ABU DHABI: A combined batting effort, followed by Scott Kuggeleijn’s four-fer steered Dubai Capitals to a thumping 85-run victory over home side Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20 Eliminator on Tuesday.
Put into bat first, the Capitals registered a massive total of 188/5 on the board, courtesy of an anchoring third-wicket partnership between Tom Banton and Tom Abell, followed by Sikandar Raza’s late blitz.
The visitors had a contrasting start to their innings as they were reduced to 29/2 in 3.4 overs with Max Holden (one) and Leus du Plooy (nine) perishing cheaply.
Following the slump, Abell joined compatriot Banton in the middle and scripted an astounding recovery.
The English duo added 63 runs for the third wicket before Fabian Allen dismissed Banton to provide a much-needed breakthrough to the Knight Riders.
Banton scored 44 off 31 deliveries with the help of seven boundaries.
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Abell then formed a brief partnership with skipper Sam Billings and walked back in the 15th over after a brisk 41. His 29-ball knock featured six boundaries.
Coming out to bat No.6 with the scoreboard reading 117/4 in 14.2 overs, Sikandar Raza bolstered the Capitals’ total with belligerent hitting.
The right-handed batter struck a swashbuckling 40 off just 19 deliveries, hitting five boundaries and a six, before falling victim to Josh Little in the final over.
Billings, on the other hand, carried his bat all the way through and remained the top-scorer for the Capitals with an unbeaten 26-ball 46 which featured two boundaries and two sixes.
Sabir Ali led the bowling attack for the Knight Riders with 2/35 while Allen, Little and David Willey struck out a batter apiece.
In return, the Knight Riders’ batting lineup failed in a must-win ILT20 clash and folded on a measly 103 despite Willey’s grit.
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The bowling all-rounder waged a lone battle for the Knight Riders with a gutsy 36-run knock. He was also involved in a 30-run stand with Sam Hain, who was the other notable run-getter with a 36-ball 29.
Scott Kuggeleijn was the pick of the bowlers for the Capitals with 4/17, followed by Zahir Khan and Sikandar Raza picking two each.
Dubai Capitals will now face the loser of Qualifier 1 between MI Emirates and Gulf Giants in the second Qualifier of the ILT20 on Thursday.