Dubai Capitals beat Desert Vipers in ILT20 2025 qualifier 1 [Source: @Dubai_Capitals/X.com]
In a dramatic qualifier 1 contest, Dubai Capitals beat Desert Vipers by 5 wickets to qualify for the finals of the ILT20 2025 season. Chasing 190 runs, Gulbadin Naib played a match-winning knock of 62 off just 39 balls for the Capitals. After some drama in the final over, Sikandar Raza scored a boundary off the final ball to seal a thrilling victory for Dubai Capitals.
Here's how Dubai Capitals vs Desert Vipers panned out in Dubai:
Vipers vs Capitals Highlights: Alex Hales rebuilds Vipers inning after Gurbaz’s failure
For Qualifier 1, Desert Vipers batted first with new opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. However, the explosive opener failed to get dismissed for 1 run as Farhan Khan drew first blood for the Capitals.
Nonetheless, Alex Hales and Max Holden had an inspiring 98-run partnership for the second wicket with Hales slamming 67 off 32 balls. Holden also hammered 36 off 26 balls as Vipers had 100 runs on the board in 8 overs.
Vipers vs Capitals Highlights: Vipers post competitive total
Alex Hales and Holden set the platform for a huge total for Desert Vipers. Daniel Lawrence and Sam Curran also contributed with 35 and 24 runs respectively to power Vipers to a strong total of 189 runs. On the other hand, for Capitals. Obed McCoy turned out to be expensive as he conceded 45 runs in his four overs.
Vipers vs Capitals Highlights: Adam Rossington leads the chase for Dubai Capitals
Dubai Capitals saw a 51-run opening partnership between Adam Rossington and Shai Hope. Adam scored 44 off 31 balls while Hope could muster only 17 runs. Gulbadin Naib and Sam Curran stitched another strong 40-run partnership for the third wicket with Capitals surpassing 100 runs in less than 13 overs. However, the tables turned when Billing got run out.
Billings was run out after a brilliant fielding effort by Sam Curran, who threw the ball from the deep. Hasaranga smartly collected it at the bowler's end and quickly threw it to the keeper, Gurbaz, who whipped off the bails. Billings fell short after scoring a fiery 38 off 16 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes.
Vipers vs Capitals Highlights: Gulbadin Naib leads Dubai Capitals to ILT20 final
While Sam Billings’ run out unsettled the Capitals, Gulbadin Naib held his end of the crease to keep the required run rate under control. He hit a sublime half-century and reduced the equation to 12 runs off the final over.
Naib hit a timely boundary on the third ball to ease the pressure. He took a couple of doubles before getting dramatically dismissed by Lockie Ferguson on the penultimate ball. However, in the process, Ferguson picked up a hamstring strain with Mohammad Amir tasked to bowl the final ball.
That being said, the new batter, Sikandar Raza made no mistake and hit a boundary to secure a dramatic victory. He steered Dubai Capitals to the finals of the ILT20 2025 season.