138/4 (19.1)
CR : 7.20
134/8 (20.0)
CR : 6.70
Dubai Capitals won by 6 wickets 🏆
Player of the Match
J Cox
61(50)
DC won by 6 wickets
11:22 PM IST, 9:52 PM local time: Dubai Capitals cruise past the finish line with 5 balls to spare. With this, they become the third team to qualify for the playoffs this season. Also, they have now strung 3 wins in a row. Are the defending champions peaking at the right time?
Sharjah Warriorz would be disappointed. However, they are still not out of it yet. Despite being at the bottom of the table and having the worst net run rate, they can still qualify for the playoffs.
The Capitals appeared well in control for the large part of the run chase. A minor speed bump came when Sikandar Raza routed out Shayan Jahangir and Mohammad Nabi within a space of 5 balls. That impressive over followed by Leus du Plooy's untimely dismissal had ignited the flames of hope for Southee and co. However, Jordan Cox — who had played within himself against the twirlers on this spin-friendly pitch — engaged the nitro-boosters at the perfect time. He slammed Tim Southee for 18 runs off the 19th over and knocked the opposition out of the contest.
Earlier, Sharjah Warriorz's batting innings had moved along like an old, rusty bicycle on a muddy road. Johnson Charles agricultural knock of 43 (46) summed it all up. He hung in there for a long time, but could never find the flow he was searching for. The only batter who showed a semblance of control was Monank Patel, who notched up a sprightly 13-ball-24 at the top before getting run out in a baffling manner.
Each bowler who rolled his arm over in the first innings got a wicket. Haider Ali, who bowled miserly 4 overs of left arm spin, finished with an outstanding 2/13. Some spectacular catches further added to the charm.
Sharjah Warriorz would be disappointed. However, they are still not out of it yet. Despite being at the bottom of the table and having the worst net run rate, they can still qualify for the playoffs.
The Capitals appeared well in control for the large part of the run chase. A minor speed bump came when Sikandar Raza routed out Shayan Jahangir and Mohammad Nabi within a space of 5 balls. That impressive over followed by Leus du Plooy's untimely dismissal had ignited the flames of hope for Southee and co. However, Jordan Cox — who had played within himself against the twirlers on this spin-friendly pitch — engaged the nitro-boosters at the perfect time. He slammed Tim Southee for 18 runs off the 19th over and knocked the opposition out of the contest.
Earlier, Sharjah Warriorz's batting innings had moved along like an old, rusty bicycle on a muddy road. Johnson Charles agricultural knock of 43 (46) summed it all up. He hung in there for a long time, but could never find the flow he was searching for. The only batter who showed a semblance of control was Monank Patel, who notched up a sprightly 13-ball-24 at the top before getting run out in a baffling manner.
Each bowler who rolled his arm over in the first innings got a wicket. Haider Ali, who bowled miserly 4 overs of left arm spin, finished with an outstanding 2/13. Some spectacular catches further added to the charm.
Time for the Post-Match Presentations...
Jordan Cox now holds the Green Belt (given to the highest run-getter of the tournament).
Tim Southee (Sharjah Warriorz Captain): "Yeah, we got ourselves right back into the game. My over though gave it away. However, the fight we showed with the bat at the end and then with the ball after the middle overs. In the end the 19th over made the difference.
The nature of the wicket has kept both sides in the game for a long time. Yeah, we still have a game to go on the 26th. If we win that we keep ourselves in the mix and then can hope for the best."
The nature of the wicket has kept both sides in the game for a long time. Yeah, we still have a game to go on the 26th. If we win that we keep ourselves in the mix and then can hope for the best."
Mohammad Nabi (Dubai Capitals captain): "Thanks to the almighty. Happy to qualify. Tough conditions. But Shayan (Jahangir) and (Jordan) Cox played really well. We were nervous. We lost a similar match to MI (Emirates). The bowlers bowled really well. Especially, Haider (Ali) bowled really well."
Player of the Match: Jordan Cox
Jordan Cox (Dubai Capitals): "Yeah it was quite tough against spin. When the pacers came on, we looked to put them under pressure. With Shayan at the other end panic never set in. Shayan was very impressive. He has been superb all throughout the competition.
We have just told him to go ahead and score as many runs as possible. He is a responsible cricketer. Unfortunately, he mis-executed one and that is cricket. The learning for him would be to finish it himself and not leave it to anyone else."
We have just told him to go ahead and score as many runs as possible. He is a responsible cricketer. Unfortunately, he mis-executed one and that is cricket. The learning for him would be to finish it himself and not leave it to anyone else."
Dubai Capitals become the third team to qualify for the playoffs this season. Given their healthy net run rate, they even have the chance to end up in the top two and thereby earn "two bites at the cherry". Hence, their last league match against MI Emirates becomes a tantalising one.
Meanwhile, the fourth spot is still open and three different teams are still in contention. Therefore, every remaining game before the playoffs has something on stake.
All in all, an exciting weekend is lined up post Christmas. Do tune in for those eagerly-awaited fixtures. For now, it is time for team Crickxo to bid adieu and get down to practicing some carols. This is Darpan Tikiya signing off on the behalf of Manan Mehta, Yogesh Kumar, Vishnu Mehta and Ghanendra Singh Thakur. Merry Christmas! 🎄 🎅 🎁
Meanwhile, the fourth spot is still open and three different teams are still in contention. Therefore, every remaining game before the playoffs has something on stake.
All in all, an exciting weekend is lined up post Christmas. Do tune in for those eagerly-awaited fixtures. For now, it is time for team Crickxo to bid adieu and get down to practicing some carols. This is Darpan Tikiya signing off on the behalf of Manan Mehta, Yogesh Kumar, Vishnu Mehta and Ghanendra Singh Thakur. Merry Christmas! 🎄 🎅 🎁