DP World ILT20 2025, Match 29 Review: Warner heroics propel Dubai Capitals into playoffs

David Warner's explosive batting propelled the Dubai Capitals into the playoffs of the DP World ILT20 2025 after they clinched a stunning 26-run win over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. With the win, the Dubai Capitals become the fourth and final team to seal their spot in the playoffs.

Warner, playing his first match of the season, was the game-changer as his magnificent unbeaten 93 steered the Dubai Capitals to their sixth win in seven matches against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

Chasing a steep total of 218, the Knight Riders had their task cut out as they needed an outright win to stay alive in the competition. Their batters got off to a cagey start, but once they got going, there was no stopping them. Andries Gous was the wrecker-in-chief as he clobbered six boundaries in 11 deliveries to guide his side to 50/0 at the end of the powerplay. Having set the tempo for the chase, Kyle Mayers stepped on the gas with a few clutch boundaries.

Check out: DP World ILT20 2025 Points Table

Gous and Mayers formed the foundation of the Knight Riders' chase as they looked well-set at the halfway mark at 89/0, with both batters firing on all cylinders. However, an inspired bowling change gave the Capitals a route back into the contest as Gulbadin Naib outfoxed Mayers.

The Capitals had more reasons to celebrate as David Willey fell after making just one run and the Knight Riders were stranded at 153/5, needing 65 runs in 18 balls. It proved to be too big a target to chase as the Dubai Capitals closed out a commanding 26-run win. This was the first time in seven matches that the team batting first had won the match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Brief scores

Dubai Capitals beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 26 runs

• Dubai Capitals 217/4 in 20 overs (David Warner 93 not out, Gulbadin Naib 47, Shai Hope 36, Dasun Shanaka 34 not out, Sunil Narine 1 for 34)
• Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 191/5 in 20 overs (Andries Gous 78, Kyle Mayers 42, Joe Clarke retired hurt for 29, Dushmantha Chameera 2 for 25, Gulbadin Naib 1 for 32)

Player of the Match: David Warner

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