8th International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 fits between Dubai capitals and Sharjah Warriors It proved to be an epic contest that ended with the Warriorz posting the highest total in ILT20 history. The match played in Sharjah witnessed a historic run chase Avishka FernandoHis knock took the Warriors to an incredible target of 202 runs and secured victory with 11 balls to spare.
Dubai Capitals batting led by Shai Hope
Capitals, who won the toss and elected to bat first, posted a challenging 201/5 in 20 overs. Shai Umid anchored the innings with an unbeaten 83 off 52 balls studded with six powerful sixes and three boundaries. Along with hope Brandon McMullen (14 of 22), Sikandar Raza (27 off 20) and Rovman Powell (28 off 15) made valuable contributions, each playing their part in building a strong innings. Led by Warriorz bowlers Tim Southeeshowed excellent discipline, returning figures of 2/35 when Southee bowled four overs. Karim Janat but also made important progress, eliminating Umid at a vital stage Gulbadin Naib (3 off 6) added a late bloomer. Despite the effort, the Capitals ended on 201/5, setting up a memorable chase.
Historic run by Sharjah Warriorz
In reply, Warriorz started with aggressive intent and Avishka took charge from the start. The Sri Lankan batsman was in a league of his own, scoring an astonishing 81 runs off just 27 deliveries, including six fours and eight massive sixes, a knock. Fernando’s ability to clear the boundary with such ease and his calculated aggression made the run chase a one-sided affair early on. His innings reached the fastest fifty in ILT20 history, reaching his half-century off just 16 balls – a feat that stunned the crowd and deflated the opposition.
Johnson Charles He provided early stability with a quick-fire 37 off 19 balls Rohan Mustafa‘s steady 17 runs off 16 deliveries helped keep the run rate steady. However, Fernando’s devastating knock swung the momentum completely in Warriorz’s favour. Capitals bowlers incl Dushmantha Chameera (3/30) and Olly Stone (1/50), tried to stop Fernando, but they did not respond to his attack. His fearless approach forced the Capitals to constantly adjust their line and length, but could not contain his free-flowing arm.
As the target approaches, Luke Wells (31 not out, 17) provided the perfect finishing touch, hitting boundaries at crucial intervals to keep the required run rate in check. The Warriors comfortably reached 202/5 in just 18 overs to claim a historic victory with 11 balls to spare, marking the most successful chase in ILT20 history.
Also WATCH: Waqar Salamkheil cleans Alex Hales with a peach at ILT20 2025
Avishka Fernando’s beating rewrites records
Avishka’s innings was sensational, with 6 boundaries and 8 monstrous sixes, including the fastest fifty in ILT20 history – reaching his half-century in just 16 balls! His sheer dominance at the crease rewrote records and set a new benchmark for chases in this league. The previous record was for the highest chase in the ILT20 Giants of the Gulf196 runs successfully pursued Desert vipers in Dubai in 2023.
However, Fernando’s sensational knock broke that record, showcasing his ability to clear the boundary with ease and maintain an aggressive pace throughout his innings. Earlier in the 2024 edition of Pakistan Azam Khan Taking just 18 balls to reach his fifty against the Giants, he set the record for the fastest fifty in ILT20 history. But Fernando’s calculated aggression and ability to accelerate at will took things to a whole other level.
Highest successful follow-up #DPWorldILT20! 🥵
Sharjah Warriorz bag 2️⃣ points!Aviška Fernando led the game all the way and the home side chased down the goal on a gantry. The ultimate hit! 🔝#SWvDC #AllInForCricket pic.twitter.com/R0csU3mIQX
— International League T20 (@ILT20Official) January 17, 2025
 2025 between Dubai Capitals and Sharjah Warriorz proved to be an epic contest. The game finished with Warriorz chasing down the highest total in ILT20 history led by Avishka Fernando.){kind=link}