Eighth International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 Match between Dubai Capitals and Sharjah Warriors It proved to be an epic contest, ending with the Warriorz chasing the highest total in ILT20 history. The match, which was held at Sharjah Stadium, witnessed a historic chase Avishka FernandoThe powerful hitting took the Warriorz to a stunning target of 202 runs, ensuring a win by at least 11 balls.
Dubai Capitals, led by Shay Hope, hit
The Capitals, who won the toss and elected to bat first, posted a challenging total of 201/5 in 20 overs. Hope tea He anchored the innings with a blazing 83 off 52 balls, laced with six towering sixes and three boundaries. Besides hope, Brandon McMullen (22 of 14), Iskandar Reda (27 of 20) and Roffman Powell (28 out of 15) made valuable contributions, each playing their part in building strong roles. Warriorz Bowlers team led by Tim Southeyshowed excellent discipline, as Southee returned figures of 2/35 in his four-over spell. Karim Jannat It also achieved decisive breakthroughs, removing hope at a vital stage, while… Galbadin Nayeb (6 of 3) Added late bloom. Despite the effort, the Capitals' match ended at 201/5, beginning a memorable chase.
Historic chase by the Sharjah Warriors team
In their response, the Warriorz started with aggressive intent, and Avishka took charge from the start. The Sri Lankan batsman was in a league of his own, smashing 81 runs off just 27 deliveries, a knock that included six fours and eight massive sixes. Fernando's ability to cross boundaries with such ease and his measured aggression turned the run chase into a one-sided affair early on. His innings culminated in the fastest fifty in ILT20 history, as he reached his half-century off just 16 balls – a feat that left the crowd stunned and the opposition in awe.
Johnson Charles He provided early stability by firing a quick 37 off 19 balls while Rohan MustafaA consistent 17 off 16 deliveries helped maintain the run rate. However, it was Fernando's devastating striking that completely shifted the momentum in the Warriorz's favour. Capitals bowlers, incl Dushmantha Chameera (3/30) and Ollie Stone (1/50), they tried to contain Fernando, but they had no answer to his attack. His gritty approach forced the Capitals to constantly adjust their line and length, without success in limiting his free scoring.
As the goal approaches Luke Wells (31 not out from 17) delivered the perfect finish, hitting the boundaries at crucial intervals to keep the required run rate under control. The Warriorz comfortably reached 202/5 in just 18 overs, sealing a historic win with 11 balls to spare, marking the highest successful run chase in ILT20 history.
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Avishka Fernando's powerful knock rewrites records
Avishka's innings was nothing short of sensational, featuring 6 boundaries and 8 brutal sixes, including the fastest fifty in ILT20 history – where he reached his half-century off just 16 balls! His absolute dominance rewrote records and set a new standard for chases in this league. The previous record for highest chase in ILT20 belongs to Gulf giantswho successfully chased 196 times Desert snakes In Dubai in the 2023 edition.
However, Fernando's sensational knock broke that record, and showcased his ability to cross boundaries with ease and maintain an aggressive tempo throughout his innings. Earlier in the 2024 edition, Pakistan won Azam Khan He 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 other level.
Highest successful hunt in #DP WorldILT20! 🥵
Sharjah Warriors bag 2️⃣ points!The innings was headlined by Avishka Fernando all the way, and the hosts chased down the goal at a trot. The art of hitting at the highest level! 🔝#SWvDC #AllInForCricket pic.twitter.com/R0csU3mIQX
— International T20 League (@ILT20Official) January 17, 2025
