Opting to bat first as per Dubai Capitals skipper Sam Billings’ decision, Desert Vipers made an impressive start, with openers Alex Hales and Philip Salt forging a 66-run partnership in just 4.2 overs.
However, Salt’s departure in the fifth over, courtesy of Roelof van der Merwe, interrupted their flow. Despite this setback, the Vipers reached 80/1 at the end of the powerplay, with Daniel Lawrence and Hales holding the fort.
Van der Merwe struck again in the ninth over, claiming Lawrence’s wicket, while Olly Stone’s tidy bowling accounted for Hales and Colin Munro, leaving the Vipers at 118/4 in 11.3 overs.
Subsequently, the Vipers struggled to maintain momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals. With Sam Curran and Adam Hose dismissed, they finished with a total of 171/7 in 20 overs.
In the second innings, the Vipers’ bowlers showed determination, with Sam Curran dismissing Capitals opener Max Holden early on. Mohammad Amir added to their success by removing Ben Dunk, leaving the Capitals reeling at 23/2 in three overs.
Despite a brief partnership between Sikandar Raza and Sam Billings, the Capitals’ top order collapsed, reaching 38/3 by the end of the powerplay.
Dubai Capitals stay alive by the skin of their teeth & they have Raza to thank 🙇🙌
— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) February 9, 2024
6 needed on the last ball & the 🇿🇼 maestro deposits it over long off 🤯#DVvDC | #KoiKasarNahiChhodenge | #DPWorldILT20onZee pic.twitter.com/iygmkvjHCl
Raza and Billings then stabilized the innings with a 79-run partnership, but Billings’ dismissal in the 15th over provided respite for the Vipers. With Raza and Dasun Shanaka at the crease, the Capitals reached 159/5 in 19 overs. In the final over, Raza held his nerve, smashing a last-ball six to secure a thrilling five-wicket victory for the Dubai Capitals over the Desert Vipers.
