Dubai,
Avishka Fernando electrified the Sharjah Cricket Stadium with a blistering innings, leading the Warriorz to a record-breaking chase in ILT20 history. Chasing 202 against the Dubai Capitals, Fernando smashed an extraordinary 81 runs off just 27 balls, reaching his half-century in a record-breaking 16 balls—the fastest in the tournament’s history.
Fernando’s innings, featuring eight massive sixes and six fours, ensured the Warriorz scaled the target in 18.1 overs with five wickets in hand. Earlier in the evening, Shai Hope played a pivotal role for the Capitals, compiling 83 runs to help his team post a challenging 201/5.
Facing a steep target, Johnson Charles ensured the Sharjah Warriorz stayed on track in the first few overs. Supported by Jason Roy on one end, Charles took on the Capitals’ attack, carving three fours and three sixes on the way to 37 runs in 19 balls. His onslaught was halted in the final over of the powerplay, dismissed by Olly Stone to leave the Warriorz at 56/1.
UAE’s Rohan Mustafa also chipped in with 17 runs and vital boundaries until he was Chameera’s second wicket of the night bringing the score to 132/3 in 12.1 overs.
Avishka Fernando showcased sheer dominance as he shattered the DP World ILT20 record for the fastest half-century, racing to the milestone in just 16 balls. (The previous record, set by Desert Vipers’ Azam Khan, stood at 18 balls.)
Fernando then struck three consecutive sixes against Gulbadin Naib in a 27-run over, also marking the most runs conceded in an over in DP World ILT20 history. Fernando’s assault finally subsided when Obed McCoy scalped him, caught behind in the 16th over.
In the first innings, the Dubai Capitals made the most of the fielding restrictions. Ben Dunk showcased his intent early, smashing two fours and a six, while Hope complemented him with three crisp boundaries. However, Dunk’s promising innings came to an end when an acrobatic effort from Kemo Paul off Adam Milne’s bowling saw him depart. The Capitals reached a solid 50/1 at the end of the powerplay.
Rovman Powell unleashed a barrage of sixes against the Warriorz, racing to 28 runs in 15 balls, including an 18-run over against Karim Janat. Meanwhile, Hope continued his sensational form smashing two consecutive sixes in of Adam Milne in the 19th over as well.
Tim Southee brought some control to the final over, dismissing Powell and Dasun Shanaka in quick succession. Despite his efforts, the Capitals crossed the 200-run mark, finishing at 201/5.
Brief scores
Sharjah Warriorz bt Dubai Capitals by five wickets
Dubai Capitals 201/5 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 83 not out, Rovman Powell 28, Sikandar Raza 27, Tim Southee 2 for 35, Karim Janat 1 for 24, Adil Rashid 1 for 36)
Sharjah Warriorz 202/5 in 18.1 overs (Avishka Fernando 81, Johnson Charles 37, Luke Wells 31 not out, Dushmantha Chameera 3 for 30, Obed McCoy 1 for 30)
Player of the Match: Avishka Fernando
