Dubai, December 3, 2025: DP World ILT20 defending champions Dubai Capitals rodeon a brilliant performance from Rovman Powell, who scored an unbeaten 96 runs in 52 balls, including eight fours and four sixes, as they beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 83 runs in Sunday’s second game.

Batting first, the side set a target of 186 runs, before bundling their opponents for 103 runs after Waqar Salamkheil picked up four wickets.

Speaking on the win, all-rounder David Willey shared his delight at the batting performance, especially of Jordan Cox and Powell, “We shuffled the batting order, giving our best batters more balls in the middle, and that paid dividends. Those two (Rovman and Jordan Cox) showed their world-class skill. To post a total like that was brilliant and it allowed us, as a bowling unit, to go about our business knowing they would have to play aggressively.”

“When you don’t have runs on the board, it’s very difficult. Having that cushion meant batters had to come after me, and I could use my swing and variations in the powerplay to good effect. With the ball and in the field, it was an all-round great performance,” added the 35-year-old.

Willey got the wicket of Alex Hales, his England teammate, in the second ball of the innings. Sharing his thoughts on the moment, he said, “Alex Hales is keeping me in a job — I always seem to get him out,” he said with a smile. “But we talk a lot about holding that length and the line of the stumps, and apart from a couple of balls in the previous games, I felt I’d bowled okay.”

Having lost the first two match, Willey reckoned that the win over ADKR was a much-needed boost for the team, “Everyone contributed when they were needed. After not playing particularly well in the first two games and finding ourselves at the bottom of the table, to bounce back and play the way we did today is really pleasing.”

Following this win, the side have now moved to third on the points table. They will once again face Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, on Saturday, December 13.

About Dubai Capitals

Dubai Capitals, owned by the GMR Group, is a cricket franchise competing in the International League DP World ILT20, a premier T20 tournament held in the United Arab Emirates since 2023. The franchise clinched the maiden title at DP World ILT20 Season 3 and now enters its fourth season as one of six teams in the competition. Led by newly appointed captain and Sri Lankan star Dasun Shanaka, the Dubai Capitals will field a formidable lineup featuring stalwarts such as Rovman Powell, Tymal Mills, David Willey, Scott Currie, Jimmy Neesham, and Gulbadin Naib. As in the previous season, the team will continue to be coached by Hemang Badani

About GMR Sports

Founded in 2008, GMR Sports represents the sports sector of the GMR Group. It is driven by a mission to connect people, nurture talent, and establish sports as a powerful unifying platform both within India and globally. Committed to becoming a respected and influential brand in the sports industry, GMR Sports embarked on its journey with cricket, chosen for its widespread appeal as the ideal starting point for the Group’s first-ever sports venture.

The journey began with the Delhi Capitals, the city’s first-ever cricket franchise and the sole representative of India’s national capital in the IPL. As part of its mission to broaden its impact, GMR Sports soon diversified its portfolio, adding sports that resonate deeply with the Indian community. The company now owns UP Yoddhas in the Pro Kabaddi League and Telugu Yoddhas in the Ultimate Kho Kho League, additionally, has recently ventured into the league by acquiring rights to the Rugby Premier League, reinforcing its dedication to supporting regional talent and promoting indigenous sports. Expanding its global footprint, GMR Sports now holds franchises in international markets, including Dubai Capitals in DP World ILT20, Pretoria Capitals in SA20, Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket (US), and Hampshire County Cricket Club in England. Through these initiatives, GMR Sports continues to strengthen its presence on the world stage.

For further information about GMR Group, visithttp://www.gmrgroup.in