The 8th International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 equality between Dubai Capitals and Sharjah Warriors it turned out to be a successful tournament, ending with the Warriors chasing the highest total in ILT20 history. The match, which was played in Sharjah, was met with a history of chases like Avishka FernandoA blistering knock guided the Warriors to a staggering target of 202 runs, winning with 11 balls to spare.
Dubai Capitals attack led by Shai Hope
The Capitals, who won the toss and elected to bat first, posted a total of 201/5 in their 20 overs. Shai Hope he set up the innings with an unbeaten 83 off 52 balls, with six towering sixes and three boundaries. Along with Hope, Brandon McMullen (22 out of 14), Sikandar Raza (27 out of 20) and Rovman Powell (28 off 15) made valuable contributions, each doing their part in building strong innings. Warriorz bowlers, led by Tim Southeeshowed excellent discipline, with Southee returning figures of 2/35 in his four innings. Karim Janat it also came in with important wins, eliminating Hope from the important level, where Gulbadin Naib (6 minus 3) increased late germination. Despite their best efforts, the Capitals ended up on 201/5, setting off a memorable chase.
A historic chase by Sharjah Warriorz
In response, the Warriorz started with aggressive goals, and Avishka took control from the start. The Sri Lankan batsman was in a league of his own, smashing an incredible 81 runs in just 27 overs, a knock that included four fours and eight big fours. Fernando's ability to clear the boundary with ease and his aggressiveness made the chase a one-sided affair early on. His innings culminated in the fastest fifty in ILT20 history, he reached 50 off just 16 balls – leaving the crowd stunned and the opposition in despair.
Johnson Charles provided early stability and fired a quick 37 off 19 balls, while Rohan Mustafa's 17 runs off 16 deliveries helped the pace to go well. However, it was Fernando's devastating strike that changed the future of the Warriorz. The Capitals' pitcher, including Dushmantha Chameera (3/30) and Olly Stone (1/50), tried to stop Fernando, but did not respond to his attack. His fearless approach forced the Capitals to constantly change the line and height, without success in stopping his free-flowing scoring.
As the goal approached, Luke Wells (31 not out off 17) provided the final touch, hitting a boundary at a crucial time to reduce the run-rate needed. The Warriors reached a comfortable 202/5 in just 18 overs, and achieved a historic victory with 11 balls to spare, marking the most successful run in ILT20 history.
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Avishka's knock Fernando is writing again
Avishka's innings was incredible, with 6 boundaries and a terrific six, including the fastest fifty in ILT20 history- he reached his 50 from just 16 balls! His supreme command at the crease has re-written records and set a new mark for the chasers in this league. The previous record for fastest run in ILT20 was for Gulf Giantswho successfully chased 196 runs against Desert Vipers in Dubai in the 2023 edition.
However, Fernando's impressive knock broke the record, showing his ability to clear the boundary with ease and remain aggressive throughout. At the beginning of the 2024 edition, Pakistan Azam Khan he made the record for the fastest fifty in ILT20 history, taking just 18 balls to reach his fifty against the Giants. But Fernando calculated his aggressiveness and his ability to run at will depended on other factors.
The most successful chase on #DPWorldILT20! 🥵
Sharjah Warriorz bag 2️⃣ points!The innings was led by Avishka Fernando all the way, and the home side chased down the target in a canter. Batsmanship at it's best! 🔝#SWVDC #AllInForCricket pic.twitter.com/R0csU3mIQX
– International League T20 (@ILT20Official) January 17, 2025