Dubai (PNP)
The ILT20 Thunderbolts bounced back from a two-match losing streak with two consecutive wins at the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament 2024. Meanwhile, Dubai Capitals Development claimed a crucial victory to move to the top of the points table, and ILT20 Marvels delivered a dominant performance to secure a convincing win over the ILT20 Pearls.
ILT20 Thunderbolts registered a comprehensive 94-run victory over ILT20 Marvels. Put in first, the Thunderbolts posted a competitive total of 181/3 in 20 overs. Opener Luqman Faisal who is also the top scorer of the season, excelled again as he posted a 43-ball half century, joining Raees Ahmed in an 83-run alliance. Raees Ahmed and Rahul Chopra also struck half centuries scoring 68 runs and 54 runs respectively as they remained unbeaten in a brisk 82-run partnership.
In response, the Marvels fell considerably short at 87/10 in 15 overs. The Marvels only saw three batsmen who reached the double figure mark, including Vishnu Sukumaran’s knock of 33 runs and Zawar Farid knock of 23 runs. For the Thunderbolts, Awais Ali Shah cleaned up the tail in his four-wicket spell while Umair Ali and Simranjeet Singh finished with two wickets each.
Earlier in the day, Dubai Capitals Development overcame Desert Vipers Development by 27 runs in a high-scoring encounter. The Capitals sailed to 217/2 in 20 overs as openers Muhammad Zohaib and Mayank combined for a colossal stand of 181 runs. Muhammad Zohaib remained unbeaten on 98 runs in 58 deliveries, with nine sixes and four fours. Mayank was also in stellar form as he struck 91 runs in 51 balls, studded with seven fours and six sixes before he was castled by Khuzaima Tanveer. Muhammad Farooq Momand also chipped in with 19 runs to ensure a strong finish.
The Vipers had a promising start to their run chase with half centuries from both openers. Tanish Suri raced to 69 runs in 37 balls while Taimoor Ali top scored with 84 runs in 47 balls. However, the innings lost momentum after both openers perished to leave the innings at 163/2 in 14.4 overs. Three wicket hauls from Haider Ali and Raja Akifullah Khan limited the Vipers to 190/10 in 19.4 overs.