By Anas Ahmed 
Dubai Capitals made history by securing their maiden ILT20 title, defeating Desert Vipers by four wickets in a dramatic final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. A sensational late assault from Sikandar Raza (34 off 12 balls) ensured the Capitals chased down 189 with four balls to spare, capping off a dominant season with a well-deserved triumph.
Sikandar Raza’s Late Heroics Steal the Show
The Capitals’ chase faced early setbacks as David Warner (3), Gulbadin Naib (4), and Sam Billings (10) departed cheaply, leaving them struggling at 39/3 inside the Powerplay. However, a steadying partnership between Shai Hope (43 off 35 balls) and Rovman Powell (63 off 38 balls) kept their title hopes alive.
With 65 needed from the last five overs, Powell and Dasun Shanaka (21 off 9 balls) launched a counterattack, striking crucial sixes to bring the equation down to a manageable target. The real turning point, however, came in the penultimate over, when Raza smashed three boundaries off Mohammad Amir, before sealing the victory with a six and four off the first two balls of the final over.
“It was about staying calm and backing ourselves. Big players step up in big matches, and I’m glad we pulled through,” said Player of the Match Rovman Powell.
Desert Vipers’ Strong Batting Effort Falls Short
Batting first, Desert Vipers posted 189/5 in their 20 overs, thanks to impressive performances from:
Max Holden (76 off 51 balls) – Anchored the innings beautifully.
Sam Curran (62 off 28 balls)* – Finished with fireworks.
Azam Khan (27 off 13 balls) – Crucial late cameo.
The Vipers recovered from early setbacks as Obed McCoy dismissed both Alex Hales (8) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (5) inside the first five overs. Holden and Curran stitched a 47-run fourth-wicket partnership, but it was the explosive 67-run stand in 29 balls between Curran and Azam Khan that pushed the Vipers to a competitive total.
Despite their best efforts, the Vipers struggled to contain the Capitals’ aggressive finish, as Sikandar Raza and Powell ensured Dubai Capitals triumphed in their sixth consecutive win over the Vipers.
Key Performers and Tournament Award Winners
Player of the Final – Rovman Powell (63 off 38, match-winning innings).
Most Valuable Player (Red Belt) – Sam Curran (387 runs, 7 wickets).
Best Batter (Green Belt) – Shai Hope (529 runs in the tournament).
Best Bowler (White Belt) – Fazalhaq Farooqi (21 wickets in 11 innings).
Best UAE Player (Blue Belt) – Muhammad Waseem (third consecutive season).
“We gave it everything, but unfortunately, the Capitals were better on the day. Proud of the team and looking forward to coming back stronger,” said Sam Curran, who received the Red Belt for his all-round brilliance.
Brief scores
Desert Vipers 189/5 in 20 overs (Max Holden 76, Sam Curran 62 not out, Azam Khan 27, Obed McCoy 2 for 44, Haider Ali 1 for 6)
Dubai Capitals 191/6 in 19.2 overs (Rovman Powell 63, Shai Hope 43, Sikandar Raza 34 not out, Dasun Shanaka 21, David Payne 2 for 28, Mohammad Amir 2 for 35)
Result: Dubai Capitals beat Desert Vipers by four wickets.
Player of the Match: Rovman Powell
Zainab Shafiq