DUBAI – In a rematch of last season’s final, the Desert Vipers ended a six-match losing streak against the Dubai Capitals, clinching a four-wicket victory in the DP World ILT20 season four opener in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.
While the Vipers’ triumph was built on a collective bowling effort and a solid half-century from Andries Gous, the Capitals’ innings was punctuated by a blistering, albeit brief, display of power hitting from West Indian Rovman Powell.
After being put in to bat, the defending champions found themselves in deep trouble at 32-3.
It was here that Powell ignited the innings with a trademark explosive counter-attack.
Initially cautious, the big-hitter switched gears to smash 39 runs off just 22 deliveries, single-handedly resuscitating the Capitals’ hopes.
His assault included a brutal 18-run over off Khuzaima Tanveer, where he showcased the clean striking that makes him a global T20 threat.
His dismissal in the 15th over at 101-6, however, halted the Capitals’ momentum at a critical juncture.
The Vipers’ bowling unit, led by Noor Ahmad 2-25, David Payne 2-26, and Khuzaima Tanveer 2-35, effectively restricted the Capitals to 150-8.
Fellow West Indian Shimron Hetmyer was unable to replicate Powell’s heroics. Coming in at a tense stage of the Vipers’ chase, the left-hander managed only 7 off 6 balls before falling to Scott Currie, a wicket that gave the Capitals a fleeting glimpse of a comeback.
Opener Andries Gous, however, anchored the chase with a fluent 58 off 36 balls. Despite late wickets, composed finishes from Dan Lawrence 19 and Tanveer 12 saw the Vipers home with an over to spare at 151 for six, securing their record 21st win in the competition’s history.
CMC
