In a dramatic opening match of the International League T20 season, Desert Vipers secured a hard-fought four-wicket victory against defending champions Dubai Capitals at Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday. The match served as a compelling rematch of last season’s final, delivering poetic justice for the Vipers who had suffered defeat on the same ground earlier this year.
The Capitals, batting first after losing the toss, struggled to establish momentum against a disciplined Vipers bowling attack. Despite a promising start, they were restricted to 150/8 in their allotted 20 overs. West Indies powerhouse Rovman Powell top-scored with 39 from 22 deliveries, but consistent wicket-taking pressure from the Vipers’ bowling unit prevented any substantial partnerships from developing.
South African wicketkeeper-batsman Andries Gous emerged as the undisputed hero of the match, delivering a spectacular performance that earned him Player of the Match honors. His explosive 58 runs from just 36 balls, featuring six boundaries and three maximums, provided the crucial foundation for the Vipers’ successful chase. Gous formed a devastating opening partnership with Pakistani star Fakhar Zaman (26 off 15 balls), the duo accumulating 50 runs in merely 28 deliveries.
Though the Capitals mounted a late resurgence with quick wickets that saw the Vipers stumble to 109/4, composed finishing from England’s Dan Lawrence (19* off 16) and Khuzaima Tanveer (12* off 8) ensured victory was achieved with six deliveries remaining. The bowling honors were shared among multiple Vipers players, with David Payne (2/26), Noor Ahmad (2/25), and Tanveer (2/35) making significant contributions.
The victory sets an impressive tone for the Vipers’ campaign in the tournament, demonstrating their capability to perform under pressure against the defending champions.