ILT20: Avishka Fernando’s historic fifty leads Sharjah Warriorz to triumph
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Synopsis
On January 18, Avishka Fernando's explosive performance at Sharjah Cricket Stadium secured a record-setting chase for the Warriorz in ILT20 history. His remarkable innings of 81 runs from 27 balls included a record-breaking half-century in just 16 balls, leading the team to victory over the Dubai Capitals.
Key Takeaways
- Avishka Fernando scored 81 runs off 27 balls.
- His fifty came in a record 16 balls.
- Sharjah Warriorz chased down 202 runs.
- Shai Hope contributed significantly for the Capitals.
- Fernando's innings featured eight sixes and six fours.
Dubai, Jan 18 (NationPress) Avishka Fernando ignited the Sharjah Cricket Stadium with a phenomenal innings, propelling the Warriorz to an unprecedented chase in ILT20 history. In pursuit of 202 against the Dubai Capitals, Fernando unleashed a breathtaking 81 runs off merely 27 balls, achieving his half-century in a record-setting 16 balls — the fastest in the tournament’s annals.
Fernando’s explosive performance, which included eight towering sixes and six fours, secured the Warriorz the target in just 18.1 overs with five wickets to spare. Earlier, Shai Hope played a crucial role for the Capitals, scoring 83 runs to assist his team in posting a formidable 201/5.
With a daunting target ahead, Johnson Charles made sure the Sharjah Warriorz remained on course during the initial overs. Along with Jason Roy, Charles attacked the Capitals’ bowlers, amassing three fours and three sixes for a total of 37 runs off 19 balls. His aggressive innings ended in the last over of the Power-play when Olly Stone dismissed him, leaving the Warriorz at 56/1.
Dushmantha Chameera then struck by getting rid of Jason Roy in the seventh over for 26 runs. Avishka Fernando entered the fray at No. 3 and came alive in the ninth over, attacking Gulbadin Naib with a six and two fours in consecutive deliveries. UAE’s Rohan Mustafa contributed 17 runs with timely boundaries until he became Chameera’s second victim, reducing the score to 132/3 in 12.1 overs.
Fernando exhibited sheer dominance as he shattered the ILT20 record for the fastest half-century, reaching the milestone in just 16 balls. The previous record of 18 balls was held by Azam Khan of the Desert Vipers. Fernando continued his onslaught, hitting three consecutive sixes off Gulbadin Naib, resulting in a 27-run over, which also marked the highest runs conceded in a single over in DP World ILT20 history. Fernando’s explosive innings ended when Obed McCoy caught him behind in the 16th over.
Luke Wells kept his cool to contribute 31 runs in 17 balls, guiding the Warriorz to a comfortable victory.
In the opening innings, the Dubai Capitals took advantage of the fielding restrictions. Ben Dunk displayed his intent early on with two fours and a six, while Hope added to the tally with three crisp boundaries. However, Dunk’s promising innings concluded when an acrobatic catch from Kemo Paul off Adam Milne ended his stay. The Capitals managed a solid 50/1 by the end of the Power-play.
Brandon McMullen maintained the momentum until Adil Rashid dismissed him for 22 runs off 14 balls. Captain Sikandar Raza joined Hope, ensuring the run rate stayed high with a 67-run partnership in 37 balls. Shai Hope reached his half-century in just 36 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes in the 14th over. Raza was out for 27 runs in 20 balls, caught sharply by Adam Milne off Karim Janat’s bowling.
Rovman Powell unleashed a flurry of sixes against the Warriorz, scoring 28 runs off 15 balls, including an 18-run over against Karim Janat. Meanwhile, Hope continued his splendid form, belting two consecutive sixes off Adam Milne in the 19th over. Tim Southee provided some control in the final over, taking out both Powell and Dasun Shanaka in quick succession. Despite these efforts, the Capitals surpassed the 200-run mark, ending their innings at 201/5.
Player of the Match, Avishka Fernando expressed: "I aimed to play my natural game, and I am thankful for how everything unfolded. The pitch was excellent for batting, and upon seeing the Capitals score 200, I knew I had to play positively. It came naturally, and I am grateful for that. I was unaware that I had broken the record for the fastest fifty, but I am pleased with the performance."
Dubai Capitals captain, Sikandar Raza commented: “I believed we had a very good total. It’s not common to see 202 in Sharjah, so I was quite confident it was a strong score, and we should have won the game. Shai has been a great addition to the team, and I hope the other players can step up too. The pitch improved later, and the dew made it tougher. Our fielding could have been better, and Avishka played brilliantly.”
Brief scores
Dubai Capitals 201/5 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 83 not out; Tim Southee 2-35) lost to Sharjah Warriorz 202/5 in 18.1 overs (Avishka Fernando 81, Johnson Charles 37; Dushmantha Chameera 3-30) by 5 wickets.
