Defending champions Dubai Capitals booked their place in the ILT20 2024 playoffs with a commanding six-wicket victory over the Sharjah Warriorz at the Dubai International Stadium on Christmas Eve. Chasing a modest target of 135, the Capitals reached 138/4 with five balls to spare, powered by commanding half-centuries from openers Shayan Jahangir and Jordan Cox.
Clinical Chase Led by Cox and Jahangir
After losing Sediqullah Atal early, the match was decisively shaped by a 76-run partnership between Shayan Jahangir and Jordan Cox. Jahangir set a brisk tempo at the start of the innings, playing aggressively. His partner, Jordan Cox, then anchored the chase with a composed, unbeaten knock. Cox scored 61 runs from 50 balls, an innings decorated with six fours and a six, which earned him the Player of the Match award and the green belt for topping the tournament's run-scoring charts.
Sharjah Warriorz's Sikandar Raza provided a brief glimmer of hope for his side by taking two quick wickets in the 14th over, dismissing Jahangir for 51 and Mohammad Nabi. However, the required run rate was never a concern. Despite Taskin Ahmed removing Leus du Plooy later, Cox remained calm and saw his team over the line comfortably.
Disciplined Bowling Restricts Warriorz
Earlier, the Dubai Capitals' bowlers laid the foundation for victory with a disciplined collective performance. They restricted the Sharjah Warriorz to a below-par total of 134 for 8 in their 20 overs. Haider Ali was the standout bowler, delivering an exceptional spell of 2 wickets for just 13 runs in his 4 overs. Waqar Salamkheil also chipped in with two wickets, while David Willey, Mustafizur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi claimed one wicket each.
The Warriorz innings never found its rhythm. A sharp run-out by David Willey removed opener Monank Patel early. Wicketkeeper Shayan Jahangir then showcased his skills behind the stumps with a smart stumping to dismiss the dangerous Tom Kohler-Cadmore. Johnson Charles tried to hold the innings together with a steady 43, but regular wickets hampered any momentum. Late cameos from Adil Rashid and Harmeet Singh only managed to push the total to a seemingly competitive, but ultimately insufficient, score.
Post-Match Reactions and Playoff Scenarios
Player of the Match Jordan Cox praised his opening partner's intent. "It was quite tough against spin, but when the seamers came on, we tried to put them under pressure. Jahangir was very impressive," Cox said. "We've been encouraging him to be aggressive, and it was great to watch from the other end. For me, it was about not leaving it to the next man."
Sharjah Warriorz captain Tim Southee pointed to his own expensive over as a turning point but insisted his team's playoff hopes are still alive. "My over towards was defining. We had to keep taking wickets to be in with a chance," Southee admitted. "The nature of the wickets is keeping sides in it for long. Not over for us. One game left, we win that and give ourselves a chance."
With this win, the Dubai Capitals have solidified their position in the top four. The Sharjah Warriorz, meanwhile, must win their final league match and depend on other results to qualify for the knockout stage of the International League T20.
Brief Scores:
Sharjah Warriorz: 134/8 in 20 overs (Johnson Charles 43; Haider Ali 2/13, Waqar Salamkheil 2/29)
Dubai Capitals: 138/4 in 19.1 overs (Jordan Cox 61*, Shayan Jahangir 51; Sikandar Raza 2/15)
