Dubai: The Desert Vipers continued their winning streak in DP World ILT20 Season 4, securing a fifth consecutive victory with an emphatic eight-wicket triumph over the Gulf Giants at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday.
The match was defined by a brilliant powerplay from Khuzaima Tanveer, who claimed four wickets for just 10 runs — the best figures by a UAE bowler in DP World ILT20 history and the first to take four wickets in a powerplay. His early breakthroughs kept the Giants under constant pressure, restricting them to 157/7 in their 20 overs.
In response, Sam Curran and Max Holden stole the show with an unbeaten 123-run partnership, chasing down the target comfortably in 16.5 overs. Curran contributed 67 runs off 43 balls, including five fours and three sixes, while Holden added 64 off 41 deliveries, keeping the scoreboard ticking with regular boundaries and smart strike rotation.
Fakhar Zaman fell early for 14, but the Vipers remained in control despite a run-out of Hasan Nawaz. By the end of the powerplay, the Vipers were 53/2. Curran’s aggressive hitting, particularly against Kyle Mayers in the 14th over, gave the team crucial momentum, while Holden reached his half-century in just 31 balls.
Tanveer’s devastating bowling dismantled the Giants’ top order, claiming key wickets of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, James Vince, Pathum Nissanka, and Gerhard Erasmus in the powerplay, leaving the Giants reeling at 30/4. Kyle Mayers’ brief 30-run cameo and Asif Khan’s 36 not out added some resistance, but the Vipers never let the opposition regain control.
Desert Vipers captain Lockie Ferguson praised Tanveer’s performance: “Tanveer has been outstanding for us all season. Tonight he was exceptional with the ball. It’s also great to see Max and Sam put together a big partnership.”
Gulf Giants captain James Vince acknowledged his team was outplayed: “Tanveer bowled exceptionally well. We were simply outplayed today, though the dew was a factor.”
With this victory, the Desert Vipers now maintain their perfect record against the Gulf Giants in the tournament, further cementing their dominance in DP World ILT20 Season 4.
