The Dubai Capitals (DCP) and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) are franchise teams in the UAE’s International League T20. Since the ILT20’s inception in 2023, these teams have clashed 8 times across three seasons, with Dubai generally dominating the rivalry. In fact, DC leads the series 7–1. The table below summarizes all head-to-head matches (win margins and key details.
| Date | Venue | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Jan 2023 | Dubai International Stadium | Dubai Capitals | DC 187/6 – ADKR 114/9 (DC won by 73 runs) |
| 31 Jan 2023 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium | Dubai Capitals | ADKR 149/9 – DC 150/3 (DC won by 7 wickets) |
| 25 Jan 2024 | Dubai International Stadium | Dubai Capitals | ADKR 183/4 – DC 185/5 (DC won by 5 wickets) |
| 4 Feb 2024 | Dubai International Stadium | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | ADKR 160/4 – DV 154/8 (ADKR won by 6 wickets) – Head-to-Head: ADKR beat DC by 29 runs |
| 13 Feb 2024 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium | Dubai Capitals | DC 188/5 – ADKR 103 (DC won by 85 runs) |
| 26 Jan 2025 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium | Dubai Capitals | DC chased 204, winning by 8 wickets (19.5 overs) |
| 2 Feb 2025 | Dubai International Stadium | Dubai Capitals | DC 217/4 – ADKR 191/5 (DC won by 26 runs) |
| 7 Dec 2025 | Dubai International Stadium | Dubai Capitals | DC 186/4 – ADKR 103 (DC won by 83 runs) |
In these contests, Dubai Capitals won 7 games and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders won 1. DC’s biggest victories were by 85 runs (Feb 2024) and 83 runs (Dec 2025). ADKR’s lone win came on Feb 4, 2024, when they defeated DC by 29 runs.
Dubai Capitals players celebrate on the field. DC have generally outperformed ADKR head-to-head, winning 7 of 8 meetings.
Key Head-to-Head Statistics
Overall head-to-head stats highlight DC’s dominance. Through 2025, DC has 7 wins to ADKR’s 1. Across all innings, DC’s highest team score vs ADKR is 222/3 and lowest is 150. ADKR’s highest score against DC is 203/4, and their lowest is 103 (scored in the Dec 2025 loss). Notable individual performances include David Warner’s 93 for DC (in Feb 2025) and Rovman Powell’s unbeaten 96 (Dec 2025). On the ADKR side, Andries Gous made 78 in one match and Philip Salt 27 in Dec 2025.
Top bowlers have also emerged: DC’s Waqar Salamkheil took 4/29 in Dec 2025, and Mustafizur Rahman took 2/22 that day. ADKR’s Dushmantha Chameera claimed 2/25 (Feb 2025), and David Willey took 2/10 (Dec 2025). In the high-scoring ILT20 context, these figures underscore DC’s strong bowling in those head-to-heads.
Dubai Capitals Performance History in ILT20
The Dubai Capitals have steadily improved since the league began. In 2023 they finished 4th (mid-table) and made the playoffs. In Season 2 (2024) they were runners-up, reaching the final. In Season 3 (2025) DC went one better and won the championship. Key players like Rovman Powell, Sam Billings and David Warner have powered DC’s batting, and bowlers like Waqar Salamkheil and Mustafizur have been effective. DC’s strong all-round performance in Dec 2025 (186/4 batting first and bowling out ADKR for 103) is a recent example of their high standard. In head-to-head play, DC’s success is consistent: they have won every meeting except one, including both playoff games (2024 Eliminator, 2025 chase).
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Performance History in ILT20
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have struggled more in ILT20. They finished last (6th) in both 2023 and 2025, with only a 4th-place finish in 2024. ADKR’s roster has included big names (Kyle Mayers, Andre Russell, Phil Salt) and is owned by the same group as IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders, but consistent success has eluded them. In head-to-head matchups with DC, they have managed just one win (Feb 2024). Their batting has occasionally posted big scores (203/4 in Jan 2025, as noted above), but their bowling and defense often faltered in these fixtures. The December 2025 game saw their batting collapse under DC’s attack, being bowled out for 103. Overall, ADKR’s ILT20 record is underwhelming: playoff or championship qualification has yet to be achieved.
Notable Head-to-Head Matches
Some encounters stand out. On 13 February 2024 (Eliminator), DC crushed ADKR by 85 runs (188/5 vs 103), highlighted by Sikandar Raza’s all-round impact (Player of the Match). On 26 January 2025, DC chased 204 to beat ADKR by 8 wickets, anchored by a 135-run partnership between Shai Hope (54) and Gulbadin Naib (80). This was the largest successful chase in ILT20 history. In reverse, ADKR’s lone win came 4 February 2024, defending 160 and skittling DC for 130, with key wickets from Sherfane Rutherford and spin success, sealing a 29-run victory. The 7 December 2025 match saw DC dominate once more: Rovman Powell’s unbeaten 96 powered DC to 186/4, and ADKR crumbled to 103 all out. These games encapsulate the rivalry: DC’s powerful batting and bowling repeatedly overwhelmed ADKR, while ADKR’s rare triumph required exceptional team effort.
