By Anas Ahmed 
The Dubai Capitals delivered a commanding performance to crush the Desert Vipers by nine wickets in the final group-stage clash of the ILT20 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Qais Ahmad stole the show with a sensational 4/25, while Gulbadin Naib powered his side to victory with an unbeaten 55 off 29 balls.
This emphatic win marks a remarkable turnaround for the Capitals, who initially struggled but bounced back strongly to win four of their last five games. With this result, they secured second place on the points table and will now face the Vipers once again in Qualifier 1 on February 5.
Qais Ahmad Spins a Web, Vipers Collapse for 137
Put in to bat, the Desert Vipers got off to a shaky start as Obed McCoy struck with his very first ball, dismissing Azam Khan for a duck. The pressure intensified when Alex Hales, who looked promising, was deceived by McCoy’s clever variation, reducing the Vipers to 39/2 in five overs.
Sam Curran and Dan Lawrence led a brief recovery, stitching together a 45-run partnership, finding timely boundaries to build momentum. Curran even launched a spectacular six out of the stadium, showcasing his aggressive intent. However, Qais Ahmad turned the game on its head. The leg-spinner bamboozled Curran with a brilliant wrong’un, sending him back for 28 off 20 balls.
Lawrence stood firm, crafting a solid 44 off 30 balls, but Qais continued his carnage, removing him in his next over. That dismissal triggered a catastrophic batting collapse, with the Vipers losing seven wickets for just 36 runs.
Qais was unstoppable, bowling Adam Hose and trapping Michael Jones LBW in the same over. With little resistance from the lower order, the Vipers stumbled to a below-par total of 137 all out.
Gulbadin Naib’s Heroics Power Capitals to Victory
Chasing 138, the Dubai Capitals came out with an aggressive mindset. Adam Rossington and Shai Hope gave the team a fiery start, scoring 34 runs in just four overs. Rossington looked dangerous, smashing 20 off 15 balls, but was dismissed by David Payne after hitting a six.
With the platform set, Gulbadin Naib took charge. The Afghan all-rounder made his intent clear, dispatching Sam Curran for an elegant boundary early in his innings. Despite Wanindu Hasaranga trying to slow things down with a tight spell, the Capitals remained firmly in control at 76/1 after 10 overs.
Naib had some fortune, surviving a couple of top edges that flew to the boundary, and Shai Hope was handed a reprieve when the Vipers dropped a crucial catch. The missed opportunities proved costly as Naib unleashed his firepower, hammering Khuzaima Tanveer for a huge six to bring up his fifty in just 29 balls.
Hope, playing a composed innings, reached his fourth half-century of the tournament, guiding the Capitals to a resounding nine-wicket victory with six overs to spare.
What’s Next?
The Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers will meet again in Qualifier 1 on February 5, with the winner advancing directly to the ILT20 final. Meanwhile, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriors will battle in the Eliminator on February 6, with the victor facing the loser of Qualifier 1 for a place in the championship clash.
Post-Match Reactions
🏏 Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers Captain):
“These things happen. Qais bowled exceptionally well. We’ll go back, reassess, and come back stronger. Max had a slight back issue, but we hope he’ll be fit for the playoffs.”
🏏 Qais Ahmad (Player of the Match):
“Playing with legends like Sam Billings gives me confidence. He kept telling me I was the main bowler and would get wickets. The pitch helped spin, and I’m delighted with these four wickets—especially getting Sam Curran!”
Zainab Shafiq