The Dubai Capitals opened the 2025 Global Super League (GSL) with a 22-run win over the Central Districts at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on Thursday.

The Capitals posted 165-7 from their 20 overs after being put in to bat by the Districts.

Experienced campaigner Shakib Al Hasan led the batting with an unbeaten 58 off 37 balls including seven fours and a six while opener Sediqullah Atal played well for his 41 off 25 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes in the process.

Off spinner Angus Schaw led the bowling effort for the New Zealand-based side with 3-27 from his four overs while Blair Tickner supported well with his 2-27 from his four overs of tidy fast bowling.

The Districts were then never able to get out of first gear in their chase, crawling to 143-8 from their 20 overs thanks to an excellent spell of bowling from Al Hasan, who was awarded man of the match for his all-round brilliance.

Captain Tom Brice led the scoring with 34 off 39 balls as the Bangladeshi left arm spinner ripped through the batting line-up on his way to figures of 4-13 from his four overs.

UAE pacer Khuzaima Tanveer also bowled well foe his 2-28 from three overs while Dominic Drakes and Aryaman Varma took a wicket, each.

Actions continues later on Thursday when the Guyana Amazon Warriors take on defending champions Rangpur Riders.

Summarized scores:

Dubai Capitals 165-7 in 20 overs (Shakib Al Hasan 58*, Sediqullah Atal 41, Angus Schaw 3-27, Blair Tickner 2-27)

Central Districts 143-8 in 20 overs (Tom Bruce 34, Shakib Al Hasan 4-13, Khuzaima Tanveer 2-28).