Capitals Clinch Victory Over Vipers : ILT20 Season 3: Qais and Naib Propel Dubai Capitals to Convincing Victory Over Desert Vipers

Sharjah, Feb 4 (NationPress) The Dubai Capitals showcased an impressive performance as they dominated the Desert Vipers, securing a remarkable nine-wicket victory in the concluding group match of ILT20 Season 3 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This triumph propelled them to a commendable second place in the standings. Qais Ahmad delivered an exceptional bowling performance, claiming 4 wickets for 25 runs, while Gulbadin Naib lived up to his reputation as a top allrounder by scoring an unbeaten 55 runs.

This victory marks a significant turnaround for the Capitals, who initially struggled with only one win in their first four matches. They bounced back strongly, winning four out of their last five games to secure the second position on the points table.

The Dubai Capitals are set to face the same opponents, the Desert Vipers, in Qualifier 1 on February 5, while MI Emirates will go up against Sharjah Warriorz in the Eliminator on February 6. The winner of that match will compete against the loser of Qualifier 1 for a chance to reach the final on February 7.

In pursuit of 138 runs, Adam Rossington and Shai Hope started aggressively against the Vipers, accumulating 34 runs in the first four overs. Rossington's quickfire innings of 20 runs off 15 balls ended after he hit David Payne for a six, only to be caught behind on the next delivery.

Naib entered the fray at one-down, quickly demonstrating his intent by striking a superb four off Sam Curran, as the Capitals reached 50/1 at the end of the Power-play. Wanindu Hasaranga briefly threatened to slow their momentum by conceding only six runs in his next two overs, but the batsmen found boundaries when required, ending the first ten overs at 76/1.

The Capitals maintained a comfortable lead in the required run rate, and Naib had a close call in the 11th over, mistiming two shots that both went for boundaries.

The Vipers had a golden chance to make an impact when Hope skied a slow delivery, but the catch was dropped, allowing the pair to surpass the 50-run mark for the second wicket.

Hasaranga returned to finish his spell with another economical over, giving away just four runs. However, Khuzaima Tanveer was hit for 12 runs in the 14th over as the Capitals pressed on. Needing only 26 runs off the final six overs, they were fully in control of the chase.

Naib showcased his power by hitting Tanveer for a six over deep midwicket, bringing up his half-century off just 29 balls. The Vipers' poor fielding continued, as Naib was dropped again on the following ball. Shortly after, Hope executed a fine pull shot, registering his fourth half-century of the tournament, guiding the Capitals to a decisive nine-wicket victory.

Earlier, the Dubai Capitals delivered a stellar bowling performance, skittling the Desert Vipers for 137 runs. Obed McCoy made an instant impact, dismissing Azam Khan on his first delivery. Alex Hales looked set to score but fell victim to McCoy's slower ball, leaving the Vipers at 39/2 in five overs.

Sam Curran partnered with Dan Lawrence, forming a crucial 45-run partnership that stabilized the innings. They found boundaries easily, and at one point, Curran launched a massive six off Naib that soared over the stands.

However, Curran was dismissed by spin, with Qais taking his wicket on a wrong'un, leaving him with 28 runs off 20 balls. At the halfway stage, the Vipers had managed 82 runs for the loss of three wickets. Qais further troubled the Vipers by getting Lawrence out for a well-made 44 runs.

Lawrence's wicket triggered a batting collapse, with Sherfane Rutherford departing for a duck. Qais then took two more wickets in the 14th over, first bowling Adam Hose and then trapping Michael Jones LBW, finishing with outstanding figures of 4/25.

With the Vipers struggling at 104/7, the runs dried up. Ali Naseer fell quickly, and the Vipers could muster only 21 runs in the last four overs, eventually being bowled out for a modest 137 runs. They lost their final seven wickets for just 36 runs.

Lockie Ferguson, captain of the Desert Vipers, remarked: “These things happen. I will still back the boys. Qais bowled exceptionally well. We need to go back to the drawing board and make a comeback. We have been outstanding, and a small setback at the end won't alter anything. Max had a back twinge, but he should hopefully recover for the playoffs.”

Player of the match, Qais Ahmad, stated: “Playing alongside legendary cricketers like Sam Billings gives me great support and confidence. He kept assuring me that I am our main bowler. The pitch was excellent for spin, and I did my best to turn the ball. I am pleased with my four wickets, especially taking the wicket of Sam Curran.”

Brief scores:

Desert Vipers: 137 all out in 19.4 overs (Dan Lawrence 44, Sam Curran 28; Qais Ahmad 4-25, Obed McCoy 3-22) lost to Dubai Capitals 138/1 in 17.1 overs (Gulbadin Naib 55 not out, Shai Hope 52 not out, Adam Rossington 27, David Payne 1-29) by nine wickets.