Desert Vipers Dominate SW to Seal Spot in DP World ILT20 Final

DV Outclass SW to Storm Into DP World ILT20 Final

Scores Summary

SW – 162/7 (Jason Roy 73, Karim Janat 23, Moeen Ali 17, Khuzaima Tanveer 2/20, Nathan Sowter 2/27)
DV – 165/3 in 16.4 overs (Max Holden 48, Alex Hales 47, Sam Curran 34, Adam Milne 2/26)
Player of the Match: Alex Hales

The Desert Vipers (DV) produced a clinical performance in Qualifier 2 of DP World ILT20 Season 3, defeating the Sharjah Warriorz (SW) by seven wickets at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday. With this dominant win, DV booked their place in the grand final, where they will take on the Dubai Capitals (DC) on February 9.

Hales, Holden, and Curran Lead the Chase

Chasing a target of 163, DV started cautiously but quickly shifted gears. Although Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell early to Adam Milne’s inswinger, Alex Hales (47) and Max Holden (48) ensured that DV stayed in control.

Hales, playing an aggressive yet calculated knock, hammered four boundaries in a single over against Dilshan Madushanka. His fluent stroke play and Holden’s composed innings helped DV reach 92/2 at the 10-over mark, putting them in pole position.

Just when SW sensed a breakthrough, Milne dismissed Holden for 48, but Sam Curran (34 off 15 balls) finished the job in style. With two massive sixes and powerful stroke play, Curran ensured DV cruised to victory with 20 balls to spare.

Disciplined Bowling Restricts SW to 162

Earlier, SW got off to a shaky start after losing Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Johnson Charles early. However, Jason Roy (73 off 52 balls) kept the innings alive, playing some stunning shots, including a magnificent pull shot off Khuzaima Tanveer.

Despite Roy’s resilience, Nathan Sowter (2/27) and Tanveer (2/20) tightened the screws. Karim Janat (23 off 9 balls) provided a late flourish with three sixes in the 19th over, but SW could only post 162/7.

What the Players Said

Tim Southee (SW Captain):
"It was a tough one. The pitch played better later, and we needed to bowl smarter. DV executed their plans well. Jason (Roy) was brilliant, but we just fell short."

Alex Hales (Player of the Match):
"It feels great to time the chase well. The pitch was tricky early on, so we had to adjust. We have a strong batting lineup, and if we play smart, we have a great chance in the final."

Final Showdown: DV vs DC

With DV and DC set to clash in the final on February 9, fans can expect an explosive battle as two of the tournament’s best sides fight for the DP World ILT20 title. Will DV finally lift the trophy after finishing as runners-up in Season 1, or will DC claim their first-ever championship?