
DV vs DC (30th Match) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the 30th match of the International League T20, which took place on February 3, 2025, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The match featured DV taking on DC in a highly anticipated clash. Desert Vipers, batting first, struggled to put up a competitive total, managing only 137 runs. In response, Dubai Capitals dominated the chase, reaching the target comfortably in 17.1 overs with nine wickets in hand.
DV, after being put into bat, struggled to build momentum throughout their innings. Their troubles began early when Azam Khan fell in the first over to Obed McCoy, setting the tone for the innings. Alex Hales looked in good touch, hitting four boundaries in his 14-ball stay, but he too fell to McCoy, leaving the Vipers at 37/2 in the fifth over.
Dan Lawrence and Sam Curran tried to resurrect the innings with a crucial 45-run partnership. Lawrence played an aggressive knock, scoring 44 off 31 balls, including three sixes and two fours, while Curran added a brisk 28 off 20 deliveries. However, both batters departed in quick succession, with Qais Ahmad dismissing Lawrence and Curran falling to the same bowler a few deliveries later.
With the middle order exposed, Dubai Capitals capitalized on the situation. Qais Ahmad continued his brilliant spell, removing Adam Hose and Michael Jones in the same over to leave the Vipers reeling at 104/7. Sherfane Rutherford fell for a duck, and Wanindu Hasaranga’s struggle for fluency ended when he was caught off McCoy for 11.
Ali Naseer and Lockie Ferguson added some late runs, but they were unable to take the total beyond 137, as Khuzaima Tanveer was the last man out in the final over. Qais Ahmad was the standout bowler with figures of 4/25 in four overs, while Obed McCoy (3/22) and Sikandar Raza (1/12) provided crucial support.
Chasing a modest target of 138, DC made a steady start, thanks to an aggressive knock from Adam Rossington. The English wicketkeeper-batter set the tone with a quick 27 off 18 balls, including three sixes, before he was dismissed by David Payne in the fifth over. However, that was the only breakthrough the Vipers managed, as Shai Hope and Gulbadin Naib took complete control of the chase.
Hope anchored the innings brilliantly, playing a composed knock of 52* off 54 balls. He rotated the strike efficiently and found the occasional boundary, ensuring there were no unnecessary risks. On the other end, Naib played the aggressor, smashing 55 off just 31 balls, striking four sixes and three boundaries. His counter-attacking approach put Desert Vipers completely on the back foot, and the duo brought up their 96-run partnership with ease.
The chase was completed in just 17.1 overs, with Dubai Capitals cruising to 138/1. The Vipers’ bowlers had a forgettable outing, with Lockie Ferguson and Khuzaima Tanveer conceding more than 10 runs per over. Wanindu Hasaranga was the most economical, giving away only 18 runs in four overs, but he went wicketless.
Overall, it was a clinical performance from Dubai Capitals, with Qais Ahmad’s bowling and Gulbadin Naib’s explosive batting standing out. Their dominant victory further solidifies their position as a strong contender in the tournament, while Desert Vipers will need to reassess their batting approach to avoid similar collapses in upcoming matches.
Desert Vipers vs Dubai Capitals Scoreboard
Desert Vipers – 137
Dubai Capitals – 138/1(17.1/20)
Result – DC won by 9 wickets (with 17 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Qais Ahmad

DV vs DC Playing XI
Desert Vipers
Azam Khan(WK), Alex Hales, Dan Lawrence, Sam Curran, Adam Hose, Sherfane Rutherford, Wanindu Hasaranga, Michael Jones, Ali Naseer, Lockie Ferguson(C), Khuzaima Tanveer
Dubai Capitals
Adam Rossington, Shai Hope(WK), Gulbadin Naib, Sam Billings(C), Sikandar Raza, Dasun Shanaka, Rovman Powell, Dushmantha Chameera, Farhan Khan, Haider Ali, Qais Ahmad
Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.