The Desert Vipers are officially playoff-bound, and they’ve done it with flair.
A scintillating all-round show from Sam Curran powered the Vipers to a five-wicket win over Dubai Capitals on Sunday night, making them the first team in DP World ILT20 history to win six matches in a row.
Chasing 166 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Curran was ice-cool under pressure, finishing unbeaten on 52 off 33 balls after earlier grabbing two key wickets with the ball. Big stage. Big performance.
Fast start, calm finish
The chase began at a pace thanks to Max Holden, who smashed 34 off 22 balls to give the Vipers early momentum. Fakhar Zaman chipped in briefly before Mustafizur Rahman struck, but the Vipers still cruised to 50 for 1 at the end of the powerplay.
Dubai Capitals clawed their way back with a couple of wickets in the middle overs, including the dangerous Hassan Nawaz, who entertained with a rapid 31. At halfway, the equation stood at 79 needed from 60 balls, game on.
That’s when Curran took charge.
Partnering Dan Lawrence, he kept the scoreboard ticking before Shimron Hetmyer arrived with instant impact, launching Dasun Shanaka for a six and a boundary to swing momentum firmly back in the Vipers’ favour.
Curran stayed till the end, finishing the chase with five wickets in hand and booking the Vipers a well-earned playoff berth.
Curran turns the game with the ball
Earlier, the Capitals posted 166 for 4, anchored by a composed half-century from Leus du Plooy. Jordan Cox and skipper Dasun Shanaka provided late fireworks, adding 72 unbeaten runs in just 40 balls to lift the total in the death overs.
But the turning point came in the 14th over.
Curran removed du Plooy in the deep and then dismissed Rovman Powell for a golden duck off the very next ball, a double blow that swung the game decisively.
“Finishing the job feels good”
Named Player of the Match, Curran summed it up perfectly: “The real satisfaction comes from finishing the job for the team. We’re in a good space, but we know there’s still room to improve as we head into the business end.”
Capitals skipper Dasun Shanaka admitted his side fell just short. “Another 10 to 15 runs would have helped. Against a strong side like the Vipers, you need to be spot on.”
Playing for the planet
The night also carried a powerful message off the field. The Vipers wore special jerseys featuring ‘Biodiversity Stripes’, a striking reminder of wildlife loss over the past 50 years. Made in the UAE from 100 per cent recycled materials, the kit underlined the franchise’s push for sustainability and environmental awareness.
Brief scores
Desert Vipers beat Dubai Capitals by five wickets
Dubai Capitals 166/4 (Leus du Plooy 54, Jordan Cox 49, Dasun Shanaka 29; Sam Curran 2/17)
Desert Vipers 171/5 in 19.4 overs
(Sam Curran 52, Max Holden 34, Hassan Nawaz 31)
Player of the Match: Sam Curran
