Under the dazzling lights of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the Dubai Capitals exorcised the ghosts of last season’s heartbreak, scripting a dramatic four-wicket triumph over the Desert Vipers to lift their maiden International League T20 title. A pulsating chase, led by Rovman Powell’s authoritative 63 and sealed by Sikandar Raza’s last-over blitz, ensured that the Capitals walked away with the championship trophy – and a handsome USD 700,000 cash prize.
For the Vipers, it was another crushing defeat at the hands of their tormentors, who had now beaten them six times in a row. Despite Max Holden’s fluent 76 and Sam Curran’s unbeaten 62, their 189/5 proved insufficient in the face of the Capitals’ relentless batting charge.
A Chaotic Chase Turns into a Coronation
The Capitals’ chase began on shaky ground. David Warner departed in the second over, chopping a David Payne delivery onto his stumps. Soon after, Mohammad Amir struck twice in quick succession, removing the in-form Gulbadin Naib and captain Sam Billings, leaving Dubai reeling at 39/3 inside the powerplay.
But where panic might have set in, the experienced duo of Shai Hope and Rovman Powell steadied the innings. Hope, cautious and methodical, anchored one end while Powell counter-attacked, launching two towering sixes to keep the required rate in check. The 50-run stand between them came in just 31 balls, and by the 12th over, the Capitals had recovered to 100/3, needing 90 off 48 balls.
Then came the pivotal moment: Curran struck, forcing Hope into a mistimed shot that found the fielder at deep midwicket. The pressure mounted, but Powell refused to back down, completing a 30-ball half-century and ensuring the Capitals remained in the hunt.
With 65 required off the final five overs, Dasun Shanaka added firepower, smashing 21 runs off nine balls, including a monstrous six off Curran. However, his departure to Payne in the 17th over left the game hanging in the balance.
When Powell perished for 63 in the 18th over, the Vipers sensed an opening. But Sikandar Raza had other plans. With 19 needed off 12 balls, he plundered three boundaries off Amir, leaving just six to win from the final over. A thumping six followed by a four off Payne sealed the victory in 19.2 overs, sending the Capitals’ dugout into jubilant celebrations.
Holden and Curran Lay the Foundation for the Vipers
Earlier in the evening, the Desert Vipers’ innings was built around Max Holden’s scintillating 76 off 51 balls. After losing Alex Hales and Rahmanullah Gurbaz cheaply to Obed McCoy, Holden took charge, striking nine exquisite boundaries in the powerplay to lift the Vipers to 53/2 in six overs.
His half-century came in 32 balls, and despite a dropped chance in the ninth over, he continued his fluent stroke play. Dan Lawrence contributed 10 in a 41-run stand, but his dismissal in the 10th over left the Vipers at 75/3.
Holden then found an able partner in Sam Curran, who joined him in a 47-run partnership. However, just when he looked set for a century, Sikandar Raza trapped him for 76 in the 16th over, a crucial breakthrough that halted the Vipers’ momentum.
With four overs left, the fireworks began. Azam Khan smashed 27 off 13, while Curran’s aggressive 62 off 28 propelled the Vipers to 189/5. Their 67-run stand in just 29 balls seemed enough at the time – but Raza and Powell ensured it wasn’t.
Post-Match Reactions and Individual Accolades
An emotional Rovman Powell, named Player of the Match, reflected on the triumph:
“Credit to the guys in the dressing room, the message was to just stay calm. The competition has been silent for me, but today in the final, I wanted to prove myself. In the final, big players stand up. I’m disappointed to get out but glad we got through.”
Vipers’ all-rounder Sam Curran, who won the Red Belt (Most Valuable Player), admitted it was a tough loss to swallow:
“It was an amazing game, but it’s tough to take when you lose. We had a great score on the board, but credit to the Capitals – they’ve had our number this season. Hopefully, one better next year.”
ILT20 Season 3 Award Winners:
Red Belt (MVP): Sam Curran (Desert Vipers) – 387 runs, 7 wickets
Green Belt (Best Batter): Shai Hope (Dubai Capitals) – 529 runs
White Belt (Best Bowler): Fazalhaq Farooqi (MI Emirates) – 21 wickets
Blue Belt (Best UAE Player): Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates) – Won for the third straight season
Brief Scores
Desert Vipers 189/5 in 20 overs (Max Holden 76, Sam Curran 62, Azam Khan 27, Obed McCoy 2-44, Haider Ali 1-6)
Dubai Capitals 191/6 in 19.2 overs (Rovman Powell 63, Shai Hope 43, Sikandar Raza 34, Dasun Shanaka 21, David Payne 2-28, Mohammad Amir 2-35)
Dubai Capitals win by four wickets and claim their maiden ILT20 title!
A Night to Remember
For the Dubai Capitals, this was a story of redemption – a team that fell agonizingly short last year but returned stronger, fueled by determination and resilience. For the Desert Vipers, it was yet another case of being outclassed by a side that had seemingly cracked their code.
As the fireworks lit up the Dubai sky, the Capitals basked in the glory of their hard-fought victory, while the Vipers were left to ponder what could have been. One thing is certain – ILT20 Season 3 delivered a final to remember.
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