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.

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.