathum Nissanka hit him for a four and a six off the final two balls of the over.
Returning for the last over of the powerplay, Mustafizur saw James Vince hit a boundary off a short ball. He could have dismissed Vince off the final delivery, but David Willey dropped a regulation chance — and the ball trickled away for four. The over cost 10 runs.
Nissanka, who was looking dangerous after a rapid half-century, fell to Mustafizur in the 12th over. The Sri Lankan, who made 67 off 31, mistimed a slower delivery and Cox completed an easy catch at long-on. Mustafizur conceded just 2 runs in that over.
He bowled his final over in the 16th and once again kept things tight, giving away only 3 runs along with a leg-bye.
Vince, who survived on 13 after being dropped off Mustafizur’s bowling, went on to anchor the chase. His unbeaten 50 off 45 balls guided the Giants home.
Dubai Capitals have now lost their opening two matches of the tournament, while Gulf Giants sit on top of the points table after winning both of their games.
