Hope, Powell help Capitals book spot in final

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates:

West Indians Shai Hope and Rovman Powell made meaningful contributions for the Dubai Capitals in their thrilling five-wicket win over the Desert Vipers yesterday that helped them secure a spot in the final of the International League T20.

Playing in Qualifier 1 at the Dubai Internationa Cricket Stadium, Hope scored a run-a-ball 17, while Powell smashed 20 from 13 balls, as the Capitals chased down the Vipers' total of 189 for seven, finishing on 193 for five with Sikandar Raza hitting a boundary off the last ball of the match to secure the victory.

Player-of-the-Match Gulbadin Naib topscored for the Capitals with 62 from 39 balls, Adam Rossington made 44 from 31 balls and captain Sam Billings hit 38 from 16 balls.

Earlier, Sherfane Rutherford's struggles with the bat continued as he was dismissed for just four in the Vipers' innings.

Alex Hales led the way for the Vipers with 67 from 32 balls, Max Holden scored 36 and Dan Lawrence added 34.

Gulbadin took 2-25, while Qais Ahmad snagged 2-29 for the Capitals.

- CMC