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In the electrifying start to ILT20 2025-26, defending champions Dubai Capitals faced Desert Vipers in the 1st Match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on December 2, 2025. Vipers skipper Sam Curran won the toss and opted to bowl, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash between last season’s finalists. The Capitals struggled early, slumping to 32/3 in the Powerplay after losing Sediqullah Atal (16 off 13), Gulbadin Naib (0 off 1), and Jordan Cox (2 off 7).
Sam Curran takes a stunning catch to dismiss Gulbadin Naib
The highlight unfolded at 3.2 overs when Curran delivered a fullish ball outside off to Naib, who chunked it off the inside edge toward mid-on. Curran, reacting instinctively, flung out his right hand for a breathtaking one-handed return catch, plucking it from thin air and dismissing Naib for a golden duck. Celebrating with Naib’s signature biceps flex—a nod to their rivalry from last season’s final—Curran pumped up the Vipers, leaving Capitals at 26/2.
Here’s the video:
Brb, Curran-tly busy replaying that catch and the flex that followed 💪🔥
— FanCode (@FanCode)
Also READ: ILT20 Season 4: Complete list of presenters and commentators – From Grace Hayden to Mohammad Kaif
Desert Vipers seal revenge with composed chase against Dubai Capitals
Capitals recovered through Rovman Powell‘s explosive 39 off 22 (4 fours, 2 sixes) and Mohammad Nabi‘s 29 off 23 (2 fours, 2 sixes), reaching 50 in 7.5 overs before hitting 100 in 14.4. However, wickets tumbled: Cox (2), David Willey (10), Powell at 101, Nabi at 131, and Dasun Shanaka (12) at 146, stranding them at 150/8 with 14 extras. Vipers’ bowlers shone—David Payne (2/26), Khuzaima Tanveer (2/35), Noor Ahmad (2/25)—containing the champions effectively.
Needing 151, Vipers blazed to 50/1 in 4.3 overs, powered by Fakhar Zaman‘s 26 off 15 (1 four, 2 sixes) and Andries Gous‘ match-winning 58 off 36 (6 fours, 3 sixes, 50 off 32 balls). After Gous’ dismissal at 109, Capitals clawed back via Waqar Salamkheil (2/18, including Curran for 7) and Scott Currie (2/36, removing Shimron Hetmyer on 7 and Hasan Nawaz on 3). Dan Lawrence (19* off 16) and Tanveer (12* off 8) finished unbeaten, guiding Vipers to 151/6 in 19 overs for a 4-wicket triumph with 6 balls left—snapping a six-match losing streak to Capitals.
Gous earned Player of the Match for his fireworks, as Vipers grabbed early points while champions plot a rebound. Curran’s all-round impact (1/28) underscored his leadership in this high-voltage rematch.
