In the ILT20, Dubai Capitals defeated Desert Vipers by five wickets thanks to a last-ball six from Sikandar Raza. UAE’s 19-year-old medium pacer Ali Naseer bowled a valiant over when six runs were needed off the final ball, but Raza hit him long on. Ali Naseer needed 13 runs to win the over. At 60 off 45 balls, Raza was still undefeated with five boundaries and two sixes.
Sam Billings, who scored 57 off 36 balls with five boundaries and two sixes, and Raza shared a 79-run partnership in 54 balls for the fourth wicket, and Raza and Dasun Shanaka (10) shared a 40-run partnership in just 23 balls for the fifth wicket, which helped his team win.
“I don’t think he will go short because I hit one out of the ground earlier,” I told myself. After his final-ball six, Raza declared, “I’ll hold my shape and try to hit it in the air and hit it as well as I can.”
“These are the lessons we have learned throughout our careers; Nasier bowled really well.” It was amazing that a 19-year-old bo
wled the last over and almost won it for them. Though we were grateful for the victory tonight, it could have gone either way. The first thing that emerges is my enduring faith.
Prior to this, Vipers had amassed 171 for 7, thanks to 66 runs in 37 balls from Alex Hales. The other two notable contributors were Michael Jones (20) and Phil Salt (26).
“Raza has shown his true character and skill,” said Sam Billings, responding to Raza’s jab. I told him he could have him back with one shot. The spinners changed the game, and we just needed to persevere. They did an amazing job. We can handle tomorrow; tonight is what we needed to win. Really pleased with the work.
Colin Munro, the captain of the Vipers, expressed his disappointment, saying, “They bowled exceptionally well, but we lost wickets in clumps which never helps.” Although the top two played well, we were sadly unable to get going. Ali Naseer deserves credit for his excellent bowling; he will encounter similar circumstances frequently in the future. Well for us for the upcoming year as well.
