Dubai Capitals Dominate Desert Vipers to Storm into Qualifier 1

Dubai Capitals Dominate Desert Vipers to Storm into Qualifier 1

Scores:

Dubai Capitals beat Desert Vipers by nine wickets

Desert Vipers: 137 all out in 19.4 overs (Dan Lawrence 44, Sam Curran 28, Alex Hales 18; Qais Ahmad 4/25, Obed McCoy 3/22)
Dubai Capitals: 138/1 in 17.1 overs (Gulbadin Naib 55, Shai Hope 52, Adam Rossington 27; David Payne 1/29)

Player of the Match: Qais Ahmad

Qais Ahmad’s Magical Spell and Naib’s All-Round Brilliance Seal a Nine-Wicket Victory

The Dubai Capitals capped off their DP World ILT20 Season 3 group-stage campaign in style with a resounding nine-wicket victory over Desert Vipers at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Led by Qais Ahmad’s sensational 4 for 25 and Gulbadin Naib’s match-winning unbeaten 55, the Capitals cruised to a comfortable win, finishing second on the points table.

With this win, the Dubai Capitals set up an exciting rematch against the Desert Vipers in Qualifier 1 on February 5, while MI Emirates will take on Sharjah Warriorz in the Eliminator on February 6.

Qais Ahmad Spins a Web as Vipers Crumble

Batting first, the Desert Vipers struggled against the Capitals' clinical bowling attack. The innings got off to a shaky start when Obed McCoy struck with his very first ball, dismissing Azam Khan for a duck. The dangerous Alex Hales showed promise but fell victim to McCoy’s slower delivery after a quick 18, leaving the Vipers at 39/2 in five overs.

Sam Curran and Dan Lawrence then took charge, adding 45 runs to bring stability to the innings. Curran’s aggressive stroke play was a highlight, including a huge six off Naib that soared into the Sharjah streets. However, Qais Ahmad turned the game around with his leg-spin mastery, deceiving Curran with a wrong’un to send him back for 28 off 20 balls.

At the halfway mark, the Vipers were in a decent position at 82/3, but Qais was just getting started. The Afghan wrist-spinner then dismissed Lawrence for 44, sparking a catastrophic collapse. The Vipers lost their last seven wickets for just 36 runs, as Sherfane Rutherford, Adam Hose, and Michael Jones fell in quick succession.

Qais completed his four-wicket haul with a beauty to trap Jones LBW, while McCoy wrapped things up with his third scalp, bowling out the Desert Vipers for a modest 137 in 19.4 overs.

Player of the Match, Qais Ahmad said:

"When you are playing with such legendary cricketers like Sam Billings, they always support me and give me confidence. The wicket was very good for spin, so I tried my best to turn the ball. I am happy for these four wickets. Of course, I enjoyed that wicket—Sam Curran is a big wicket."

Dubai Capitals' Chase: Naib and Hope Steal the Show

Chasing 138, the Dubai Capitals’ top order was in no mood to take things slow. Adam Rossington gave the team a flying start, smashing 20 runs off 15 balls before falling to David Payne in the fourth over.

With 50/1 in six overs, the Capitals had already set the foundation for an easy chase. Gulbadin Naib walked in at No.3 and made an instant impact, smashing a crisp four off Curran. Alongside Shai Hope, the duo took control of the game, ensuring no further hiccups in the run chase.

Despite Wanindu Hasaranga bowling two tight overs, the Capitals remained ahead of the required rate. The 11th over saw Naib ride his luck, as two mistimed shots still managed to reach the boundary ropes. The Vipers’ sloppy fielding continued to hurt them, with Hope getting a crucial reprieve after skying a catch that was dropped.

With just 26 runs required from the final six overs, Naib decided to step on the accelerator. He launched a big six over deep midwicket to bring up his half-century off just 29 balls, ensuring the Capitals stayed on track for victory.

Soon after, Hope too reached his fifty, his fourth of the tournament, with a well-placed pull shot. The duo completed the chase in just 17.1 overs, guiding Dubai Capitals to a dominant nine-wicket win.

Lockie Ferguson, Desert Vipers Captain, said:

"These things happen. I will still back the boys. Qais bowled exceptionally. We will have to go back to the drawing board and come back again. We have been outstanding, and a little blip in the end will not change anything."

Dubai Capitals Eye a Spot in the Final

The Dubai Capitals' win cements their second-place finish on the points table, meaning they will face Desert Vipers once again in Qualifier 1 on February 5. The winner will go straight into the final on February 7, while the loser will get another shot in Qualifier 2 against the winner of the Eliminator.