Credit: X
After defeating Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 85 runs in the Eliminator, Dubai Capitals qualified for the International League T20 (ILT20) Qualifier 2 against Gulf Giants, who lost Qualifier 1 against MI Emirates by 45 runs. On Thursday night at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the Dubai Capitals beat the Gulf Giants by nine wickets to qualify for the ILT20 Season 2 Final, where they will face the MI Emirates on Saturday, February 17.
After winning the toss, the Giants decided to bat first and lost their first wicket in the third over at 25 runs. GG opener Usman Khan scored 21-off-11 with three fours and a six before getting a top edge off Jason Holder's short-pitched ball, which was caught by Sam Billings. After 11 balls, Chris Lynn was clean-bowled by Haidar Ali on a three-ball duck in the fifth over.
Following that, the Giants lost three wickets in six overs as they were reduced to 62-for-5 in 10.4 overs. However, opener James Vince's hard-fought half-century and Chris Jordan's late cameo of unbeaten 30 runs help their side register a fighting total of 138 runs at a loss of six wickets. For the Capitals, five bowlers picked up a wicket each while Jordan Cox was run out by Jason Holder.
During the chase, the target seemed to be too low for the Dubai Capitals as their openers Leus Du Plooy and impact player Tom Banton combined for a 98-run partnership for the first wicket and gave a brisk start to the Capitals. The Capitals won the game by nine wickets as the 29-year-old South African scored an unbeaten 63-off-39 and helped his side chase the target with 25 balls remaining.
