Powell, Hope guide Capitals to first ever ILT20 title

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates:

West Indies T20 skipper Rovman Powell and one-day international captain Shai Hope played instrumental roles as the Dubai Capitals captured their maiden International League T20 (ILT20) title with a thrilling four-wicket win over the Desert Vipers at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Chasing 190 for victory after the Vipers posted 189 for five from their 20 overs, the Capitals were in real trouble at 31 for three before Hope and Powell came to their rescue.

Player-of-the-Match Powell, who benefited from a life after wicketkeeper Azam Khan missed an easy stumping opportunity when he had scored just two runs, blasted seven fours and three sixes in scoring 63 from 38 balls, while Hope scored 43 from 39 at the top of the order, and the Capitals finished on 191 for six off 19.2 overs.

The pair added 80 in under nine overs to resuscitate the Capitals' run chase before Sam Curran struck to dismiss Hope.

However, Dasun Shanaka scored 21 from 10 balls and Sikandar Raza brought the curtains down with an exhilarating 34 from 12 balls to carry the Capitals over the line with four balls to spare.

Earlier, Max Holden cracked 76 from 51 balls and Curran scored an unbeaten 62 from 33 balls to help the Vipers post a formidable total.

Obed McCoy was the Capitals' best bowler with 2-44 from his four overs.

- CMC