Theekshana and Sams Shine as Sharjah Warriors Crush Dubai Capitals with a Nine-Wicket Win

Sharjah, UAE – In a thrilling encounter at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on 29th January 2024, Sharjah Warriors dominated Dubai Capitals in the 14th match of the DP World ILT20 season 2. Sri Lankan off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana showcased a brilliant performance, taking four wickets for 20 runs, while Daniel Sams contributed with 3 for 28. Their outstanding bowling efforts restricted Dubai Capitals to a meager total of 104 runs in 18.2 overs.

Chasing the target, Sharjah Warriors achieved a convincing nine-wicket victory in just 13.1 overs, courtesy of a dynamic opening partnership of 70 runs in 8.2 overs between Niroshan Dickwella (37 runs) and Johnson Charles (43 not out). Joe Denly also contributed with an unbeaten 23 off 16 balls. The Warriors secured the win with 41 balls to spare, demonstrating their dominance in the encounter.

The Capitals, opting to bat first after winning the toss, faced a collapse as Theekshana dismantled their batting lineup. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ben Dunk, and David Warner fell early, and the Capitals struggled to recover. Theekshana’s impressive spell, combined with Sams’ effective bowling, proved too much for Dubai Capitals.

With this emphatic victory, Sharjah Warriors climbed to the second position on the points table, while Dubai Capitals slipped to the fourth spot. The Warriors’ skipper, Kohler-Cadmore, praised the team’s overall performance, particularly highlighting Theekshana’s ability to bowl in the powerplay.

The Player of the Match award went to Maheesh Theekshana for his exceptional bowling performance, and he expressed confidence heading into the next match in Abu Dhabi. On the other hand, Capitals captain David Warner acknowledged his team’s batting struggles and emphasized the need for a more assertive approach in upcoming matches.

Brief Scores: Sharjah Warriors beat Dubai Capitals by 9 wickets. Dubai Capitals: 104 in 18.2 overs (Sikandar Raza 22, Roelof van der Merwe 21, Daniel Sams 3 for 28, Maheesh Theekshana 4 for 20) Sharjah Warriors: 105 for 1 in 13.1 overs (Niroshan Dickwella 37, Johnson Charles 43 not out, Joe Denly 23 not out)
Player of the Match: Maheesh Theekshana