Avishka Fernando sets a new ILT20 2025 record with a blistering 81 runs off 27 balls, leading Sharjah Warriorz to a thrilling win over Dubai Capitals with a record-breaking chase.
New Delhi: Avishka Fernando set Sharjah Cricket Stadium alight with a blistering innings that helped the Sharjah Warriorz chase down a challenging target of 202 against Dubai Capitals. Fernando played an explosive knock of 81 runs off just 27 balls, bringing up the fastest fifty in DP World ILT20 history in just 16 balls—surpassing the previous record of 18 balls set by Azam Khan of the Desert Vipers.
Fernando’s aggressive display included eight sixes and six fours, leading the Warriorz to a thrilling chase in just 18.1 overs with five wickets in hand. The chasing team was off to a strong start thanks to Johnson Charles and Jason Roy, with Charles scoring a quick 37 runs in 19 balls, including three fours and three sixes. Fernando, however, took center stage, smashing Gulbadin Naib for three consecutive sixes in a 27-run over, a record for the most runs conceded in a single over in the tournament’s history.
Shai Hope’s Match-Altering Knock for Dubai Capitals
Earlier, Dubai Capitals posted a competitive total of 201/5 in their allotted 20 overs, with Shai Hope leading the charge. The talented batter remained not out on 83, while Rovman Powell added a quickfire 28 off 15 balls. Despite the Capitals’ efforts, the Warriorz’s fiery chase, led by Fernando, overwhelmed them. Captain Sikandar Raza contributed a steady 27, but the team’s hopes of defending the target were dashed as Fernando and Luke Wells steered the Warriorz home comfortably.
Fernando’s Record-Setting Fifty
Avishka Fernando’s innings were nothing short of spectacular. After coming in at number three, Fernando wasted no time and took on the Capitals’ bowlers. He reached his half-century in just 16 balls, setting a new DP World ILT20 record. The previous record was held by Desert Vipers’ Azam Khan, who took 18 balls for his fifty. Fernando’s remarkable performance not only broke records but also played a key role in the Warriorz’s dominant win.
The Middle Overs Push the Warriorz Ahead
With Fernando’s fireworks, the Warriorz continued their march towards victory. UAE’s Rohan Mustafa chipped in with a vital 17 runs before being dismissed by Dushmantha Chameera, bringing the Warriorz score to 132/3 in the 12th over. But it was Fernando’s onslaught, including three sixes off Naib in one over, that had the crowd roaring and the game in their grasp.
Fifth Wicket Seals the Win for Warriorz
Fernando’s explosive knock was finally ended when Obed McCoy got him caught behind in the 16th over. With the target nearing, Luke Wells kept his composure, contributing 31 runs off 17 balls to seal the win for the Warriorz with 11 balls to spare.
DP World ILT20 Record for Fastest Fifty
Player of the Match, Avishka Fernando, spoke of his instinctive approach to the game: “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. It came naturally, and I’m grateful for that. I didn’t realize I had broken the record for the fastest fifty, but I’m happy with the performance.”
Captain Raza’s Thoughts on the Defeat
Dubai Capitals’ captain Sikandar Raza was optimistic despite the loss, commenting: “I thought it was a very good total. You don’t usually see 202 in Sharjah, so I was pretty confident it was a strong score, and we should have been able to win the game. Shai has been a fantastic addition to the team, and hopefully, the other players around him step up as well. The wicket got better later, and the dew made it tougher. Our fielding could have been better, and Avishka played brilliantly.”
Brief Scores
Sharjah Warriorz bt Dubai Capitals by five wickets
Dubai Capitals 201/5 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 83*, Rovman Powell 28, Sikandar Raza 27; Tim Southee 2/35, Karim Janat 1/24, Adil Rashid 1/36)
Sharjah Warriorz 202/5 in 18.1 overs (Avishka Fernando 81, Johnson Charles 37, Luke Wells 31*; Dushmantha Chameera 3/30, Obed McCoy 1/30)
Player of the Match: Avishka Fernando
