Dubai witnessed an electrifying display of pace bowling as Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman wreaked havoc for Dubai Capitals in the International League T20 (ILT20). In a spell that left fans and commentators in awe, Mustafizur claimed three wickets in a single over against MI Emirates, just a day after being bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹9.2 crore at the IPL auction in Abu Dhabi.
The match marked Mustafizur’s fifth appearance in this season’s ILT20. Before this game, he had taken six wickets in four matches, never exceeding two wickets in a single innings. However, his performance in Dubai would turn the tide of the contest dramatically.
It was the 18th over that became the defining moment. Mustafizur dismissed Rashid Khan, Tom Banton, and A.M. Gaznfar in quick succession while conceding just a single run. The over began with an off-cutter, which Rashid Khan drove to mid-off and was caught by Dasun Shanaka (3 balls, 1 run). The third delivery, a slower ball, saw Banton caught at mid-wicket by Du Plooy (11 balls, 5 runs). The fifth ball, outside off-stump, resulted in Gaznfar being caught at slip by Du Plooy (2 balls, 0 runs).
Earlier in the match, Mustafizur had a challenging start. In his second over of the innings, he conceded 10 runs, including two boundaries to Johnny Bairstow. His second spell, the 16th over, was far tighter, giving away just six runs (including a wide) to K.M. Mendis and Tom Banton.
Even with the triple-wicket over, Mustafizur came close to adding more to his tally in the final over. A potential dismissal of Romario Shepherd went astray when a catch at the boundary was dropped by Cox, allowing the batsman to score a boundary and a six. Mustafizur completed his four-over spell with figures of 4 overs, 34 runs, and 3 wickets.
MI Emirates posted 137/8 in their 20 overs. In reply, Dubai Capitals were bowled out for 130, losing by seven runs. Mustafizur contributed 1 run before being run out.
Mustafizur’s performance underscored his ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs and swing matches at pivotal moments. With the IPL season looming, his form in Dubai signals that he will be a key figure for Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming campaign.
Mustafizur Rahman’s Performance Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates, ILT20 |
| Venue | Dubai International Stadium |
| Overs Bowled | 4 |
| Runs Conceded | 34 |
| Wickets Taken | 3 |
| Best Over | 18th Over: 3 wickets, 1 run |
| Economy Rate | 8.50 |
| Batting | 1 run, run out |
| Team Result | Dubai Capitals lost by 7 runs |
| Notable Wickets | Rashid Khan, Tom Banton, A.M. Gaznfar |