Dubai Capitals clinched their maiden ILT20 title with a thrilling four-wicket win over Desert Vipers. Rovman Powell led the charge with a match-winning 63 off 38 balls after being given a second life due to a wicketkeeping error by Azam Khan. Chasing 190, Capitals were in early trouble at 31 for 3 but recovered through crucial contributions from Powell, Shai Hope (43), and Sikandar Raza (34*).
Vipers posted 189 for 5, powered by Max Holden’s 76 and Sam Curran’s unbeaten 62. Azam Khan chipped in with a quick 27 off 13 balls, but Vipers failed to defend their total. Obed McCoy provided Capitals with a dream start, dismissing Alex Hales with his first ball. However, Holden anchored the innings, striking a 32-ball fifty and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Raza dismissed Holden, but Curran and Azam’s 67-run stand ensured a strong finish.
Capitals’ chase started poorly, with David Payne and Mohammad Amir reducing them to 31 for 3. Powell was almost dismissed on 2, but Azam’s mistake behind the stumps kept him alive. Powell capitalized, smashing boundaries off Sowter and Curran to shift momentum. Hope supported him well, while Dasun Shanaka chipped in with a quick 21 off 10.
With 38 needed off 19, Raza took charge. He smashed three fours in the 19th over, leaving just nine to get. He sealed victory in style, hitting a six and a four in the final over. Powell’s resurgence after Azam’s error proved decisive, guiding Capitals to a historic ILT20 triumph.
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