Synopsis
As the Dubai Capitals prepare to face the Desert Vipers in Qualifier 1 of ILT20 Season 3, both teams are eager for victory. The Capitals seek to continue their winning streak, while the Vipers are determined to avenge their recent defeat.Key Takeaways
- Dubai Capitals defeated the Desert Vipers in their last league match.
- Both teams are vying for their first ILT20 title.
- Qais Ahmad's exceptional bowling contributed to the Capitals' victory.
- Gulbadin Naib displayed allrounder skills with an unbeaten 55.
- The Capitals have made a significant comeback after a slow start to the season.
Dubai, Feb 4 (NationPress) After defeating the Desert Vipers in their final league match of ILT20 Season 3, the Dubai Capitals are set for a rematch against the table leaders in Qualifier 1 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium this Wednesday.
The two teams secured the top two positions in the standings, both eager to advance to the finals and claim the championship title. The Vipers are looking to avenge their previous loss in this rematch. Having both finished as runners-up in the past, the Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers are determined to secure their first title.
Qais Ahmad was phenomenal for the Capitals, delivering an outstanding spell of 4-25, while Gulbadin Naib showcased his prowess as a top allrounder with a remarkable unbeaten 55. This victory marks a significant turnaround for the Capitals, who started the season with only one win in their first four matches but rallied to win four of their last five games, finishing second on the points table.
"Two strong teams are facing off, and we performed excellently tonight. We will carry a lot of confidence into Wednesday. It's a new day and a new game, and we'll need to adapt once more," commented Sam Billings, the captain of Dubai Capitals, following their victory over the Vipers.
The Dubai Capitals exhibited a stunning bowling performance, dismissing the Desert Vipers for just 137 runs. Obed McCoy made an immediate impact, taking a wicket with his very first delivery as Azam Khan edged it to Naib in the slips. Although Alex Hales appeared to find his rhythm, McCoy deceived him with a slower ball, leaving the Vipers struggling at 39/2 after just five overs. Curran teamed up with Dan Lawrence, and the duo provided some much-needed stability with a crucial 45-run partnership.
They capitalized on boundaries and increased the scoring rate as the Vipers attempted to bounce back after losing two early wickets. A highlight of the innings was Curran's massive six off Naib that soared over the stands and into the streets of Sharjah during the eighth over.
Billings expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance against the Vipers and praised the bowling of Qais, stating, "Wrist spin is somewhat of a cheat code. It is valuable globally. While it can be challenging in Sharjah, he was exceptional. The key is to be aggressive, and he certainly reaped the rewards."
Desert Vipers' captain, Lockie Ferguson, remarked that Monday's disappointing loss was merely a setback and assured that they would rebound strongly in Qualifier 1. "Such things happen. I still believe in the boys. We'll regroup and return. We've performed well, and this small blip won't change our trajectory," he said.
The Vipers have excelled this season, finishing at the top of the points table with 14 points from 10 matches, securing seven wins and three losses.
The Dubai Capitals made a fantastic comeback to finish second, accumulating 12 points from six wins and four losses.
MI Emirates, who secured third place in the standings, will face off against Sharjah Warriorz, the fourth-placed team, in Eliminator 1 on Thursday.
