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'I Enjoy Pressure': IPL Reject Gulbadin Naib Turns Hero In ILT20 As Capitals Enter Final

Akshita Patel

Gulbadin Naib turns hero for Dubai Capitals in ILT20 2025 [Source: @ilt20]Gulbadin Naib turns hero for Dubai Capitals in ILT20 2025 [Source: @ilt20]

Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib played a heroic knock of 62 off 39 balls against Desert Vipers in Qualifier 1 of ILT20 2025 season to steer Dubai Capitals to the final. He boasted his ability to tackle high pressure situations and thanked the management for the support.

Desert Vipers faced Dubai Capitals in the Qualifier 1 game of the ILT20 2025 season. Alex Hales’ 67 off 32 balls powered the Vipers to a competitive 189 runs total. However, the Capitals responded with aggressive intent in the second inning.

Adam Rossington set the stage with a crucial 44 off 31 balls before Gulbadin Naib and Sam Billing capitalised on the momentum to set a 50-run partnership. Though Billings was unfortunately run out, Naib held his end of the crease to smash a blazing half-century.

He played a scintillating knock of 62 off 39 balls as Dubai Capitals sealed a last-ball thriller victory over Vipers to book their spot in the final of ILT20 2025.

Gulbadin Naib opens up on blazing performance in ILT20

Meanwhile, Gulbadin Naib, who failed to fetch a contract during the IPL 2025 mega auction, thanked the team management for showing trust and faith in him. 

"I enjoy playing in high-pressure games. I was enjoying my time in the middle and am really happy about the win. I'm in good form and glad that I can carry it forward. I'm also happy to be living up to the expectations of the management, who have shown a lot of trust in me," Naib said via Times Of India.

The previous knock was Naib’s third half-century against Desert Vipers and fifth overall in the ILT20 2025 season. He is leading the run-scoring list with 376 runs in 11 games, including a 47 average and a 158.64 strike rate.

Although the all-rounder was turned down for the IPL, he was drafted into Afghanistan's Champions Trophy side. Afghanistan made history when they qualified for the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. So, in the next ICC event, this team will walk in with more confidence.