‘Our start set the tone for our run chase’: Rahmanullah Gurbaz lauds partnership with Jake Fraser-McGurk after Dubai Capitals’ victory
Dubai, January 26, 2024: Dubai Capitals’ top-order batters Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Jake Fraser-McGurk led their team to another victory in the DP World ILT20 Season 2 as they defeated the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 5 wickets at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday. They chased down 183/4 in 16.1 overs.
Photo by CREIMAS / ILT20
Speaking after the game, the Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter said, “Having lost the last game, coming back like that makes everybody in the team happy. I’m happy with my performance as well, but the team performed well as a unit too. The team needed a good start, and that is something I have been working on. We have been playing some very good cricket and that is being reflected with our results now,” he said.
Gurbaz’s partnership with youngster Fraser-McGurk was crucial to their win, and the opener was all praise for the Australian, “Jake is a very good cricketer. We had a great partnership in two of the three games we have played in the ILT20. Our perfect start set the tone for the run chase.”
He also gave an insight into the role of an opener in the team, and how important it is to give their side a great start to the innings. “As an opening batter, we always complain about the new ball. But I believe in myself and my strengths as a batter. I always look to give my team the best possible positive start because that’s my role in this side. I’ve been doing well and I hope to continue in the same manner,” shared the 22-year-old star.
Meanwhile, the win propelled the GMR Sports-owned side to the second place on the points table. Their next challenge will see them face the Gulf Giants at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday, January 27.
About DUBAI CAPITALS
Dubai Capitals, owned by GMR Sports, is one of the six teams that will feature in the International League T20 (ILT20). Along with Dubai Capitals, GMR Sports own India Capitals, a franchise Cricket team in the Legends League Cricket, U.P. Yoddhas, a franchise team representing the state of U.P. in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and Telugu Yoddhas, a franchise team representing the state of Telangana in the Ultimate Kho-Kho League. GMR Sports also co-own the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals.