Dubai Capitals End Desert Vipers’ Unbeaten Run with Six-Wicket Victory
Gulbadin Naib’s Fiery 78-Run Knock Guides Capitals to Victory in 17.4 Overs…..
In a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Stadium on Monday, the Desert Vipers’ undefeated streak came to an end as the Dubai Capitals secured a stunning six-wicket victory in the ongoing International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 season.
A dominant bowling performance, led by Dushmantha Chameera (3/26) and Zahir Khan (3/24), restricted the Vipers to a modest total of 139. The Capitals chased down the target in 17.4 overs, with Gulbadin Naib leading the way with a fiery 78* off 51 balls. This victory broke the Capitals’ three-match losing streak.
The Vipers, despite a strong start, faltered in the middle overs as they lost three key wickets in quick succession. Fakhar Zaman and Dan Lawrence provided solid contributions, but the team collapsed after a brief 58-run stand. The Capitals took full control after removing key batsmen like Alex Hales (34) and Lawrence (24), and the Vipers could only manage 139 in their 20 overs.
Chasing a modest total, the Capitals lost early wickets, but Naib and Sikandar Raza (24) formed a vital partnership, taking the team closer to the target. Naib’s quickfire half-century, including two fours and three sixes, helped the Capitals maintain the required run rate. He continued his dominance, hitting two more sixes as the Capitals comfortably reached the target with 14 balls to spare.
Player of the Match, Gulbadin Naib, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “We were at the bottom of the table, so we were looking for momentum. There’s still a long way to go. It’s not easy facing bowlers of this quality. Luckily, I gave myself some time.”
Desert Vipers captain Lockie Ferguson acknowledged the loss, saying, “It was a tough one. We were probably a few runs short and had some chances. They bowled well, and the pitch spun.”
Brief Score:
Desert Vipers: 139 all out in 19.5 overs (Alex Hales 34, Sherfane Rutherford 27, Dushmantha Chameera 3/26)
Dubai Capitals: 140/4 in 17.4 overs (Gulbadin Naib 78*, Sikandar Raza 24, Lockie Ferguson 2/29)
Comments are closed.