‘Class TEAM, class PERFORMANCE’ - Fans go berserk as Dubai Capitals defeat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in ILT20 Opener

On 13 January 2023, the International League T20 kicked off in Dubai. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders locked horns with Dubai Capitals in the tournament opener. Fans were excited to see the teams in action as a new franchise T20 league kicked off. Rovman Powell was the skipper of Dubai Capitals.

While Sunil Narine was the captain of the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Speaking of the match, Narine won the toss and opted to field first. For Dubai Capitals, Robin Uthappa and Joe Root came out to open the innings. They had a steady start to their innings as the first wicket fell in 5.4 overs after scoring 35 runs. 

Dubai Capitals defeated Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 73 runs in ILT20

Then, skipper Rovman Powell scored 48 runs off 29 balls, including three fours and three sixes. Other batters also came up with some little contributions. Sikandar Raza scored 26 runs off 17 balls, including one four and two sixes. Finally, they managed to score 187 runs for six wickets in 20 overs. For Abu Dhabi, both Ravi Rampaul and Ali Khan took two wickets each. Apart from them, Andre Russell and Sunil Narin also took one wicket each.

In reply, Colin Ingram and Paul Stirling came out to bat. But, Ingram scored only one run off five balls. Stirling batted well and scored the first fifty of this tournament. He got out after scoring 54 runs off 38 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Then, other batters failed to score significantly as they managed only 114 runs for nine wickets in 20 overs. Thus, Dubai Capitals won the match by a huge margin of 73 runs. For Dubai, Akif Raja, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Rovman Powell took two wickets each. While Sikandar Raza, Issuru Udana, and Hazrat Luqman took one wicket each. Skipper Rovman Powell won the player of the match award for his all-around performance in the match. 

Here is how fans have reacted to the victory of Dubai Capitals over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders:

Class TEAM, class PERFORMANCE 😍

Dubai Capitals win by 73 runs ❤️💙#DCvADKR #DPWorldILT20 #ALeagueApart #SoarHighDubai #WeAreCapitals #CapitalsUniverse pic.twitter.com/K1WZ6N1q0H

— Dubai Capitals (@Dubai_Capitals) January 13, 2023

Well played, @Dubai_Capitals! Appreciate the all-round game that you brought to the field today. 👏#DCvADKR #DPWorldILT20

— Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (@ADKRiders) January 13, 2023

1️⃣st match, 1️⃣st 𝑾𝒊𝒏! 😉#DCvADKR #WeAreCapitals #CapitalsUniverse #SoarHighDubai https://t.co/c0YYffAwdP

— Dubai Capitals (@Dubai_Capitals) January 13, 2023

Some of the #Bawal moments 🤩 from the opening night of #DPWorldILT20 🎉 #DCvADKR

@ZeeZest_ @zeecinema @ZeeBanglaCinema @zeethirai @AndPicturesIN @AndFlix @ZEE5Shows @ZEE5Global @ILT20Official #CricketOnZee #BawaalMachneWalaHai pic.twitter.com/oB57WnTmql

— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 14, 2023

RESULT

International League T20 2023
1st Match

DC: 187/6 (20.0)
ADKR: 114/9 (20.0)
Dubai Capitals won by 73 runs #ILT20 #DCvADKR #DubaiCapitals #AbuDhabiKnightRiders pic.twitter.com/JB3oOj5ZNh

— Square Sports Cricket (@squarescricket) January 14, 2023

Joe Root: 26 Runs and 4 catches
Rovman Powell: 48 runs and 2 wickets

The Heroes of @Dubai_Capitals certainly brought the #Bawaal to secure the W!#DCvADKR #DPWorldILT20 #CricketonZee #HarBallBawaal pic.twitter.com/tynHm99GWO

— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 14, 2023

We Soar High Together. This is Our DUBAI. ❤️💙#DCvADKR #DPWorldILT20 #ALeagueApart #SoarHighDubai #WeAreCapitals #CapitalsUniverse pic.twitter.com/xhrWMmTGaD

— Dubai Capitals (@Dubai_Capitals) January 13, 2023

#ILT20 is boring. No exciting young talent, dull crowd and empty stands. Retired and overlooked players are taking part, focuses on oldies and only focuses on money rather than overall development of the UAE cricket. #DPWorldILT20 #DCvADKR

— Rocco (@theherharry) January 14, 2023