Sharjah,
Through a spirited performance, Dubai Capitals recorded a stunning nine-wicket victory over reigning champions Gulf Giants in the Qualifier 2 of the ILT20 season 2 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Showing no signs of being beaten by the Giants twice in the league stage, and booking the last slot in the play-off table, Capitals excelled in all departments of the game. After restricting Giants to a paltry 138 for 6, Capitals won the match with 25 balls to spare.
Giants skipper James Vince had carried his team’s innings on his shoulder through a knock of 58 runs off 53 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. After a 25-run opening partnership with Usman Khan (21), Vince lifted his team from a disastrous 62 for 5 through a 55-run partnership in 46 deliveries with Chris Jodan (30n.o) for the sixth wicket. Unfortunately, all his efforts went in vain.
Chasing the moderate target, Capitals openers Leus du Plooy and Tom Banton gave a stupendous start putting on a 98 runs partnership. Du Plooy was severe on strike bowler Jordan hitting him for a six and two boundaries to take 16 runs off his first over. The opening partnership in 11.1 overs ended when Banton was caught by Overton at long-on off Liam Dawson for a run-a-ball 38 runs.
Du Plooy reached his half century in 35 balls and remained unbeaten on 63 off 40 balls with five boundaries and three sixes, and along with Tom Abell (20n.o), they steered their team into the final to be held on February 17 (Saturday) at the Dubai International Stadium.
Brief scores:
Dubai Capitals bt Gulf Giants by 9 wkts.
Gulf Giants 138 for 6 in 20 overs (James Vince 58, Usman Khan 21, Chris Jordan 30n.o)
Dubai Capitals 139 for 1 in 15.5 overs (Leus du Plooy 63n.o, Tom Banton 38, Tom Abell 20n.o)
Player of the match: Leus du Plooy
