Bangladesh’s left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman continued his sensational wicket-taking form in the ongoing International T20 League in the United Arab Emirates. After claiming wickets in each of the first six matches, Mustafizur turned the seventh encounter on its head, taking three wickets in just four balls to propel Dubai Capitals to victory.
At Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, Dubai Capitals restricted Gulf Giants to 156 all out and chased the target comfortably, finishing with four balls and six wickets to spare.
Dubai Capitals won the toss and elected to field. Captain Mohammad Nabi handed the ball to Mustafizur in the second over. Although the IPL star, who joined Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹9.2 crore, conceded 13 runs in his initial spell, he returned with renewed vigour in the 14th over, as Gulf Giants had posted 110 for 3.
On his first delivery, James Vince smashed a boundary, followed by a wide ball. Mustafizur’s next legitimate delivery drew a fine catch from the wicketkeeper, dismissing Vince for 36 off 34 balls.
Next, Mustafizur trapped Azmatullah Omarzai, who had taken a single, for 43 off 26 balls. Then came a stunning delivery: an off-cutter that edged past Shan Dixon’s bat, clipping the stumps to claim his third wicket.
An LBW appeal on Mark Adair did not succeed, denying Mustafizur a hat-trick. By the end of the over, Gulf Giants had moved to 116 for 6.
Returning in the 18th over, Mustafizur conceded 11 runs. On the first ball, Nabi failed to hold a simple catch off Iyan Afzal Khan, leaving Mustafizur wicketless for that delivery. Yet the over proved decisive—three more wickets fell in the 18th over, all via run-outs, completing Gulf Giants’ innings.
Mustafizur finished with figures of 3.5-0-34-3, earning the Player of the Match award for his clinical off-cutters. With these three wickets, his tally in seven matches now stands at 14 wickets, reinforcing his reputation as the “Cutter Master”.
Dubai Capitals’ bowlers executed a strategic fielding plan, and Mustafizur’s ability to strike at critical moments proved decisive in turning the match in their favour. His precise cutters and sharp lines disrupted the Giants’ momentum, leaving fans and analysts in awe of his performance.
Match Snapshot – Key Statistics
| Player | Team | Overs | Runs Conceded | Wickets | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustafizur Rahman | Dubai Capitals | 3.5 | 34 | 3 | 3 wickets in 4 balls, Player of the Match |
| James Vince | Gulf Giants | 34 balls | 36 runs | 1 | Caught off Mustafizur |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | Gulf Giants | 26 balls | 43 runs | 1 | Bowled by Mustafizur |
| Shan Dixon | Gulf Giants | – | – | 1 | Bowled by Mustafizur |
| Gulf Giants | – | – | 156 | All out | Lost by 6 wickets, 4 balls remaining |
