CAPITALS GET A CHANCE TO COME BACK

Dubai Capitals’ loss in their penultimate match of league stage to Desert Vipers in the DP World ILT20 has put them in a spot of bother as they take on MI Emirates in Dubai today.

However, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have done a huge favour to the Dubai team by inflicting five-wicket loss on Sharjah Warriors, as both these teams are vying for the final play-off slot in the inaugural edition. After nine matches, both Sharjah and Capitals are with seven points each and a win will give the team the edge over their closest competitors. However, Sharjah will have the advantage of playing their final match at home tomorrow, knowing full well what is required for them to enter the play-offs.

Should Capitals win against MI Emirates, who have already advanced to the next stage along with Desert Vipers and Gulf Giants, then Sharjah need to win against Giants tomorrow. Capitals, who have a well-rounded team, need a good start and a big score for Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa to spin his magic around MI Emirates.

Having already sealed their place in the ILT20 play-offs with a clinical win on Friday, MI Emirates will aim to finish on a winning note before the start of the play-offs.

Seasoned West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, who led from the front with the ball in the previous encounter by grabbing three wickets, is happy that the team has managed to cross the first phase, but at the same time prefers to take one game at a time, and stay focused. “Very happy for all of us. This is the first phase we wanted (to reach) and qualify. Congratulations to the entire team, it was a very well deserved victory,” said the Trinidadian.