‘Rovman Powell aur Robin Uthappa ne machaya gadar’ – Fans applaud as Dubai Capitals defeat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 73 runs in ILT20 opener

In the opening game of the International League T20 (ILT20) 2023 tournament on Friday, January 13, Dubai Capitals convincingly defeated Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by a score of 73 runs. Capitals finished with a total of 187/6, thanks to the knocks from skipper Rovman Powell and former Indian batter Robin Uthappa. The Knight Riders were then held to just 114/9, courtesy of match-winning spells by Powell and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, grabbing two wickets each.

At Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the Knight Riders skipper Sunil Narine chose to bowl first after winning the toss. Capitals openers Robin Uthappa and Joe Root added 35 runs together. Before getting caught off a delivery by Ali Khan in the sixth over, Root scored an important knock of 26 runs from 21 balls.

Rovman Powell and Mujeeb Ur Rehman shine for Dubai Capitals

Bhanuka Rajapaksa was removed by Andre Russell in the ninth over, but Uthappa continued to add runs from the other end, scoring 43 off just 33 before being bowled by Narine. However, Powell (48 off 29) and Sikandar Raza (26 off 17) kept the Capitals under pressure with quick hits to help them score a significant sum. Ravi Rampaul and Ali Khan each took two wickets for the Knight Riders, although they were both expensive.

The Knight Riders lost while pursuing a mammoth target. Isuru Udana’s delivery only got Colin Ingram for one in the first over, and he never seemed confident. Despite failing to receive any help from the upper level, Paul Stirling managed to keep the Knight Riders alive. Powell dismissed Stirling in the 12th over after he had made 54 off of 38.

Powell, Mujeeb, and Akif Raja each claimed two wickets as Dubai’s bowlers demonstrated their overall dominance. Root marked his comeback to T20 franchise cricket by taking four catches in the meanwhile.

Here’s how fans reacted on social after the completion of the match: