Emerging from a competitive learning curve in the early matches, Dubai Capitals defeated Desert Vipers on Monday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium campaigning for title at ILT20 Season 3. The masterful performance was applauded and admired by the assistant coach Munaf Patel along with Zimbabwe icon and Dubai Capitals Skipper Sikandar Raza sharing special mention for Shai Hope and Rovman Powell’s brilliant intervene.

Skipper Sikandar Raza articulating on the team’s collective support and energy, shared, “For the past two years, we’ve always been a team that relies heavily on feeling. Our success was not just about catching, but about comprehensive team performance. It was the backing up, the intent, everybody running and backing each other.”

Sharing more on the importance of maintaining crucial bowling roles for winning important matches, skipper Sikandar Raza explained, “Once your bowler sees a lot of those things, you know, they become a lot more confident. I thought on the whole, the energies, the vibe, the positivity in the field connected really well so this is the start of something that we need to do.”

In addition to Assistant Coach Munaf Patel’s recognition of unsung heroes of the match, the skipper added, “Shai recognised the surface pretty quickly and the message that came from him was very clear,” Raza noted.

The skipper also highlighted Rovman Powell’s significant behind-the-scenes support, particularly in providing strategic insights to bowlers. “The other unsung hero is Powell, the way he was helping the bowler, all that information goes a long way. So, a lot of information goes unnoticed in changing rooms” Raza emphasized.

Finally admiring the brilliant family culture, Raza added, “I’m pretty confident that with the twenty of us here, anybody who gets the opportunity, I know is going to put their heart on the sleeve and play for this team. It’s a wonderful family and culture that we’ve created in the tenure. So, going forward I think this is something that we take within our strides and we take a lot of pride on.”

The Dubai Capitals are set to face Gulf Giants in their next match on the 23rd of January at 8pm IST. The squad is committed to carry forward the momentum and team spirit displayed in their recent victory against Desert Vipers.

The Dubai Capitals delivered a masterful performance to halt the Desert Vipers’ unbeaten run with a convincing six-wicket victory at the Dubai International Stadium. The win was orchestrated through a clinical bowling display, with Dushmantha Chameera and Zahir Khan each claiming three wickets to restrict the Vipers to 139.

Former Indian cricketer Munaf Patel now Assistant Coach of Dubai Capitals, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance; “Our recent form had dipped slightly, with three consecutive losses, but today our bowlers delivered an exceptional performance. The pitch conditions worked in our favor from the moment we started bowling.”

Reflecting on the team’s strategy, Patel added; “We gave our players complete freedom to express themselves, whether it was about scoring runs or rotating the strike. We had confidence in our batting depth, with three capable batsmen still in reserve. Today’s victory wasn’t just about breaking their streak; it was about executing our plans perfectly.”

Patel also praised the team’s tactical approach; “Our bowling unit’s performance today showcased their true potential. The conditions suited our style, and the decision to bowl first proved crucial in setting up this victory. The team demonstrated great character in bouncing back from our recent setbacks.”

The Dubai Capitals will look to maintain their winning momentum when they face Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in their next fixture at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday 26th of January. With this crucial victory boosting team morale, the Capitals aim to climb higher in the tournament standings and secure their position in the playoff race.

Bharti Fulmali, Prakashika Naik, and Kashvee Gautam, new recruits of the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League 2025, attended the ILT20 match between the Gulf Giants and Dubai Capitals at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Their presence in UAE was part of Adani Sportsline’s efforts to promote women’s cricket in UAE.

Fulmali, who has been with the team since season two, scored 64 runs in three matches, including an impressive 42 runs off 36 balls. The Vidarbha batter revealed she’s a fan of Shimron Hetmyer, drawing parallels between their batting styles.

“I admire Shimron Hetmyer. He’s one of my favorite batters because he’s a hitter, just like me. We both bat in the middle order, and I’m eager to watch him play. My batting style and mindset are very similar to his,” she said. “As a finisher, you typically have only four or five overs to bat, so you need to hit from the first ball. During our pre-season camp, my coach mentioned promoting me in the batting order, so I’m preparing for those situations.”

Kashvee Gautam, who became the most expensive uncapped Indian player in the 2024 WPL auction when Gujarat Giants acquired her for Rs 2 crore, made history in 2020 by taking 10 wickets in an innings while playing for Chandigarh in the Women’s U-19 One Day Trophy. After missing the previous season due to injury, she’s ready to make her mark.

Gautam is particularly excited to play alongside West Indian cricketer Deandra Dottin, a T20 World Cup winner known for her explosive batting. “She’s a great athlete who can hit big sixes and take blinders. As an all-rounder, I relate to her role and look forward to sharing the dressing room with her,” she said.

Kashvee also praised leagues like ILT20 and WPL for nurturing young talent. “Both leagues have given opportunities to young players, and it’s great to see them evolving. They’re showcasing their talent alongside elite athletes. As a WPL player, I’m honored to share the dressing room with legends we’ve all watched and admired on TV.”

Prakashika Naik, picked by Gujarat Giants at the Tata WPL Auction 2025 for Rs 10 lakhs, shared her impression of the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. “The ground and atmosphere here are excellent. While it’s challenging for leg-spinners, it’s a great venue. It’s inspiring to see Aayan Afzal Khan bowling and consistently taking wickets on these pitches. It is a great learning to see him bowl.”

Naik looks forward to learning from her new teammates, particularly Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield. “Australian players have a tough mindset, and I’m excited to work with them. Phoebe Litchfield is young but has a great approach. The way she bats and leads by example is impressive.”

Discussing the upcoming season, Gautam expressed confidence in her team: “Our squad is well-balanced with good all-rounders. That’s crucial in T20s – you need a long batting lineup and fast bowlers. I’m looking forward to winning many games with my team.”

Gujarat Giants will begin their WPL 2025 campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on February 14 in Vadodara.