Dubai Capitals have secured their place in the finals of the ILT20 2025 season following a dramatic qualifier against Desert Vipers, where they clinched victory by 5 wickets. The match, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, was marked by thrilling performances and unexpected turns, culminating in the Capitals needing 12 runs off the final over to seal their fate.
Chasing a formidable target of 190 runs, the Capitals showcased their resilience, anchored by Gulbadin Naib’s impressive 62 runs off just 39 balls. Naib's explosive innings included seven boundaries and one massive six, building momentum when it mattered most.
Desert Vipers batted first, with opener Alex Hales making headlines with his aggressive 67 off 32 balls, which set the stage for their total of 189 runs. After losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for just 1 run, Hales formed a solid partnership with Max Holden, who scored 36 runs. Together, they lifted the Vipers past the 100-run mark within the first nine overs, pulling off some exhilarating strokes along the way.
Despite losing two quick wickets, Vipers managed to post what many considered a competitive score, significantly thanks to contributions from Sam Curran and Daniel Lawrence—who added 24 and 35 runs, respectively. Yet, the performance of Gulbadin Naib was just beginning to shine as he made breakthroughs for the Capitals, eventually taking two wickets for 25 runs.
When Dubai Capitals began their innings, they got off to a slow yet steady start, with Adam Rossington making 44 runs off 31 balls, forming part of the opening partnership with Shai Hope. The turning point, though, came when Sam Billings, the Capitals' skipper, was run out after scoring 38 off just 16 balls, leading to some panic within the batting side.
“We played a lot of cricket here in Dubai. It was a pressure game, and I love pressure games,” Naib remarked after the match, reflecting on his heroic innings and strategic mindset.
Naib’s ability to counter the pressure showcased his adaptability as he paced his innings wisely. When the Capitals needed 11 runs off the final over, he had set them up well, but his dismissal brought Vipers back on level terms. Raza stepped up to the plate, needing just one run off the last ball, which he secured with a perfectly timed boundary against Mohammad Amir—who replaced Lockie Ferguson on the final delivery due to injury.
Victory brought jubilation to the Dubai Capitals’ dugout, as highlighted by the players’ ecstatic celebrations. The Capitals had managed, against the odds, to chase down the steep target, and their supporters rallied with cheers at the thrilling conclusion of the match.
After the game, Lockie Ferguson expressed some disappointment, saying, “It was tough. The dew came on and made the game difficult for us. We were unfortunate not to come out on top. But it’s T20 cricket.”
The stakes were high, with Dubai Capitals hungry for success after being denied last season—a desire now amplifying as they set their eyes on the ultimate prize. With their next opponent yet to be confirmed, Naib’s exceptional performance serves as both a beacon of hope and a source of strength for the Capitals as they head to the finals, excited and eager to claim the title.
Setbacks during the season, including the absence of their star player David Warner due to injury, have only motivated the team more. They are ready to face any challenge as the focus shifts to the finals, where they will look to carry this winning momentum and bring home the trophy.
This thrilling contest not only showcased the highs and lows of T20 cricket but also highlighted the tenacity and spirit of the players, setting the stage for what promises to be another electrifying final.