ILT20 2025: Avishka Fernando’s record-breaking performance powers Sharjah Warriorz to historic chase against Dubai Capitals
The 8th International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 match between Dubai Capitals and Sharjah Warriorz proved to be an epic contest, ending with the Warriorz chasing down the highest total in ILT20 history. The match, played at Sharjah, witnessed a historic run chase as Avishka Fernando‘s blistering knock guided the Warriorz to an incredible target of 202 runs, securing victory with 11 balls to spare.
Dubai Capitals’ batting led by Shai Hope
The Capitals, who won the toss and opted to bat first, posted a challenging total of 201/5 in their 20 overs. Shai Hope anchored the innings with an unbeaten 83 off 52 balls, laced with six towering sixes and three boundaries. Alongside Hope, Brandon McMullen (22 off 14), Sikandar Raza (27 off 20) and Rovman Powell (28 off 15) made valuable contributions, each playing their part in building a strong innings. The Warriorz bowlers, led by Tim Southeedisplayed excellent discipline, with Southee returning figures of 2/35 in his four-over spell. Karim Janat also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, removing Hope at a vital stage, while Gulbadin Naib (6 off 3) added a late flourish. Despite the effort, The Capitals ended at 201/5, setting up a memorable chase.
Historic run chase by Sharjah Warriorz
In their reply, the Warriorz began with aggressive intent, and Avishka took charge from the start. The Sri Lankan batter was in a league of his own, smashing an astonishing 81 runs off just 27 deliveries, a knock that included six fours and eight massive sixes. Fernando’s ability to clear the boundary with such ease and his calculated aggression transformed the run chase into a one-sided affair early on. His innings culminated in the fastest fifty in ILT20 history, reaching his half-century off just 16 balls – a feat that left the crowd stunned and the opposition deflated.
Johnson Charles provided the early stability with a quick-fire 37 off 19 balls, while Rohan Mustafa’s steady 17 runs off 16 deliveries helped keep the run-rate ticking. However, it was Fernando’s destructive batting that shifted the momentum entirely in favour of the Warriorz. The Capitals’ bowlers, including Dushmantha Chameera (3/30) and Olly Stone (1/50), tried to contain Fernando, but they had no answer to his onslaught. His fearless approach forced the Capitals to constantly adjust their line and length, with no success in curbing his free-flowing scoring.
As the target approached, Luke Wells (31 not out off 17) provided the perfect finishing touch, hitting boundaries at crucial intervals to keep the required run rate in check. The Warriorz comfortably reached 202/5 in just 18 overs, claiming a historic win with 11 balls to spare, marking the highest successful chase in ILT20 history.
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Avishka Fernando’s blistering knock rewrites records
Avishka’s innings was nothing short of sensational, featuring 6 boundaries and 8 monstrous sixes, including the fastest fifty in ILT20 history- reaching his half-century off just 16 balls! His sheer dominance at the crease rewrote records and set a new benchmark for chases in this league. The previous record for the highest chase in ILT20 belonged to the Gulf Giantswho successfully chased 196 runs against Desert Vipers at Dubai in the 2023 edition.
However, Fernando’s sensational knock shattered that record, showcasing his ability to clear the boundary with ease and maintain an aggressive tempo throughout his innings. Earlier in the 2024 edition, Pakistan’s Azam Khan had set the record for the fastest fifty in ILT20 history, taking just 18 balls to reach his fifty against the Giants. But Fernando’s calculated aggression and ability to accelerate at will took things to another level entirely.
Highest successful chase at the #DPWorldILT20!
Sharjah Warriorz bag 2⃣ points!The innings was headlined by Avishka Fernando all the way, and the home side chased down the target in a canter. Batsmanship of the highest order! #SWvDC #AllInForCricket pic.twitter.com/R0csU3mIQX
— International League T20 (@ILT20Official) January 17, 2025
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