Capital cities of Dubai triumphed over Desert snakes with a six-wicket haul in a thrilling contest at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, securing a much-needed win in the 13th match. International T20 League 2025. Capitals easily chased down a modest target of 140, thanks to a stellar performance from Gulbadin Naib, who was adjudged man of the match for his outstanding all-round contribution.
The Desert Vipers finish in 139th place
After electing to bowl first, the Capitals bowlers immediately responded, restricting the Desert Vipers to a total of 139 under par. Vipers struggled to build partnerships as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Alex Hales was the top scorer with 34 runs off 31 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes. Sherfane Rutherford contributed a valuable 27 off 24, including one four and three sixes, while Dan Lawrence chipped in with 24 runs. However, the rest of the batting line-up failed to capitalise, with Sam Curran, Azam Khan and Tanish Suri unable to contribute significantly.
Capitals bowlers provided a disciplined game. Zahir Khan and Dushmantha Chameera were the best, taking three wickets each. Zahir Khan, though slightly more expensive, broke up key partnerships while Chameera’s late strikes effectively rounded off the innings. Haider Ali, Obed McCoy, Sikandar Raza and Gulbadin Naib chipped in with a wicket each to keep the pressure on the Vipers.
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Gulbadin Naib leads Dubai Capitals home
The Capitals made a shaky start to their chase, losing early wickets as Ben Dunk, Shai Hope and Khalid Shah departed cheaply. At 42/3, the chase looked uncertain but Gulbadin Naib steadied the innings with a scintillating knock.
Naib smashed 78 not out from 51 balls, with three fours and five towering sixes, showing both composure and aggression. His partnership with Raza, who scored 24 off 26, anchored the innings and took the game away from the Vipers. Najibullah Zadran ensured a quiet finish with 10 runs from 10. Capitals reached the target in 17.4 overs with 6 wickets in hand.
For the Vipers, Lockie Ferguson was the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets for 29 runs in his four overs. Mohammad Amir bowled with precision, taking one wicket for 31 runs in 3.4 overs. Despite their efforts, the total proved too small to defend.
Dubai Capitals won by 6 wickets
Results table: https://t.co/yXvHtuIZTf#cricket #DVvDC #ILT20 pic.twitter.com/7AWpFxybWE
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 21, 2025
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