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Abu Dhabi Knight Riders crushed Dubai Capitals by 50 runs in the ILT20 2025-26 Eliminator on January 1, 2026, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Michael Pepper‘s explosive 72 guided ADKR to 158/7, while Sunil Narine‘s masterful 3/12 dismantled DC for just 108. Jason Holder‘s comical skyer no-ball became the viral moment amid the Knight Riders’ dominant win.
Jason Holder’s unusual no-ball ball in the Eliminator frustrates batters in ILT20 2025–26
In a bizarre over during DC’s chase, Holder, ADKR’s skipper, unleashed a comical skyer that sailed way too high and wide outside off, landing near the slip cordon for a no-ball. Teammates Andre Russell and Michael Pepper stood with hands on hips, visibly annoyed at the errant delivery to Shayan Jahangir, who watched bemused as umpires signalled the free-hit. The mishap, captured on video, drew laughs online but didn’t dent Holder’s resolve—he bounced back with figures of 3/18, including key strikes to Toby Albert, Mohammad Nabi, and Muhammad Jawadullah.
Here’s the video:
"TV Umpire to Director, can we check the height on this one for a No Ball?" 🫣
Keep those towels handy, Knights. 🧻
— International League T20 (@ILT20Official)
Also WATCH: Shimron Hetmyer pulls off a stunning grab to dismiss Nicholas Pooran in ILT20 2025-26
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ commanding triumph over Dubai Capitals in ILT20 2026
Asked to bat first, ADKR came out with clear intent and wasted no time putting the opposition under pressure. Phil Salt and Pepper set the tone right from the start, combining aggression with smart shot selection. The pair raced to 55 inside the powerplay and brought up a century partnership in just 10.4 overs, leaving the fielding side scrambling for answers.
While Salt chipped in with a brisk 43, it was Pepper who held the innings together, playing a commanding knock of 72 laced with seven boundaries and three towering sixes. Just when a massive total looked on the cards, the momentum dipped as wickets fell in quick succession. Nabi triggered the slowdown with a sharp spell, picking up three wickets and conceding very little. Amid the late wobble, Holder’s unbeaten 22 off 11 balls ensured ADKR crossed to a competitive 158/7.
The chase never really found its feet. DC were rocked early as Narine weaved his magic in the powerplay, reducing them to 43 for 4 and completely shifting the balance of the match. Narine’s tight lines accounted for Shayan, who was trapped in front, before Gulbadin Naib and Navin Bidaisee followed soon after.
The pressure only intensified as Liam Livingstone and Holder joined the act, picking up regular wickets and closing every escape route. Nabi showed some resistance with a fighting 27, but once he was caught off Holder, the end came quickly. DC were bundled out for 108 in just over 16 overs. Narine’s match-winning spell earned him the Player of the Match award, as ADKR marched confidently into Qualifier 2, where MI Emirates now await.
