The Dubai Capitals delivered a jaw-dropping performance on Sunday as they pulled off the highest run chase in the history of the DP World ILT20, defeating the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by eight wickets. Powered by sensational performances from Shai Hope and Gulbadin Naib, the Capitals chased down a daunting target of 204 with a ball to spare, securing their place in the record books.

The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders showcased their batting firepower, amassing 203/4, their season's highest total. Kyle Mayers and Andries Gous laid the foundation with a rapid 63-run opening stand. Gous’ quick-fire 27 off 17 balls and Mayers’ 35 off 21 balls put the Capitals on the back foot early.

The Capitals began their pursuit in style, with Adam Rossington and Shai Hope adding 54 runs during the powerplay. Hope, continuing his exceptional form in the league, anchored the innings with a composed 70 off 48 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes. His calm presence allowed Gulbadin Naib to play one of the innings of his life.

Naib’s initial restraint—scoring just one boundary in his first 27 runs—gave way to an explosive display of power-hitting. He smashed an exhilarating 80 off 47 balls, featuring four fours and five sixes, as he and Hope combined for a massive 135-run partnership that kept the Capitals in the game.

Although Naib fell in the 18th over to Jason Holder, the Capitals were well within striking distance. Enter Dasun Shanaka, whose cameo of 17 not out off eight balls, including a six and two boundaries in the penultimate over, sealed the chase with one ball to spare.

Player of the Match Gulbadin Naib reflected on the thrilling chase, saying: "Shai and I were just looking to rotate the strike at one stage, but after the 14th over, we shifted the momentum. T20 cricket should always be entertaining for the crowd. If you observe the opposition and they look worried, it means you are doing well. I am available to bat at any position. As an athlete, you must always prepare for any situation and never give excuses to your captain. This is something I have always followed in my career."

Capitals’ Head Coach Hemang Badani praised the team’s resilience and said, "This was a historic win. To chase 204 on a big stage like this says a lot about the character of our players. Shai and Gulbadin showed immense composure and class today."

Brief Scores

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: 203/4 in 20 overs (Charith Asalanka 74, Kyle Mayers 35, Sikandar Raza 2/24)

Dubai Capitals: 207/2 in 19.5 overs (Gulbadin Naib 80, Shai Hope 70, Andre Russell 1/38, Jason Holder 1/40)