Dubai Capitals secured a dramatic one-run victory over MI Emirates in the opening match of ILT20 Season 3 at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday. In a contest that went down to the wire, the Capitals overcame a brilliant half-century by Nicholas Pooran to register the narrowest win in the tournament's history.
Chasing a modest target of 134, MI Emirates seemed to have the upper hand as they required just 16 runs off the final 15 balls. However, the Capitals' bowling unit, led by Player of the Match Gulbadin Naib, staged a remarkable comeback. Naib bowled with precision, claiming 3 for 13 in his four overs, including the vital wicket of Pooran in the 18th over. Olly Stone, who returned figures of 2 for 14, also played a key role by conceding just one run in the 19th over.
