Dubai Capitals end Desert Vipers’ winning streak with a commanding six-wicket win

The Dubai Capitals brought an end to the Desert Vipers’ unbeaten streak in the 2025 International League T20 (ILT20) season with a decisive six-wicket victory at the Dubai International Stadium. A stellar performance from Gulbadin Naib and an impressive bowling display by Dushmantha Chameera and Zahir Khan proved instrumental in halting the Vipers’ momentum.

The match began with the Vipers batting first and managing a total of 139 runs in 20 overs. Despite a promising start, reaching 48/1 during the powerplay, the team faltered under the Capitals’ relentless bowling attack. Fakhar Zaman gave an early boost with a six and a four but was bowled by Chameera in the second over. Alex Hales anchored the innings alongside Dan Lawrence, contributing to a 58-run partnership. However, the Capitals regained control in the middle overs.

Hales was dismissed by Haider Ali for 34 in the tenth over, followed by Lawrence’s departure for 24, bowled by Naib. Sam Curran’s brief stint ended with a stumping by Sikandar Raza for three runs, leaving the Vipers at 80/4 in 11.3 overs. The remaining batters, including Azam Khan (10) and Wanindu Hasaranga (13), were unable to stabilize the innings. Sherfane Rutherford offered a late surge with 27 runs off 24 balls, hitting three sixes, but Chameera’s third wicket in the penultimate over curtailed their efforts. The Vipers were bowled out in the final over, with Chameera and Zahir Khan each claiming three wickets.

The Capitals’ chase began on shaky ground as Lockie Ferguson’s fiery spell claimed Ben Dunk and Khalid Shah in the second over, reducing the team to 17/2. Shai Hope’s run-out for eight runs further compounded the Capitals’ struggles in the sixth over. However, Gulbadin Naib rose to the occasion with a match-winning performance.

Dropped on two runs early in his innings, Naib turned the tide in the very next over, smashing Nathan Sowter for three sixes. Partnering with Sikandar Raza, Naib accelerated the scoring, reaching a 31-ball half-century with two fours and three sixes. The pair built a 50-run stand in just 36 balls, bringing the required run rate to under six runs an over.

Raza, who played a steady role, was eventually dismissed for 24 runs off 26 balls by Mohammad Amir in the 15th over. Najibullah Zadran joined Naib and helped secure the victory. Naib’s blistering innings of 78 runs off 51 balls, including several towering sixes, guided the Capitals to their target in just 17.4 overs.

Player of the Match, Gulbadin Naib, expressed his satisfaction with the victory. “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. After the drinks break, the staff told me I was looking good, so I said to Sikandar, I will play to my strengths,” Naib shared in the ILT20 press release.

Desert Vipers captain Lockie Ferguson acknowledged the challenges faced by his team. “It was a tough one. We were probably a few runs short and had some chances. They bowled well, and the pitch spun. There’s a quick turnaround again, but the boys have been batting beautifully,” Ferguson remarked.

The victory not only ended the Vipers’ winning streak but also brought the Capitals back into contention, ending their three-match losing run and reigniting their campaign in the ILT20 2025 season.

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).