Sikandar Raza, Rovman Powell powers Dubai Capitals to first ILT20 title

Rovman Powell took full advantage of a second chance, leading Dubai Capitals to their first-ever ILT20 title with a thrilling four-wicket victory over Desert Vipers in the final. 

Chasing 190 to win, Dubai Capitals were in early trouble at 31 for 3 after just five overs. However, Powell’s explosive 63 off 38 balls, after being gifted a second life by wicketkeeper Azam Khan, turned the game in Dubai’s favor. Powell’s performance, along with valuable contributions from Shai Hope (43) and Sikandar Raza (34*), helped Capitals complete the chase with four wickets to spare. This was their fourth win over Vipers in the season.

Earlier, Desert Vipers had set a competitive total of 189 for 5, with Max Holden (76) and Sam Curran (62*) leading the way. However, Vipers’ total wasn’t enough, as Powell’s brilliant knock guided the Capitals home.

Dubai Capitals were in serious trouble in their chase, losing key wickets early. David Warner was dismissed cheaply, and Mohammad Amir removed Gulbadin Naib and Sam Billings. However, Powell’s turnaround came after a controversial moment when he was nearly stumped down the leg side by Nathan Sowter. The third umpire ruled it a no-ball because Azam Khan collected the ball to stump him in the line of the wicket, and Powell made the most of his second chance, smashing a six off Sowter before hitting a quickfire 15 off Curran’s next over.

As Powell found his rhythm, Hope joined the party, and the Capitals collected 21 runs in just two overs, further closing the gap. Despite Curran taking Hope’s wicket, Powell continued to charge, and Dasun Shanaka added a quick 21 off 10 balls. 

With 38 needed off 19 balls, the match was still up for grabs, but Sikandar Raza kept his composure and delivered the final blows. Raza hit a boundary in the 18th over, and after Powell was dismissed for 63, Raza struck three fours off the next five balls to Mohammad Amir, leaving only nine runs needed off the final over. Raza sealed the win in style, hitting Khuzaima Tanveer for a six and four off the first two balls of the final over to secure the title for Dubai.

Dubai Capitals made an early breakthrough when Obed McCoy dismissed Alex Hales with his first ball, sending him to midwicket where Haider Ali took a good catch. McCoy nearly had another breakthrough, but Gurbaz was dropped by Scott Kuggeleijn. 

Max Holden took charge for Desert Vipers, scoring 76 runs on 51 balls that provided the foundation for Vipers. However, his luck ran out when he was dismissed by Raza.

After Holden’s departure, Sam Curran and Azam Khan added a vital 67 runs off 29 balls for the fifth wicket, pushing Vipers to a strong total. Curran’s blitz of 62 off 33 balls, including powerful shots and boundaries, gave Vipers a boost in the final stages. Azam also played a quick cameo, but Vipers’ total ultimately wasn’t enough.

In the end, despite a few mistakes in the field and dropped catches, Dubai Capitals held their nerve, with Powell and Raza leading them to a memorable victory. This marked a first title for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20.