Abu Dhabi Knight Riders kept their DP World ILT20 Season 4 title hopes alive with a commanding 50-run victory over Dubai Capitals in the Eliminator at Dubai International Stadium on Thursday.

A blistering opening stand from Michael Pepper and Phil Salt laid the platform before Sunil Narine spearheaded a ruthless bowling display that left the Capitals reeling and knocked them out of the tournament.

The win sets up a blockbuster Qualifier 2 clash for the Knight Riders against MI Emirates on Friday, with a place in Sunday’s final against Desert Vipers on the line.

After being put in to bat, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders got off to a flying start. Pepper continued his rich vein of form with a fluent 72 off 49 balls, smashing seven fours and three sixes. Alongside Phil Salt, who chipped in with a steady 43 off 34 deliveries, the duo put on a dominant 122-run opening partnership in just 81 balls.

Pepper raced to his half-century off 36 balls as the Knight Riders surged to 55 without loss in the powerplay and looked set for a total well beyond 170. However, Dubai Capitals hit back sharply in the middle overs. Mohammad Nabi dismissed Salt in the 14th over, triggering a dramatic collapse that saw Abu Dhabi lose seven wickets for just 36 runs.

Despite the wobble, skipper Jason Holder played a crucial cameo at the death, smashing an unbeaten 22 off 11 balls to drag the Knight Riders to a competitive 158/7. Nabi was the standout for the Capitals with figures of 3 for 25.

In reply, Dubai Capitals’ chase never really got going. Jason Holder struck early to remove Toby Albert before Ajay Kumar sent Jordan Cox packing, putting the Capitals under immediate pressure. Sunil Narine then took full control, ripping through the middle order with trademark accuracy and guile.

Narine dismissed Shayan Jahangir and Navin Bidaisee before adding the wicket of Gulbadin Naib, leaving Dubai Capitals struggling at 43/4 inside the powerplay. Liam Livingstone and Holder piled on the misery, sharing key wickets as the required rate ballooned.

Despite brief resistance from Mohammad Nabi (27) and James Neesham (19), the Capitals were bundled out for 108 in 16.2 overs. Narine, Holder and Livingstone finished with three wickets apiece, sealing a comprehensive win.

Player of the Match Sunil Narine called the victory emotional, saying the team had pushed hard to make the playoffs after three seasons of disappointment.

With momentum firmly on their side, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders now stand just one win away from the final.