Watch: Sikandar Raza hits a last-ball six in ILT20

Sikandar Raza’s last-ball six helped Dubai Capitals beat Desert Vipers by five-wickets in the ILT20. With 13 runs needed off the last over, UAE’s 19-year-old medium pacer Ali Naseer bowled a brave over, but when six runs were needed off the last ball Raza hit him over long on. Raza remained unbeaten on 60 off 45 balls with five boundaries and two sixes.

Raza orchestrated his team’s victory through a 79-run partnership in 54 balls for the fourth wicket with Sam Billings, who scored 57 off 36 balls with five boundaries and two sixes, and a 40-run stand in just 23 balls with Dasun Shanaka (10) for the fifth wicket.

“I said to myself, I don’t think he will go short as I had hit one earlier out of the ground. I will hold my shape and try and hit it in the air and hit it as well as I can,” said Raza on his last-ball six.

Raza changing the script 🤯
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“Naseer bowled really well; these are things we have learnt all through our careers. For a 19-year-old to bowl the final over- fantastic, and he nearly won it for them. It could’ve gone either way; but sorry we needed that win tonight. The first thing that comes is the faith that keeps me going.”

Earlier, Vipers had posted 171 for 7 courtesy Alex Hales’ 66 off 37 balls. Phil Salt (26) and Michael Jones (20) were the other notable contributors.

Sam Billings, after hailing Raza’s knock said: “Raza has shown his true character and skill. I told him that one shot can get him back. We just had to hang in there and the spinners did a fantastic job, and they changed the game. We needed to win tonight and we can deal with tomorrow. Very proud of the efforts.”

A disappointed Vipers’ skipper, Colin Munro, said: “They bowled exceptionally well, but we lost wickets in clumps which never helps. The top two played well but unfortunately we did not kick on. Credit to Ali Naseer, he bowled really well, he will be in those situations a lot of times in the future. Good for us for next year as well.”

Brief scores
Desert Vipers: 171 for 7 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 26, Alex Hales 66, Michael Jones 20, Olly Stone 2 for 31, Roelof van der Merwe 2 for 19)

Dubai Capitals: 172 for 5 in 20 overs (Sam Billings 57, Sikandar Raza 60n.o, Sam Curran 2 for 39)

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