Match Center

Right then, that will be it from this contest. We hope you enjoyed the coverage. Do join in on Tuesday, January 21, for Match 14 in the ILT20, 2025 where Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will take on MI Emirates at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. That game will start at 8 pm IST (2.30 pm GMT) but as you know, you can always join early for all the build-up. Until then, take care, and cheers!

Gulbadin Naib is the Player of the Match for his blistering knock. Says that they were on the bottom before this game so they wanted to get the momentum after three losses. Adds that there is a long way to go in the season and they will look to go strong. Mentions that it’s not easy to bat through the middle but he was middling it well and took the game deep, taking his chances on the loose balls. Shares that backing his strength helped him do well in the middle. Closes by adding that he apologized to Shai Hope for the mix-up in the middle.

Sikandar Raza, the Dubai Capitals skipper is up for a chat. He says that they never doubted themselves as they made it to the final last year from a tough position and he was proud of the effort from boys today. Shares that the wicket was tackier and greener and there was a bit of moisture with the ball was turning till the 14-15th over in the first innings. Adds that they used the heavy roller to make the wicket flat for batting and tried to shuffle the order by getting Gulbadin Naib up the order which worked well for them. Ends by saying that they caught better which made the difference.

Lockie Ferguson, the Desert Vipers skipper comes up to have a word. He says that it was a tough loss as they few runs short but they started well with the ball. Adds that Gulbadin Naib played a brilliant inning and took the game away. Mentions that Dubai Capitals bowled well and made it hard for them. Shares that they will look to refresh and bounce back in the next game.

Time for the post-match presentations...

The Desert Vipers did not have enough runs to play with but they fought hard and removed three wickets inside the first six overs. However, a counter-attacking knock from Gulbadin Naib pegged them back and they suffered their first loss after four wins. Lockie Ferguson and Wanindu Hasaranga were stand-out bowlers for the Vipers but it wasn't their day today. Earlier in the game, the Desert Vipers batted first and posted a below-par 139 with handy runs from Alex Hales, Sherfane Rutherford, and Daniel Lawrence while Dushmantha Chameera and Zahir Khan did the bulk of the damage for the Capitals with the ball. The Vipers remain at the top despite the loss and will hope to bounce back in their next outing.

A comprehensive run-chase from the Dubai Capitals helps them get over the line against the Desert Vipers by 6 wickets and this ends the four-match winning streak for the Vipers. Chasing a modest 140 for the win, the Capitals lost their top-three inside the powerplay but Gulbadin Naib came out all guns blazing and took the attack to the opposition. The Afghan International finished with an unbeaten 78 off 51 and steered his side to their second win of the season with support from Sikandar Raza and Najibullah Zadran. The Capitals move to number four in the table with this huge victory.

WIDE! That will do it for the Dubai Capitals! Slower length ball, down the leg. Gulbadin Naib plays and misses. Signaled as a wide and the Capitals win by 6 wickets with nearly two overs to spare.

Short of a length, down the leg. Pulled to short fine leg for none.

FOUR! Not in control but Naib will take it. Slower and fuller, wide outside off. Gulbadin Naib is early into the shot and lofts off the outer edge toward deep third for a boundary. Just a single needed now.

WIDE! Amir bangs it too short which goes way above the batter, wide given.

Back of a length delivery outside off. Najibullah Zadran punches it toward mid-off for a single.

Slower and shorter around off. Gulbadin Naib pulls this to deep mid-wicket for one.

Back of a length, angled into the middle. Gulbadin Naib pulls this to deep mid-wicket for one.

On a length, around off. Dabbed to deep third for one.

Pitched full, at the stumps. Gulbadin Naib heaves this toward deep mid-wicket for one.

SIX! INTO THE STANDS! Slower and short of a good length, around off. Gulbadin Naib picks the length and hammers it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.