The Dubai Capitals are heading back to the playoffs. Defending their DP World ILT20 title, the Capitals became the third team to secure a knockout spot after a commanding six-wicket win over the Sharjah Warriorz at a buzzing Dubai International Stadium on Christmas Eve.
The victory was built on a complete team performance: a disciplined bowling effort to restrict the opposition, followed by a composed chase led by half-centuries from Shayan Jahangir (51) and the unbeaten Player of the Match, Jordan Cox (61*).
Bowlers Set the Stage
Asked to bat first, the Sharjah Warriorz never found momentum on a slow track. Opener Johnson Charles (43 off 46) offered resistance, but regular wickets pegged his side back. The Capitals' attack was relentless, Haider Ali (2/13) was miserly, while Waqar Salamkheil (2/29) struck at key moments. A moment of brilliance came from keeper Shayan Jahangir, who smartly stumped the dangerous Tom Kohler-Cadmore off Ali's bowling.
Despite a late flourish, the Warriorz could only post a sub-par 134/8 from their 20 overs.
Jahangir & Cox Steer the Chase
In reply, the Capitals made light work of the target. After an early wicket, Jahangir and Cox combined for a match-defining 76-run partnership off 63 balls. Jahangir provided the initial spark with an aggressive blitz, while Cox anchored the innings with calm authority.
Even when Sikandar Raza (2/15) struck twice in the 14th over to create a hint of tension, Cox remained unfazed. Taking control in the final stages, he sealed the win with five balls to spare, his unbeaten knock also earning him the tournament's Green Belt for the leading run-scorer.
Post-Match Reactions
It was quite tough against spin, but when the seamers came on, we tried to put them under pressure. Jahangir was very impressive. We’ve been encouraging him to be aggressive, and it was great to watch from the other end.
Tim Southee, Sharjah Warriorz captain, reflected: "My over towards the end was defining. We had to keep taking wickets to be in with a chance. The nature of the wickets is keeping sides in it for long. It's not over for us. One game left, we win that and give ourselves a chance."
Brief Scores: Sharjah Warriorz: 134/8 in 20 overs (Charles 43; Haider Ali 2/13, Salamkheil 2/29) Dubai Capitals: 138/4 in 19.1 overs (Cox 61*, Jahangir 51; Raza 2/15) Result: Dubai Capitals won by 6 wickets.
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