Sam Billings praises crew’s grit as Dubai Capitals win ILT20 title | Cricket Information

Dubai Capitals cricketers rejoice with the ILT20 trophy. (ILT20 photograph)

Dubai Capitals clinched their maiden ILT20 title in an exhilarating remaining towards Desert Vipers, securing a four-wicket victory on the Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Chasing 189, Sikandar Raza performed a decisive position with a blistering 12-ball 34 not out, guaranteeing victory within the remaining over. Rovman Powell‘s 63 and Shai Hope’s composed 43 offered the muse for the Capitals’ chase.
For the Vipers, Max Holden’s resilient 76 stored them in competition after early setbacks, whereas Sam Curran‘s unbeaten half-century, 62*, that includes 5 fours and three sixes, propelled them to a aggressive whole.
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Captain Sam Billings displays on victory
Following the triumph, Dubai Capitals’ captain Sam Billings lauded his crew’s perseverance and composure underneath strain.
“What a sport of cricket once more. We have had some sensible video games towards the Desert Vipers, and tonight was an excellent one. At one level, it was all about small margins – each groups made errors that shifted the momentum backwards and forwards. However the composure our guys confirmed on the finish was outstanding. In Twenty20 cricket, particularly chasing on this a part of the world, you are by no means out of the sport if two individuals get going. It was a superb sport of cricket and an unbelievable feeling to return out on prime.”

Billings mirrored on the Capitals’ journey, evaluating it to their earlier season.
“Much like final yr, we have been backside of the desk and needed to win 5 – 6 in a row to achieve the ultimate. At this time, I don’t assume we bowled in addition to we might have, however we managed to peg them again in direction of the top. The important thing distinction from final yr is that we didn’t allow them to utterly get away. We’ve performed good cricket, received in numerous methods, and right now, fortunately, we acquired throughout the road.”
Tactical choices and overcoming challenges
On his technique of utilising seven totally different bowlers, Billings defined the affect of lacking key pacer Dushmantha Chameera.
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“Whenever you lose a participant of Chameera’s high quality, it is a large problem. He’s been our standout tempo bowler, and his talent stage is phenomenal. We needed to adapt, and whereas I might have preferred to make use of Haider extra, the state of affairs with Sam Curran and Max Holden going robust made it tough. Chopping and altering the assault was essential to disrupt the batters’ rhythm.”

A historic win for the franchise
Being the primary captain to safe a serious trophy for the Capitals franchise, Billings devoted the win to the possession group.
“This win is for Kiran [Grandhi] and the entire household. Kiran is among the best gents in cricket – stylish, filled with integrity, and extremely calm. He trusts gamers to do their jobs with out undue strain. I used to be gutted after we couldn’t get it completed final yr, however this time, we delivered. As gamers, we play to win trophies, create reminiscences, and this triumph means every part.”
Sikandar Raza’s clutch efficiency
Praising Raza’s match-winning knock, Billings acknowledged, “Yeah, clutch – that’s the phrase. I instructed him in the previous few video games, ‘You are going to be the man to hit the successful runs.’ He has completed it earlier than, and his expertise in high-pressure moments is invaluable. Rovman Powell and Dussen performed their roles brilliantly too, however Raza’s ending means is what units him aside.”
The usual of ILT20
On the standard of the ILT20 match, Billings highlighted its rising popularity.
“The usual is bettering every year. Having 9 abroad gamers elevates the competitors, and when you might have passionate crowds, it provides to the strain. This league exams talent and temperament throughout three totally different venues, making adaptability essential. The emergence of native abilities like Mohammed Waseem, Haider Ali, and younger Farhan is one other optimistic signal. If the match can discover a devoted window within the cricket calendar, it’s going to solely get stronger.”
Dubai Capitals’ triumph in ILT20 Season 3 was a testomony to their resilience, strategic execution, and the management of Sam Billings. With the league’s rising stature, the way forward for ILT20 seems brighter than ever.