International Sports
ILT20: Desert Vipers defeat Dubai Capitals as new season opens
The Associate Player of the Match was Andries Gous, the USA batter who recently helped his national side sweep four ODIs in Dubai.
The Desert Vipers opened the new DP World ILT20 season with a commanding victory over the Dubai Capitals on Tuesday night, securing a measure of revenge against Gulbadin Naib—the player who tormented them in last season’s final.
The rivalry flared early. Off just the second ball of the third over, Vipers captain Sam Curran removed Gulbadin for a golden duck, diving low to take a one-handed return catch.
For a side still stung by last season’s defeat—and Gulbadin’s pre-tournament jibes about “defeating Desert Vipers again and again”—the moment was particularly satisfying.
The match unfolded in front of a packed Dubai International Stadium, with seats nearly full 90 minutes before the first ball. A large section remained covered by a banner marking the UAE’s 54th National Day, while pre-match entertainment—including a performance by Pakistani singer Ali Zafar and an Eid Al Etihad-themed fireworks display—drew unusually early crowds.
But much of that energy faded once play began. Despite the hype around the Curran–Gulbadin storyline, fans began leaving as early as the innings break, and the stadium had largely emptied by the 10th over of the chase.
Chasing 151, the Vipers stuttered briefly but reached their target with four wickets and an over to spare.
Local players played prominent roles. Vriitya Aravind marked his ILT20 return with the tournament’s first wicket, holding a difficult swirling catch to dismiss Afghan opener Sediqullah Atal. UAE fast bowler Khuzaima Tanveer also impressed, claiming two wickets and recovering well after an expensive over to Rovman Powell.
The Associate Player of the Match was Andries Gous, the USA batter who recently helped his national side sweep four ODIs in Dubai. His fluent 58 off 36 balls anchored the Vipers’ chase and secured their winning start to Season 4.
The Vipers, two-time finalists, now begin the campaign on the front foot—this time with the satisfaction of having subdued the player who haunted them most.