The Desert Vipers reclaimed their place on the summit of the factors desk by way of a convincing five-wicket win over the Gulf Giants on the Dubai Worldwide Stadium on Wednesday, assuring themselves of a top-two end within the league stage of this ILT20 season.
Max Holden managed the below-par chase of Giants’ 129 for eight with a knock of 70 runs from 54 balls, after three-wicket hauls from Wanindu Hasaranga (three for 10) and Sam Curran (three for 28) helped the Vipers prohibit the opposition to a low complete.
If it wasn’t for Tom Curran’s late onslaught with a quickfire 64 off 34 balls, the Giants’ innings could not have reached the three-figure mark.
The Vipers’ chase confronted early setbacks throughout the powerplay, shedding each the opening batsmen. Mark Adair dismissed Alex Hales (9) whereas Blessing Muzarabani claimed Fakhar Zaman’s (14) wicket within the first 4 overs, with the Vipers reaching 42 for two in Powerplay.
Holden then stitched a 45-run partnership Sam Curran (16 off 19) till James Vince took an excellent catch off Muzarabani (three for 25) to dismiss Curran.
Holden reached his half-century off 42 balls, placing 6 fours and 1 six. His unbroken 32-run partnership with Adam Hose (12*) in the long run ensured a convincing win with an over to spare.
Earlier, the Giants’ innings by no means obtained settled amid common fall of wickets, scoring simply 31 runs within the Powerplay after shedding opener James Vince for 15.
Hasaranga proved devastating with the ball, dismantling the Giants’ prime order. He claimed Tom Alsop for 17, earlier than trapping Jordan Cox LBW for under three.
The Giants discovered themselves at 44 for four halfway by way of their innings.
The Giants had been in deep trouble, however Tom Curran offered resistance with a formidable 30-ball half-century and added 14 extra runs within the closing over, serving to his crew cross the 125-run mark.
