Pathum Nissanka’s explosive half-century powered the Gulf Giants to a thrilling four-wicket win over the Dubai Capitals in the DP World ILT20 Season 4. Nissanka (67 off 31 balls) combined with James Vince (50 not out off 45) for a crucial 97-run partnership in just 60 balls, successfully chasing the 161-run target for their second straight victory.
Nissanka smashed six fours and five sixes, propelling the Gulf Giants to the top of the points table.
Earlier, Azmatullah Omarzai excelled with the ball, taking 3/46 to limit the Capitals to a competitive score. Despite several Capitals batsmen making starts, captain Dasun Shanaka (23 not out off 9) injected late momentum with a flurry of runs.
After the early loss of Rahmanullah Gurbaz (9 off 6), the Giants quickly gained pace. Nissanka targeted James Neesham in the fourth over, hitting three sixes and a four, helping the Giants reach 60/1 by the end of the powerplay.
While Vince remained steady, Nissanka raced to a 23-ball fifty, hitting five fours and four sixes.
The Giants’ momentum briefly stalled with the loss of two wickets in successive overs. Mustafizur Rahman claimed his second wicket of the night, dismissing Nissanka in the 12th over. Shanaka soon removed Moeen Ali, leaving the Giants at 112/3.
Omarzai (14 off 12) and Tom Moores (13 off 8) made useful contributions, as Vince completed a 45-ball fifty, guiding the Giants to victory in 18.5 overs.
“Securing the points while knowing we can perform better is positive,” said Gulf Giants captain Moeen Ali.
“We applied pressure with the ball during the middle overs. Nissanka is outstanding across formats, and Vince is a top-quality player who managed the situation perfectly.”
Brief scores:
Gulf Giants defeated Dubai Capitals by four wickets
Dubai Capitals 160/6 in 20 overs (Sediqullah Atal 35, Jordan Cox 31, David Willey 29, Dasun Shanaka 23 not out, Azmatullah Omarzai 3 for 46, Aayan Afzal Khan 1 for 3, Moeen Ali 1 for 23)
Gulf Giants 161/6 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 67, James Vince 50 not out, Azmatullah Omarzai 14, Dasun Shanaka 2 for 16, Mustafizur Rahman 2 for 26)
Player of the Match: Pathum Nissanka
