Sports

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

Published

4 months ago

February 4, 2025

The Dubai Capitals displayed an impressive performance, overpowering the Desert Vipers with both bat and ball to secure a dominant nine-wicket victory in their final group match of ILT20 Season 3 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, finishing second in the standings. Qais Ahmad was exceptional for the Capitals, claiming an outstanding 4 wickets for 25 runs, while Gulbadin Naib showcased his all-rounder prowess with a brilliant unbeaten 55 runs.

This victory marks a remarkable recovery for the Capitals, who started off the season with only one win in their first four games but rallied to win four out of their last five matches, securing the second spot in the points table.

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Next, the Dubai Capitals will face the Desert Vipers once again in Qualifier 1 on February 5, while MI Emirates will take on Sharjah Warriorz in the Eliminator on February 6. The winner of the Eliminator will meet the losing team from Qualifier 1 for a chance to reach the final on February 7.

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Chasing a target of 138, Adam Rossington and Shai Hope set the tone for the Capitals with some aggressive batting from the outset. The pair managed to score 34 runs in the first four overs, with Rossington hitting 20 off just 15 balls. His innings came to an end after he hit David Payne for a six, only to be caught behind on the very next delivery.

Naib entered at number three, immediately asserting his intent with a powerful boundary against Sam Curran. The Capitals reached 50/1 at the end of the power play. Wanindu Hasaranga attempted to slow the Capitals down, conceding only six runs over two overs, but the batters found the boundaries when necessary, reaching 76/1 after 10 overs.

With the run rate comfortably within reach, Naib flirted with danger in the 11th over, mistiming two shots that fortunately evaded the fielders. The Vipers missed a great chance to make a crucial breakthrough when Hope skied a slow ball, but the catch was dropped, allowing the duo to surpass 50 runs for the second wicket.

Hasaranga returned to finish his spell strongly, giving away just four runs, but Khuzaima Tanveer conceded 12 runs in the 14th over as the Capitals remained on track. They needed just 26 runs from the final six overs and were in firm control of the chase.

Naib flexed his muscles, smashing Tanveer for a six over deep midwicket to reach his half-century off only 29 deliveries. The Vipers’ catching woes continued as Naib was dropped on the next ball. Shortly after, Hope executed a fine pull shot to secure his fourth fifty of the tournament, leading the Capitals to a decisive nine-wicket win.

Earlier, the Dubai Capitals delivered a brilliant bowling performance to dismiss the Desert Vipers for just 137 runs. Obed McCoy struck early, claiming Azam Khan’s wicket off his very first ball. Although Alex Hales looked poised to settle, McCoy got the better of him with a slower delivery, reducing the Vipers to 39/2 within five overs.

Sam Curran joined Dan Lawrence, providing stability with a vital 45-run partnership. They consistently found boundaries and began to increase the run rate as the Vipers fought back after losing two early wickets. A standout moment came in the eighth over when Curran struck a towering six off Naib, sending the ball soaring over the stands and into the streets of Sharjah.

Unfortunately for the Vipers, Curran fell to spin; Qais deceived him with a wrong’un, ending his innings at 28 runs off 20 balls. At the halfway point, the Vipers were 82 for the loss of three wickets. Qais continued to trouble the Vipers, dismissing Lawrence for a well-played 44 in his subsequent over.

Lawrence’s exit triggered a batting collapse, as Sherfane Rutherford was dismissed without scoring, followed by Qais taking two more wickets in the 14th over. He claimed his third wicket by bowling Adam Hose and swiftly followed up by trapping Michael Jones LBW, finishing with remarkable figures of 4/25.

With the Vipers at 104/7, runs became hard to come by. Ali Naseer quickly followed suit, and the Vipers could manage only 21 runs from the last four overs before being bowled out for a modest total of 137. They lost their last seven wickets for just 36 runs.

Desert Vipers captain Lockie Ferguson remarked, “These things happen. I still believe in my team. Qais bowled brilliantly, and we need to return to the drawing board. We’ve been exceptional overall, and a little blip at the end won’t change that. Max experienced a back twinge, but he should be fine 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 telling me I was our main bowler and would take wickets. The pitch was good for spin, so I aimed to turn the ball well. I’m pleased with these four wickets, especially getting 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.

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Sports

Jatinder Singh Excels in Super Over as Oman Narrowly Defeats USA in Exciting League 2 Showdown

Published

5 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Namma Kudla Editorial

Oman triumphed over the United States in an electrifying Super Over match on Wednesday at Lauderhill, as reported on the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) official website. Captain Jatinder Singh was instrumental in securing the victory.

