Dubai Capitals defeated Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 85 runs in the Eliminator to reach Qualifier 2 for a shot in the final of ILT20 season 2 riding on the all-round performance of their talisman Sikandar Raza. Raza scored 40 off 19 to take DC to 188/5 before chipping in with two crucial wickets. In the absence of key players, Raza has stepped up to the plate for DC time and again throughout the season and Tuesday at Zayed Cricket Stadium was no different.
DC has had a rollercoaster ride in the season. From finding themselves at the bottom of the pile to fighting their way to the top four and then winning the eliminator, a lot of the credit goes to the Zimbabwean star. After the crucial win, Raza, the Player of the Match talked about the team’s journey and the special quality of their side.
“Journey [through the season] has been going really well. From the last three matches we are playing if it was our last. But a team’s character is only known when their backs are against the wall. This team always had the skills, but we also showcased our character, when needed. We now have a chance for the finals but firstly we have a play-off match so let’s see how it goes.”
In the ongoing season, Raza has been instrumental in the Capitals’ success, leading the run-scoring chart with 303 runs at a strike rate of 137.73. Not only is the Zimbabwean T20 captain the highest run-scorer in the league but has also been one of the top wicket-takers for the Capitals.
Dubai Capitals’ captain and T20 specialist David Warner flew back owing to national duties after February 6, similar to the West Indies captain Rovman Powell, who left the team on February 3 for the Australia vs West Indies white-ball series. Another big blow included Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz who left for a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka to be played from February 14.
With the big guns leaving the squad, it was Raza who stood tall. Though England wicket-keeper batter Sam Billings took the leadership responsibility, the 37-year-old Raza proved to be the team’s talisman.
Reflecting upon his personal achievements in the game, Raza said, “A lot of times I have been in a position where my performance was good, but we aren’t able to win trophies – both with the national team and franchise. So, the actual fruit of personal attributes and accomplishments is only enjoyed when you win the trophy, So, I think it will mean a lot only if we win the trophy.”
Earlier in the match, Knight Riders won the toss and opted to bowl first against the Capitals, it felt like a spot in the final waiting for the Shah Rukh Khan-owned team. However, the Knights failed to put up a decent show at their home ground.
Even though the Capitals fumbled at the start of the first innings with regular wickets falling from one end, as the sky was setting at the picturesque stadium, the DC also settled with their shades of batting on the crease. Billings and Raza built a brilliant partnership and batted fiercely in the last five overs. Knight Riders couldn’t thwart the Raza-Willings partnership and DC managed a good 188 on the board.
Knights never got going in the chase and none except Hain and Willey stepped with confidence but that too was short-lived as Raza sent them back with his brilliant deliveries. DC are now just one win away from moving to the title clash but Raza is their vital cog in the wheel and the team’s success now depends a lot on him.
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