Media365
The Desert Vipers reclaimed their position at the summit of the points table through a convincing five-wicket win over the Gulf Giants at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday, assuring themselves of a top-two finish in the league stage of this ILT20 season.
Max Holden controlled the below-par chase of Giants’ 129 for 8 with a knock of 70 runs from 54 balls, after three-wicket hauls from Wanindu Hasaranga (3 for 10) and Sam Curran (3 for 28) helped the Vipers restrict the opposition to a low total.
If it wasn’t for Tom Curran’s late onslaught with a quickfire 64 off 34 balls, the Giants’ innings may not have reached the three-figure mark.
The Vipers’ chase faced early setbacks during the powerplay, losing both the opening batsmen. Mark Adair dismissed Alex Hales (9) while Blessing Muzarabani claimed Fakhar Zaman’s (14) wicket in the first four overs, with the Vipers reaching 42 for 2 in Powerplay.
Holden then stitched a 45-run partnership Sam Curran (16 off 19) until James Vince took a brilliant catch off Muzarabani (3 for 25) to dismiss Curran.
Holden reached his half-century off 42 balls, striking 6 fours and 1 six. His unbroken 32-run partnership with Adam Hose (12*) in the end ensured a convincing win with an over to spare.
Earlier, the Giants’ innings never got settled amid regular fall of wickets, scoring just 31 runs in the Powerplay after losing opener James Vince for 15.
Hasaranga proved devastating with the ball, dismantling the Giants’ top order. He claimed Tom Alsop for 17, before trapping Jordan Cox LBW for only three.
The Giants found themselves at 44 for 4 midway through their innings.
The Giants were in serious trouble, but Tom Curran provided resistance with an impressive 30-ball half-century and added 14 more runs in the final over, helping his team cross the 125-run mark.
