Desert Vipers kicked off their ILT20 2025 campaign in style with a commanding four-wicket victory over Dubai Capitals in the tournament opener at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. A disciplined bowling effort followed by a blistering half-century from Andries Gous ensured a winning start for the Vipers.
Vipers captain Sam Curran opted to bowl first, a decision that paid dividends as his bowlers restricted the Capitals to a below-par 150/8 in their 20 overs.
Dubai Capitals endured a shaky start, collapsing to 67/5 by the 12th over before Rovman Powell and Mohammad Nabi stabilised the innings with a late fightback.
Rovman Powell top-scored with a rapid 39 off 22 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes.
Mohammad Nabi added a brisk 29 off 23, including two fours and two sixes.
The pair added a crucial 34-run stand for the sixth wicket, while Nabi later contributed another 30-run partnership with captain Dasun Shanaka (12 off 11).
Noor Ahmad, Khuzaima Tanveer, and David Payne picked up two wickets apiece. Naseem Shah and Sam Curran claimed one each. Gous Leads the Chase With First Fifty of ILT20 2025. Chasing 151, the Desert Vipers maintained control throughout the innings, completing the target with six wickets in hand and one over to spare.
Opening batter Andries Gous was the star of the chase, smashing a superb 58 off 36 balls with six fours and three sixes – the first half-century of ILT20 2025. His innings earned him the Player of the Match award.
With this win, Desert Vipers moved to the top of the ILT20 2025 points table with two points and a net run rate of 0.447.
