The Dubai Capitals claimed their first-ever DP World ILT20 title in a thrilling final, securing a four-wicket victory over the Desert Vipers. After a rocky start to the season, the team showed remarkable resilience, culminating in a dramatic finish that saw them clinch the title. Captain Sam Billings shared his thoughts on the team’s redemption and the key moments that led to their success.
A Nail-Biting Final
Reflecting on the final’s intensity, Billings expressed his pride in the team’s performance. “We’ve had some brilliant matches against the Desert Vipers, and tonight was an outstanding contest. The composure shown by some of the players at the end was remarkable,” he said. Billings emphasized the unpredictability of T20 cricket, especially when chasing, and how crucial partnerships can turn the tide. “In T20 cricket, especially when chasing in this part of the world, you’re never out of the game if two players get going.”
A Journey of Redemption
The Dubai Capitals faced a challenging start to the season, but their turnaround was nothing short of spectacular. After losing their first three matches, they bounced back with six wins in seven games, eventually climbing from the bottom of the table to claim the championship. Billings likened this season’s redemption to last year’s performance, where the team also made a dramatic surge to the final. “Similar to last year, we were at the bottom of the table before winning several in a row to reach the final,” he said.
Billings admitted he was disappointed after last season’s near miss, but winning the trophy this year made it all the more special. “I was gutted when we couldn’t get the job done last year. Winning this trophy is very special, and the manner in which we did it makes it even more meaningful.”
Key Performances That Led to the Win
The final saw an outstanding contribution from Sikandar Raza, who smashed 34 runs off just 12 balls, while Dasun Shanaka’s quick-fire 21 runs provided the finishing touches. Billings praised Raza for his experience and ability to deliver in clutch moments. “I’ve told him over the last couple of games that he’d be the one to hit the winning runs, and he’s done it many times,” Billings said.
Rovman Powell and Shai Hope played pivotal roles in setting up the chase, with Hope’s steady performance throughout the season earning him the Green Belt for the best batter of the tournament. Hope amassed 527 runs in 12 innings, including three half-centuries and a century.
Teamwork and Unity: The Cornerstones of Success
Billings reflected on the team’s unity as a key factor in their victory. “A team is always stronger when it’s moving in the same direction, and I think that’s what we’ve done brilliantly this year,” he said. “You can see those close wins; they’re the difference when a team plays for each other and together.” This teamwork mentality was crucial as the team navigated tough situations and delivered when it mattered most.
Outstanding Individual Performances
While the Dubai Capitals’ success was built on collective effort, individual performances played a huge role. Shai Hope’s impressive batting throughout the season earned him the top batter award, and Gulbadin Naib’s all-round contributions, with 381 runs and 11 wickets, were pivotal in the team’s success. Despite missing out on the final, Dushmantha Chameera and Obed McCoy were exceptional throughout the tournament, each claiming 13 wickets.
