Avishka Fernando’s record-breaking fifty leads Sharjah Warriorz to historic win over Dubai Capitals

In a high-octane clash at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Avishka Fernando’s explosive batting powered the Sharjah Warriorz to a record-breaking chase in International League T20 (ILT20) history. The Warriorz overcame a daunting target of 202 set by the Dubai Capitals, clinching the match in 18.1 overs with five wickets in hand. Fernando’s scintillating 81 off just 27 balls, which included a record-breaking half-century in 16 balls, was the highlight of the evening.

After the Capitals posted a competitive 201/5, the Warriorz started aggressively. Johnson Charles, opening the innings, hammered 37 runs off 19 balls, including three sixes and three fours, before being dismissed by Olly Stone in the final over of the powerplay. His contribution, along with Jason Roy’s steady 26, set the foundation at 56/1.

Avishka Fernando entered at number three and completely took over the game in the ninth over, tearing into Gulbadin Naib with a flurry of boundaries. His 16-ball fifty smashed the previous ILT20 record of 18 balls set by Azam Khan. Fernando’s devastating assault included eight sixes and six fours, with a particularly brutal 27-run over against Naib marking the most runs conceded in a single over in ILT20 history.

Despite being dismissed by Obed McCoy in the 16th over, Fernando’s innings had already tilted the game in favor of the Warriorz. Luke Wells added the finishing touch with a composed 31 off 17 balls, ensuring a comfortable victory.

The Dubai Capitals started strong, making full use of the powerplay restrictions. Ben Dunk smashed two fours and a six early on but was dismissed by an acrobatic effort from Kemo Paul off Adam Milne. Shai Hope anchored the innings with a brilliant 83 off 50 balls, supported by Sikandar Raza’s 27 off 20. The pair added 67 runs in quick time to keep the Capitals on track.

Rovman Powell’s late blitz of 28 runs off 15 balls, including an 18-run over against Karim Janat, further boosted the total. Hope added two sixes off Adam Milne in the 19th over, helping the Capitals breach the 200-run mark. Tim Southee’s disciplined bowling in the final over claimed the wickets of Powell and Dasun Shanaka, restricting further damage.

Player of the Match Avishka Fernando expressed his delight with the performance, saying, “I wanted to play my natural game, and I thank God for how things turned out. The wicket was great to bat on, and when they scored 200, I knew I had to play positively. I didn’t realize I had broken the record for the fastest fifty, but I’m happy with the performance.”

Dubai Capitals captain Sikandar Raza lamented missed opportunities, stating, “I thought it was a very good total. You don’t usually see 202 in Sharjah, so I was confident it was a strong score. Shai has been fantastic for us, but we need the others to step up. The wicket got better later, and the dew made it tougher. Our fielding could have been better, and Avishka played brilliantly.”