Dubai Capitals cruise to 73-run victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

The Capitals posted 187 for 6 thanks to some explosive knocks from Rovman Powell and Sikandar Raza before a team bowling performance restricted the Knight Riders

Dubai: Dubai Capitals 187-6, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 114-9 – Dubai Capitals won by 73 runs

Dubai Capitals made a winning start to life in the ILT20, cruising to an 73-run victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

Batting first, the Capitals made a steady start through Robin Uthappa (43 off 33) and Joe Root (26 off 21) before sparking into life in the second half of the innings.

Following Uthappa's dismissal in the 12th over, Rovman Powell sprang into action, smashing 45 runs off 20 balls as part of a 51-run stand (28 runs) with Sikandar Raza before eventually being dismissed for 48 (29) by Ravi Rampaul.

^{Paul Stirling scored a half-century in vain for the Knight Riders [Francois Nel/Getty Images]}

^{Rovman Powell put Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to the sword [Francois Nel/Getty Images]}

Raza picked up where his partner had left off, scoring 26 runs off 17 balls, before a late flourish from Ravi Bopara (12 off 4) and Isuru Udana (11 off 3) propelled the Capitals to 187 for 6 at close.

In reply, Paul Stirling was something a lone wolf for the Knight Riders, scoring 54 runs off 38 balls at the top of the order – Andre Russell (12) was the next highest scorer.

And when he was removed in the 12th over – captain Powell (2 for 15) once again making a crucial intervention – the Knight Riders imploded, collapsing from 82 for 3 to 103 for 9. They did, however, avoid losing all 10 wickets, closing on 114 for 9.

Udana (1 for 14), Mujeeb ur Rahman (2 for 16) and Raza (1 for 17) were the standout bowlers, conceding just three fours in addition to taking four wickets.