Sam Curran produced a commanding all-round performance to guide Desert Vipers into the ILT20 playoffs with a five-wicket victory over Dubai Capitals on Sunday.
After the Capitals posted a competitive 166 for 4, Curran played a decisive role with both bat and ball. The England all-rounder picked up two crucial wickets before anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 52 off 33 deliveries, striking two fours and three sixes to seal the win.
Desert Vipers made a brisk start to their chase through Max Holden, who set the tempo with a fluent 34 off 22 balls. Fakhar Zaman offered brief support before Mustafizur Rahman struck in the fifth over to remove him. Despite the setback, Holden’s early momentum helped the Vipers reach 50 for 1 at the end of the power play.
By the halfway mark, the Vipers required 79 runs from 60 balls. Curran then took control in the middle overs alongside Dan Lawrence, who chipped in with a useful 20 off 15. The pair added 32 runs before Lawrence was dismissed in the 14th over by Dasun Shanaka.
Also Read: Andre Russell’s ILT20 nightmare hits as Rovman Powell hits 24 off one over
With Curran holding one end steady, Shimron Hetmyer joined the attack and accelerated the scoring, allowing the Vipers to cruise home with five wickets and balls to spare.
Earlier in the evening, Dubai Capitals lost an early wicket when Naseem Shah dismissed Shayan Jahangir for seven in the third over. Leus du Plooy anchored the innings with a composed 54 off 44 balls, keeping the Capitals on course for a strong total.
The match swung decisively in the 14th over of the Capitals’ innings. Curran first removed du Plooy with a catch in the deep and then dismissed Rovman Powell for a golden duck off the very next delivery. Those back-to-back blows left the Capitals stalled at 94 for 4, halting their momentum and setting the platform for the Vipers’ successful chase.
(By PTI Inputs)
