Dubai, December 18, 2025: The Dubai Capitals produced a disciplined bowling performance but suffered a narrow seven-run defeat against MI Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday in a tightly contested DP World ILT20 Season 4 fixture.

After opting to bowl first, the Capitals restricted MI Emirates to 137/8, with Muhammad Jawadullah delivering a standout spell of 2 for 7 from his two overs to apply early pressure. Jonny Bairstow’s half-century anchored the MI Emirates innings, while Mustafizur Rahman provided key support.

Chasing 138, the Capitals began confidently and were well placed for much of the innings before the momentum shifted during the middle overs. A decisive spell from Rashid Khan stalled the chase, leaving the Capitals short despite staying in contention until the final over.

Reflecting on the turning point, Jawadullah admitted the game slipped away in a crucial phase. “At one stage, we felt we were comfortably placed and could close out the match,” he said. “But the middle overs were crucial. Their spinner bowled really well, we lost a few quick wickets, and that’s where the game went out of our hands.”

Jawadullah pointed to the importance of small moments in a low-scoring contest. “In games like this, every over matters. Even towards the end, we couldn’t get the runs we needed, and that made the difference,” he said.

He also highlighted how conditions at the Dubai International Stadium added to the challenge. “The wicket was a little slow and the ball was holding up, which made batting difficult throughout the innings,” Jawadullah explained. “There was no dew today either, and that made chasing harder compared to some of our earlier matches.”

Despite the setback, Jawadullah remained confident about the Capitals’ outlook. “Our focus is 100 percent on improving as a unit,” he added. “All the players are committed, and we believe we will come back stronger in the upcoming matches.”

The Dubai Capitals will now look to regain momentum when they face the Sharjah Warriorz in their next DP World ILT20 Season 4 fixture.

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.