Hurricanes Spin a Web Around Capitals to Begin GSL 2025 with Commanding Win

12 Jul, 2025 | 02:09 AM

Hobart Hurricanes kicked off their GSL 2025 campaign in style with a dominant seven-wicket victory over ILT20 champions Dubai Capitals in Providence. Set a modest target of 142, the BBL titleholders chased it down with ease, thanks to a 78-run stand between captain Ben McDermott and Macalister Wright.

However, it was the Hurricanes’ spinners who truly set the stage for the win. Fabian Allen and Mohammad Nabi delivered identical and match-defining spells of 4-0-21-3 to restrict the Capitals to 141 for 8 in their 20 overs.

Nabi struck early after being introduced during the powerplay, removing both openers—Rohan Mustafa and Sediqullah Atal—within his first three overs. Allen joined the party soon after, dismissing Niroshan Dickwella in the sixth over. Nabi continued to torment the Capitals, snaring veteran allrounder Shakib Al Hasan for just seven, before Allen picked up Kadeem Alleyne. From 82 for 5, the Capitals never recovered fully despite a fighting 31 off 27 balls from captain Gulbadin Naib.

The Hurricanes’ reply began explosively as Bhanuka Rajapaksa hammered a six and two fours in his first five balls, racing to 15 before falling to Mustafa. But his dismissal brought together Wright and McDermott, who accelerated the innings with a flurry of boundaries. McDermott blazed his way to 48 off just 24 balls, including five fours and three sixes, while Wright played the anchor with a composed 50 off 47 deliveries.

Though both fell before the finish line, the damage had been done. Jake Doran (23*) and Nikhil Choudhary (4*) calmly wrapped up the chase with three overs to spare, taking the Hurricanes to the top of the GSL 2025 points table.

Match Summary:
Hobart Hurricanes 142/3 (Wright 50, McDermott 48)
beat
Dubai Capitals 141/8 (Naib 31, Allen 3-21, Nabi 3-21)
by 7 wickets

Key Highlights:

  • Fabian Allen and Mohammad Nabi took 3 wickets each, with identical figures of 4-0-21-3.

  • Ben McDermott smashed 48 off 24, and Macalister Wright hit a steady 50 off 47.

  • Hurricanes chased down the target with 18 balls to spare.

  • With the win, Hobart Hurricanes climbed to the top of the GSL 2025 points table.

The GSL couldn’t have asked for a more clinical opening from one of its heavyweight teams, as Hurricanes showed the kind of balance and execution that could make them early title favourites.