In a display of exceptional cricketing prowess, the Dubai Capitals clinched a nail-biting nine-run triumph against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Saturday. The match, part of the ongoing DP World ILT20 season, will be remembered for Shayan Jahangir’s magnificent innings that fell just one run short of a century.
The Capitals’ innings began precariously with early wickets threatening their stability. However, the course of the game shifted dramatically when Jahangir partnered with Jordan Cox to construct a game-changing 115-run stand. Cox contributed a steady 29 runs from 30 deliveries before Jahangir took complete command of the crease.
Jahangir’s spectacular performance featured 10 boundaries and five maximums, demonstrating both technical precision and raw power. His 99-run contribution not only anchored the Capitals’ innings but also set a new tournament record for the highest score by an associate player in ILT20 history. The team finished their allotted 20 overs at 196/5, setting a challenging target.
The Knight Riders’ response was hampered by consistent wicket losses throughout their innings, though Andre Russell provided late drama with an explosive unbeaten 53 from just 33 deliveries. His heroic effort, including powerful hitting in the final overs, brought momentary hope to the Abu Dhabi camp. However, the Capitals’ bowling unit maintained composure under pressure, with Waqar Salamkheil claiming three crucial wickets for 34 runs.
Jahangir, awarded Player of the Match, expressed his pride in representing American cricket on the international stage: ‘I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the win. Performances like these will bring greater recognition to US cricket, where the sport is making strong progress.’
Capitals captain Dasun Shanaka praised his team’s resilience: ‘Jahangir showed tremendous character after a difficult powerplay. Having experienced players like Nabi in critical moments made my leadership decisions considerably easier.’
The victory marks the Capitals’ second consecutive win this season, significantly boosting team morale and positioning them favorably in the tournament standings.