DC Edge Out DV in Last-Ball Thriller to Reach ILT20 Final

DC Edge Out DV in Last-Ball Thriller to Reach ILT20 Final

In a pulsating ILT20 Qualifier 1, Dubai Capitals (DC) held their nerve to pull off a sensational last-ball victory against Desert Vipers (DV) at the Dubai International Stadium. Gulbadin Naib stole the show with a match-winning 62 off 39 balls and a crucial two-wicket haul, guiding DC to a five-wicket win as they chased down 189 in a high-pressure encounter.

The victory not only secured DC’s place in the ILT20 Final but also extended their dominance over DV with five consecutive wins against them.

DV’s Strong Start Falls Short in the End

Batting first, DV got off to a flying start, thanks to a blistering 67 off 32 balls by Alex Hales, who combined with Max Holden (36 off 26) for a 98-run partnership. The duo punished DC’s bowlers early on, taking DV to 64/1 in the powerplay.

Hales was in top form, smashing seven fours and three sixes, bringing up his ninth ILT20 fifty in just 28 balls. However, DC’s bowlers fought back in the middle overs, with Qais Ahmad (2/29) and Naib (2/25) leading the charge.

As the innings progressed, Dan Lawrence (35 off 27) and Sam Curran (24 off 21) tried to accelerate, but DV struggled to maintain their early momentum. A late cameo from Khuzaima Tanveer (15 off 5) helped DV post 189/7 in 20 overs.

DC’s Nerve-Wracking Chase Led by Naib and Billings

Chasing a daunting target, DC began cautiously, reaching 47/0 in the powerplay. Adam Rossington (44 off 31) looked in good touch, taking on Sam Curran in the fifth over. However, the run rate pressure began to mount, and Shai Hope (17 off 17) was dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga in the seventh over.

Rossington fell soon after, cleaned up by Lockie Ferguson (2/32), leaving DC at 67/2 in 10 overs.

That’s when Gulbadin Naib and Sam Billings (38 off 16) took control. Billings played an explosive knock, taking Hasaranga apart with three fours and a six in one over. However, a mix-up led to his unfortunate run-out, shifting the pressure back onto DC.

With 52 needed off the last 30 balls, Naib took charge, finding boundaries at crucial moments. Rovman Powell (20 off 11) chipped in, but fell to David Payne in the 18th over.

Last-Over Drama: DC Hold Their Nerve

With 12 runs required in the final over, Naib picked up six runs off the first two balls before being dropped by Dhruv Parashar. However, he perished on the very next delivery with the scores tied.

The match was set up for a thrilling finish, and Sikandar Raza stepped up, smashing a boundary off the last ball to seal the victory for DC.

Player of the Match: Gulbadin Naib

Reflecting on his match-winning performance, Gulbadin Naib said:

"When you’ve played well before, you remind yourself of it. I took my time early on and backed myself. Number three seems to be lucky for me. I love pressure games, and today was one of them. With the ball, I focused on using the surface and my variations."

DV Captain Lockie Ferguson’s Reaction

A disappointed Lockie Ferguson acknowledged the tough loss:

"It was a great game of cricket. Dew played a role, making things difficult for us. We had a great total, but that’s T20 cricket. Alex Hales batted brilliantly, but credit to DC for holding their nerve."

What’s Next?

While DC march into the ILT20 Final, DV will get another shot at qualification. They will face the winner of MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriorz in Qualifier 2 for a place in the Final.

Can DV bounce back and set up a rematch with DC in the Final? Or will another team step up to challenge the Capitals? The ILT20 action is far from over!