The 8 International T20 League (ILT20) 2025 match between Dubai Capitals And Warrior of Sharjah turned out to be an epic contest, ending with the Warriorz chasing the highest total in ILT20 history. The match, played in Sharjah, saw a historic chase as Avishka Fernando‘s blistering knock guided the Warriorz to an incredible target of 202 runs, securing victory with 11 balls to spare.
Dubai Capitals batting led by Shai Hope
The Capitals, who won the toss and elected to bat first, posted a challenging total of 201/5 in their 20 overs. Shai Hope anchored the innings with an unbeaten 83 off 52 balls, interspersed with six towering sixes and three boundaries. Alongside Hope, Brandon McMullen (22 out of 14), Sikandar Raza (27 out of 20) and Rovman Powell (28 out of 15) made valuable contributions, each playing their role in building a strong inning. The Warriorz bowlers, led by Tim Southeeshowed excellent discipline, with Southee returning figures of 2/35 in his four-man spell. Karim Janat also contributed to crucial breakthroughs, removing Hope at a crucial stage, while Gulbadin Naib (6 of 3) added a late touch. Despite the efforts, the Capitals finished at 201/5, putting on a memorable chase.
Historic chase by Sharjah Warriorz
In their response, the Warriorz started with aggressive intent and Avishka took charge from the start. The Sri Lankan batter was in a league of his own, smashing an astonishing 81 runs off just 27 deliveries, a knock that included six fours and eight huge sixes. Fernando’s ability to cross the boundary with such ease and his calculated aggression turned the chase into a one-sided affair from the start. His innings culminated with the fastest fifty in ILT20 history, reaching his half-century off just 16 balls – a feat that left the crowd stunned and the opposition deflated.
Johnson-Charles provided early stability with a quickfire 37 from 19 balls, while Rohan MustafaThe steady 17 runs off 16 deliveries helped maintain the run rate. However, it was Fernando’s destructive stick that swung the momentum entirely in favor of the Warriorz. The Capitals bowlers, including Dushmantha Chameera (3/30) and Pierre Olly (1/50), tried to contain Fernando, but had no response to his attack. His fearless approach forced the Capitals to constantly adjust their line and length, failing to curb his scoring fluidity.
As the target approached, Luke Wells (31 not out from 17) provided the perfect finishing touch, hitting boundaries at crucial intervals to control the required running pace. The Warriorz comfortably reached 202/5 in just 18 overs, securing a historic victory with 11 balls to spare, marking the most successful chase in ILT20 history.
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Avishka Fernando’s stunning shot rewrites records
Avishka’s innings was nothing short of sensational, with 6 boundaries and 8 monstrous sixes, including the fastest fifty in ILT20 history – reaching his half-century off just 16 balls! His sheer dominance on the court has rewritten records and set a new benchmark for pursuits in this league. The previous record for the highest pursuit in ILT20 belonged to Gulf Giantswho scored 196 runs against Desert Vipers in Dubai during the 2023 edition.
However, Fernando’s sensational knock shattered that record, demonstrating his ability to clear boundaries with ease and maintain an aggressive pace throughout his innings. Earlier in the 2024 edition, Pakistan Azam Khan had set the record for the fastest fifty in ILT20 history, taking just 18 balls to reach his fifty against the Giants. But Fernando’s calculated aggression and ability to accelerate at will took things to a whole new level.
The most successful pursuit in #DPWorldILT20! 🥵
Sharjah Warriorz bag 2️⃣ points!The round was led by Avishka Fernando till the end, and the home team chased the target at a gallop. Drummer mastery of the highest level! 🔝#SWvDC #AllInForCricket pic.twitter.com/R0csU3mIQX
– International T20 League (@ILT20Official) January 17, 2025