Jatinder played a pivotal role by scoring a century, bringing Oman to a total of 266, a score that the USA managed to match. He returned for the extra over to deliver the crucial hit that secured Oman third place in the League 2 rankings.

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The experienced right-hander led Oman’s innings after the USA skipper, Monank Patel, elected to bowl first. Jatinder scored 100 runs off 101 balls before being dismissed in the 41st over. Despite Oman appearing to have set a defendable target, Jasdeep Singh’s late effort of 17 runs from the final six balls forced a Super Over.

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In the Super Over, Jatinder hit 12 runs off the first three balls, leading Oman to victory, while the USA, represented by Harmeet Singh and Andries Gous, scored only 13 runs.

With this win, the USA remains in second place in the League 2 rankings, while Oman moves ahead of Scotland to secure third place.

Oman will next face Canada on Friday at the same venue in Lauderhill.

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Sports

Woakes Returns as Rocky Flintoff Joins 14-Member England Lions Squad to Challenge India A

Published

8 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Namma Kudla Editorial

The England Lions have unveiled a robust 14-member squad for their two upcoming four-day matches against India A, commencing May 30 in Canterbury. The selection boasts a blend of seasoned players, promising youth, and some intriguing picks.

Leading the announcement is the return of veteran pacer Chris Woakes and the maiden call-up for Rocky Flintoff, son of former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.

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Woakes, 36, who missed the one-off Test against Zimbabwe due to an ankle injury, aims to use the Lions fixtures to showcase his fitness and form ahead of the senior team’s Test series against India in June.

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Having excelled in last summer’s Ashes series with 19 wickets at an impressive average of 18.15—securing the Compton-Miller Medal—Woakes is a pivotal player under English conditions. However, with younger seamers like Essex’s Sam Cook making a push for selection, these matches could be essential for him to maintain his place in the senior team.

The Lions will be captained by Somerset’s James Rew, who is also part of the senior squad for the Zimbabwe Test starting May 22. Rew will lead a vibrant group, which includes legspinner Rehan Ahmed—available only for the first match before joining the T20I squad for the West Indies—and talented top-order batter Dan Mousley.

One of the standout selections is Rocky Flintoff, the son of Ashes 2005 hero Andrew Flintoff. The squad also features left-arm fast bowler Josh Hull, who made his England debut last summer against Sri Lanka, and opener Ben McKinney, a former England U-19 player looking to climb higher.

Another notable inclusion is Farhan Ahmed, younger brother of Rehan, who has earned his place thanks to impressive performances for Nottinghamshire with his off-spin bowling.

Jordan Cox is expected to return for the second match in Northampton after being sidelined for the Zimbabwe Test due to injury, while Jofra Archer will not be participating. Initially considered for the second match at Wantage Road, Archer is out due to a right-thumb injury sustained during the IPL.

England Lions Squad: James Rew (Captain), Farhan Ahmed, Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Jordan Cox, Rocky Flintoff, Emilio Gay, Tom Haines, George Hill, Josh Hull, Eddie Jack, Ben McKinney, Dan Mousley, Ajeet Singh Dale, Chris Woakes.

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Sports

Mukesh Kumar of DC Fined for Violating IPL Code of Conduct

Published

8 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Namma Kudla Editorial

Mukesh Kumar, a pace bowler for the Delhi Capitals, was fined 10% of his match earnings following his team’s loss to the Mumbai Indians, which officially ended their hopes of advancing to the IPL 2025 playoffs, according to ESPNcricinfo.

He was found guilty of a Level 1 breach under Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct, relating to the improper handling of cricketing equipment during the match. Kumar accepted the penalty imposed by match referee Daniel Manohar and acknowledged the charge.

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In Wednesday’s match, Kumar struggled with his bowling, giving away 48 runs in his four overs, which included three sixes and five boundaries. Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir scored a staggering 27 runs in his 19th over, playing a crucial role in setting Mumbai’s total to a strong 180. Kumar’s figures ended at 2/48, with that over going for 6, 1, 4, 6, 6, and 4.

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The Delhi batting lineup faltered, managing just 121 runs after Kumar was substituted for KL Rahul as the impact player during the chase. Only two uncapped players, Vipraj Nigam (20) and Sameer Rizvi (39), managed to cross the 20-run mark. Mumbai’s bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Santner, were impressive, combining to take three wickets while conceding just 23 runs in 44 deliveries.

Season-wise, Kumar has played in 11 of DC’s 13 matches, claiming 11 wickets. However, his performance has been costly, with an economy rate of 10.11 and an average of 32.63 runs. Following Mumbai’s victory, the playoff spots are locked in for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, and Punjab Kings, leaving the rankings of these four teams to be determined in their final group stage matches.

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