Desert Vipers Secure Top-Two Spot with Dominant Victory Over Gulf Giants

Photo : ANI

The Desert Vipers proved they are the best team in the DP World ILT20 with a strong five-wicket win against the Gulf Giants on Wednesday at the Dubai International Stadium. This win made sure the Vipers will finish in the top two of the league and secure a place in the playoffs.

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Max Holden played an important role in the win, scoring 70 runs off 54 balls. His steady batting helped the Vipers finish the match in 19 overs. Although the Vipers lost two early wickets, Holden’s solid performance made sure they won. Earlier, the Gulf Giants could only manage 129/8, thanks to great bowling from Wanindu Hasaranga and Sam Curran, who each took three wickets.

The Giants’ batting didn’t go as planned. Tom Curran gave them hope by scoring 64 runs off 34 balls, hitting nine fours and one six. However, the Vipers’ bowlers kept the pressure on the Giants and didn’t let them get a big score.

The Vipers’ chase didn’t start well as they lost both openers early. Mark Adair got Alex Hales out, and Blessing Muzarabani dismissed Fakhar Zaman. The Vipers finished the powerplay at 42/2, which made the chase harder.

Dan Lawrence was out quickly, but Holden kept his cool and hit many good shots. He and Sam Curran made 45 runs together. However, Curran was out after a great catch by James Vince. Even though the Vipers still had to get 33 runs in the last five overs, they were in control.

Holden reached fifty runs off 42 balls, hitting six fours and a six. Muzarabani took one more wicket, but Holden stayed strong. He finished the game with Adam Hose, and together they made 32 runs in 21 balls to give the Vipers a comfortable win.

Before this, the Gulf Giants struggled to score. They were only able to make 31 runs in the first six overs. James Vince was out for 15 runs, and the Vipers kept taking wickets. Wanindu Hasaranga took an early wicket to dismiss Tom Alsop for 17 runs and then sent Jordan Cox out for only three runs. The Giants were at 44/4 halfway through their innings.

Khuzaima Tanveer got rid of Shimron Hetmyer, and Sam Curran took another wicket with a good catch to remove Gerhard Erasmus. Tim David hit a six off Lockie Ferguson but was out right after trying for another six. The Giants were at 58/6, and Hasaranga took his third wicket by getting Jordan Cox out.

Tom Curran tried to bring the Giants back into the game by hitting a fast 50 off 30 balls. He hit two fours and a six in one over off his brother, Sam Curran. Another 14 runs in the final over helped the Giants reach 129/8.

Even though Tom Curran tried hard, it wasn’t enough to stop the Desert Vipers, and they won the match easily, keeping their spot at the top of the tournament.

Jan. 30, 2025 3:33 p.m. 600

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