Rovman Powell Stars as Dubai Capitals Crush Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

Dubai, Dec 8 – In a spectacular display of power-hitting, West Indies’ Rovman Powell smashed an unbeaten 96 to guide Dubai Capitals to a commanding 83-run victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in ILT20 Season 4.

After a shaky start, with openers Toby Albert (8) and Sediqullah Atal (8) falling early, Powell partnered with Jordan Cox, who contributed 52 off 32 balls, to stabilize the innings. Their 119-run stand transformed the momentum, enabling Dubai Capitals to post a formidable 186/4 in 20 overs. Powell’s innings included eight boundaries and four sixes, while Cox added four fours and a six.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders struggled from the outset. David Willey dismissed Alex Hales for a duck and Alishan Sharafu for 4 in the first over, while Mustafizur Rahman reduced the side to 10/3 by dismissing Unmukt Chand. Phil Salt’s 27 off 21 balls offered brief resistance, but the Knight Riders could never recover, eventually bowled out for 103 in 15.3 overs. Waqar Salamkheil and Mohammed Nabi shared four crucial wickets between them, keeping the scoring under control and building pressure on the opposition.

Despite Andre Russell’s quickfire 12 off six balls, Knight Riders’ middle and lower order failed to mount any meaningful fightback. Skipper Jason Holder (0), Sunil Narine (3), and Sherfane Rutherford (19) all perished attempting to spark a late recovery, leaving the team well short of the target.

Dubai Capitals’ emphatic win not only secured their first victory of the season but also highlighted Powell’s match-winning capability and the team’s ability to recover from early setbacks.

Brief Scores:
Dubai Capitals: 186/4 in 20 overs (Rovman Powell 96*, Jordan Cox 52; Jason Holder 2/30)
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: 103 in 15.3 overs (Phil Salt 27; Waqar Salamkheil 4/29, David Willey 2/13, Mohammed Nabi 2/12)