Dubai Capitals he won Desert Vipers with a six-wicket haul at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, securing a crucial win in Match 13 of the International League T20 2025. The Capitals chased down the modest target of 140 with ease, thanks to the brilliant performance of Gulbadin Naib, who was named the Player of the match for his outstanding performance.
The Desert Vipers finished 139th
After opting to bowl first, the Capitals batsmen responded quickly, restricting the Desert Vipers to 139. The Vipers struggled to build a bond as wickets kept falling.
Alex Hales top scored with 34 runs from 31 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes. Sherfane Rutherford contributed 27 from 24, including four sixes and a triple, while Dan Lawrence chipped in with 24 runs. However, the rest of the batsmen failed to make an impact, with Sam Curran, Azam Khan and Tanish Suri unable to make an impact.
The Capitals pitchers did well. Zahir Khan and Dushmantha Chameera were the top scorers, taking three wickets each. Zahir Khan, though a bit expensive, broke the big deal, while Chameera's late strike finished the innings well. Haider Ali, Obed McCoy, Sikandar Raza and Gulbadin Naib each chipped in with a wicket to keep the pressure on Vipers.
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Gulbadin Naib takes Dubai Capitals home
The Capitals started their run on a whim, losing early wickets as Ben Dunk, Shai Hope and Khalid Shah departed at low cost. At 42/3, the chase looked like a tough one, but Gulbadin Naib set up the innings with a terrific knock.
Naib smashed 78 not out in 51 balls, with three fours and five big fives, showing composure and fight. His partnership with Raza, who scored 24 off 26, boosted the innings and took the game away from the Vipers. Najibullah Zadran gave a quiet finish with 10 runs on 10. The Capitals reached the finish line in 17.4 overs with 6 wickets in hand.
For Vipers, Lockie Ferguson was the pick of the bowlers, picking up two wickets for 29 runs in his four overs. Mohammad Amir bowled accurately, taking one wicket for 31 runs in 3.4 overs. Despite their best efforts, the number was too small to be defended.
Dubai Capitals won by 6 wickets
Scorecard: https://t.co/yXvHtuIZTf#cricket #DVDC #ILT20 pic.twitter.com/7AWpFxybWE
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 21, 2025