Date: January 1, 2026
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Result: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) won by 50 runs
The first day of 2026 brought high-stakes drama to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium as the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) faced off against the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20 Eliminator. In a match defined by a blistering start, a mid-innings collapse, and a masterclass in spin bowling, it was the Knight Riders who emerged victorious, keeping their title hopes alive with a comprehensive 50-run win.
The “Salt and Pepper” Show Sets the Stage
Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Knight Riders’ strategy was clear: post a daunting total and let their spinners do the rest. The opening duo of Michael-Kyle Pepper and Phil Salt executed this plan to perfection. They unleashed a relentless assault on the Capitals’ bowling attack, putting on a massive 122-run partnership for the first wicket in just over 13 overs.
Michael-Kyle Pepper was the protagonist of the first innings, smashing 72 off 49 balls, including 7 boundaries and 3 towering sixes. Phil Salt complemented him perfectly with a steady 43 off 34 balls. At 122/0, the Knight Riders looked set for a total well beyond 180.
Also Read: Andries Gous’ Historic Century Propels Desert Vipers into ILT20 Final
The Great Collapse and Captain’s Recovery
Cricket is a game of shifting momentums, and the 14th over provided a stunning twist. From a position of absolute dominance, ADKR suddenly found themselves in a tailspin. Phil Salt fell to Mohammad Nabi, sparking a collapse that saw the Knight Riders lose five wickets for just 8 runs. Big names like Andre Russell (1) and Liam Livingstone (4) fell cheaply as Nabi (3/25) and Haider Ali applied the squeeze.
However, captain Jason Holder stepped up when his team needed a steady hand. His cameo of 22* off just 11 deliveries, featuring two massive sixes, ensured that the Knight Riders didn’t just crawl to the finish line. They ended their 20 overs at 158/7—a competitive, albeit lower-than-expected total given their start.
The Spin Web: Narine and Livingstone Dismantle the Chase
Chasing 159 under the lights, the Dubai Capitals never found their rhythm. The Knight Riders’ bowling attack, led by the evergreen Sunil Narine, turned the “Ring of Fire” into a spin trap.
The Capitals’ chase stuttered early when Toby Albert was dismissed by Holder in the second over. Then came the Narine masterclass. The West Indian mystery spinner was unplayable, finishing with figures of 3/12 in his 3 overs. He removed Shayan Jahangir, Gulbadin Naib, and Navin Bidaisee, effectively breaking the back of the Capitals’ middle order.
Liam Livingstone provided the perfect support from the other end, utilizing the grip on the surface to claim 3/26. He dismissed the dangerous James Neesham (19) and David Willey, ensuring there was no late-order resurgence.
The Final Blows
While Mohammad Nabi tried to fight a lone battle with a spirited 27 off 21 balls, the required run rate climbed out of reach. Jason Holder returned to polish off the tail, taking two wickets in two balls in the 17th over to bundle out the Capitals for a mere 108 in 16.2 overs.
Key Performers of the Match
- Michael-Kyle Pepper (ADKR): 72 (49) – Provided the explosive start that proved to be the difference.
- Sunil Narine (ADKR): 3/12 (3 overs) – The Player of the Match for his clinical spell that derailed the chase.
- Jason Holder (ADKR): 22* (11) & 3/18 (3.2 overs) – A true captain’s performance with both bat and ball.
- Mohammad Nabi (DC): 3/25 & 27 (21) – The standout performer for the Capitals in a losing cause.
What’s Next?
The Dubai Capitals exit the tournament with their heads held high after a competitive season. For the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, the journey continues. This clinical 50-run victory propels them into Qualifier 2 against MI Emirates, where they will battle for a spot in the grand final against the Desert Vipers.
With their openers in red-hot form and the spin department firing on all cylinders, the Knight Riders are looking like the team to beat in the final stages of ILT20 2026.
Also Read: MI Emirates Storm into ILT20 Final: A Clinical Performance in Qualifier 2