Gurbaz and Fraser-McGurk Shine in Dubai Capitals’ Convincing 7-Wicket Victory over MI Emirates

Gurbaz scored 81 off 39 balls while Jake Fraser-McGurk struck a breezy 54 off 25 balls; MI Emirates skipper Muhammad Waseem’s half ton goes in vain

Commenting on the big win, Dubai Capitals skipper David Warner said: “I enjoy leadership. There is great energy in our camp and that helps. These two guys (Gurbaz and Fraser) come with clear minds and are at the peak of their game right now.” 

Dubai, UAE – Dubai Capitals secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over MI Emirates in the second match of the DP World ILT20 Season 2 at the Dubai International Stadium. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Jake Fraser-McGurk played aggressive innings, scoring half-centuries to chase down MI Emirates’ total of 159 for 9 with 24 balls to spare. Gurbaz contributed 81 runs off 39 balls, while Fraser-McGurk added a breezy 54 off 25 balls, forming a crucial 114-run partnership for the second wicket.

MI Emirates, despite a promising start, stumbled from 79 for 1 to 140 for 8 by the 19th over. Muhammad Waseem top-scored with a dynamic 51 off 26 balls, supported by Andre Fletcher (30) and Nicholas Pooran (21). Sikandar Raza’s bowling performance, taking three wickets for 21, along with Jason Holder’s 3 for 34, played a key role in restricting MI Emirates.

Dubai Capitals’ captain David Warner credited the team’s energy for the win, praising the clear-minded performances of Gurbaz and Fraser-McGurk. Warner acknowledged the challenge posed by Trent Boult’s swinging deliveries.

MI Emirates skipper Nicholas Pooran admitted that his team didn’t play smart cricket, losing wickets consistently. Despite reaching a total of 159, Pooran acknowledged it wasn’t enough. Sikandar Raza, named Player of the Match, emphasized the importance of belief in oneself and executing smart cricket.

In the MI Emirates innings, opener Muhammad Waseem’s aggressive half-century propelled the team, but the Capitals’ bowlers, led by Sikandar Raza, slowed down the scoring in the latter overs. Waseem’s innings ended at 51, and MI Emirates struggled to maintain momentum.

Chasing the target, Dubai Capitals’ skipper Warner won the toss and elected to bowl. Gurbaz and Fraser-McGurk’s aggressive knocks set the tone for Capitals, reaching the target of 160 in just 16 overs. Fraser-McGurk was eventually dismissed for 54, and Gurbaz departed after an explosive 81.

Brief scores: Dubai Capitals: 160 for 3 in 16 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 81, Jake Fraser-McGurk 54, Trent Boult 2 for 23) MI Emirates: 159 for 9 in 20 overs (Muhammad Waseem 51, Andre Fletcher 30, Nicholas Pooran 21, Tim David 27, Jason Holder 3 for 34, Sikandar Raza 3 for 21) Player of the Match: Sikandar Raza of Dubai Capitals