Dubai Capitals Secure Nail-Biting Win Over Desert Vipers to Enter ILT20 Final
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Synopsis
On February 6, the Dubai Capitals achieved a thrilling last-ball victory over the Desert Vipers, securing their place in the ILT20 Season 3 final. A standout performance from Gulbadin Naib, along with significant contributions from Alex Hales and Sam Billings, led the Capitals to a sensational comeback win at the Dubai International Stadium.
Key Takeaways
- Dubai Capitals won against Desert Vipers in a last-ball finish.
- Gulbadin Naib was the star performer, scoring a crucial half-century and taking two wickets.
- Alex Hales provided a strong start for Vipers with a blistering 67 runs.
- The match featured the second-highest run chase in T20 at Dubai International Stadium.
- The Capitals extended their winning streak against the Vipers to five matches.
Dubai, Feb 6 (NationPress) The Dubai Capitals achieved a sensational victory on the final ball against the Desert Vipers, earning them a spot in the ILT20 Season 3 final.
In an exciting conclusion at the Dubai International Stadium, an all-round performance by Gulbadin Naib, who scored his third successive half-century against the Vipers and took two wickets, led the Capitals to a five-wicket triumph.
This win not only represented the second-highest run chase in T20 history at the venue but also marked the fifth consecutive victory for the Capitals over the Vipers.
Alex Hales set the innings ablaze with a rapid 67 off just 32 deliveries, forming a solid 98-run partnership with Max Holden to provide the Vipers with an electrifying start. Nevertheless, the Capitals mounted a formidable comeback, limiting the Vipers to 189/7 and setting the stage for a dramatic chase.
Facing a challenging target under playoff pressure, the Dubai Capitals enjoyed a stable powerplay, scoring 47 runs without losing a wicket. Adam Rossington showcased his intentions by hitting three boundaries in the fifth over against Sam Curran, but the Capitals soon found themselves lagging behind. Shai Hope contributed a run-a-ball 17 before being dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga in the seventh over.
After the initial six overs, the scoring rate slowed significantly, and the situation became critical when Lockie Ferguson dismissed Rossington for 44 runs off 31 balls during the 10th over, reducing the score to 67/2.
Naib and skipper Sam Billings were tasked with revitalizing the chase and quickly got to work. Billings targeted Mohammad Amir in the 12th over, hitting two fours and a six, then reverse-swept Hasaranga for three fours and a six in the following over. However, a miscommunication led to his run-out after scoring 38 runs off just 16 balls.
Naib continued to accelerate alongside Rovman Powell. With 52 runs needed off 30 balls, Powell raced to 20 runs before being dismissed by David Payne in the 18th over. The Capitals required 12 runs in the last over, and Naib managed to score six runs from the first two balls. He was dropped by Dhruv Parashar on the next delivery but was caught a ball later with the scores tied. Sikandar Raza hit a boundary on the last ball to secure the chase.
In the first innings, UAE’s Farhan Khan dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz for an early breakthrough. The powerplay was dominated by the Vipers as Hales and Holden propelled the team to 64/1 in six overs. Hales, who was particularly aggressive, was dropped in the fifth over, leading to a costly 14 runs in that same over.
Hales struck Sikandar Raza for two sixes in the seventh over, bringing up his fifty in just 28 balls. He smacked seven fours and three sixes, achieving this milestone for the ninth time in the DP World ILT20.
The Dubai Capitals regrouped to halt the Vipers' onslaught. While the first seven overs yielded 84 runs, the next seven produced only 45 runs, thanks to disciplined bowling from spinners Haider Ali and Qais Ahmad.
Although Holden played cautiously, their partnership resulted in 98 runs in 52 balls until Naib caught Hales off his own bowling in the ninth over. Naib was in action again as he caught Holden off Qais Ahmad for 36 runs off 26 balls, putting the Vipers at 107/3 in 10.1 overs.
Sam Curran and Dan Lawrence proceeded with caution, as the Vipers struggled to reach 136/3 in 15 overs. Curran broke the shackles with two sixes off Qais but was caught by Naib for 24 runs off 21 balls.
While Rutherford and Wanindu Hasaranga fell cheaply, Lawrence managed a few boundaries before being dismissed for 35 runs by Dushmantha Chameera in the 19th over. Khuzaima Tanveer provided a late surge, scoring 15 runs in just five deliveries, including a six and two fours, to help the Vipers finish at 189/7 in 20 overs.
Player of the Match Gulbadin reflected, “When you have performed well in the past, it motivates you. I recalled my previous fifties. I took my time initially. I can bat anywhere; currently, number three is my lucky spot. We have played a lot in Dubai. It was a pressure game, and I thrive in such situations. With the ball, I utilized the surface and my variations effectively.”
Desert Vipers captain Ferguson stated, “It was a challenging night. It was an excellent game of cricket; the dew made it tough for us. We were unfortunate not to win. I believed we had a strong total, but that's T20 cricket. Alex Hales played exceptionally well.”
The MI Emirates will face off against Sharjah Warriorz in the Eliminator, with the winner advancing to face the Dubai Capitals for a place in the Final.
