Desert Vipers vs Gulf Giants Match Report
In a gripping night match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on January 29, 2025, the Desert Vipers triumphed over the Gulf Giants in the 24th match of the International League T20 2025 by 5 wickets. The match dated back to 6:30 PM local time and was a true test of composure and strategy under lights.
Gulf Giants batted first, managing to score only 124 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their stipulated 20 overs. With the early departure of captain James Vince after scoring 15 runs, it was decidedly downhill for the Giants. His innings had given a perfect platform for Tom Curran and with dramatic sheer courage, he managed not to get out, scoring an impressive 64 runs off just 34 balls, including 9 fours and a six. His late flourish was not, however, enough to redress the damage caused by the fall of too many lessons to the Vipers’ disciplined bowling attack.
Wanindu Hasaranga was the star with the ball for Desert Vipers, taking three crucial wickets for just 10 runs in his four overs, putting a lot of psychological pressure on the Giants’ middle order. Sam Curran got three as well, while Khuzaima Tanveer and Lockie Ferguson bowled very well to ensure that the Giants were never able to build a foundation for the innings. The powerplay yielded 31 runs for the Giants, but once it had finished their scoring rate fell away very quickly as wickets continued to tumble.
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Chasing 130, Desert Vipers had a shaky start, losing a few early wickets, including that of opener Alex Hales for 9 and Fakhar Zaman for 14. However, it was the unbeaten innings from Max Holden which turned the tide for the Vipers. Winning the match with an inning of a scintillating 70 not out off 54 balls, featuring 9 fours and a six, Holden took his team toward victory with relative ease. He was well supported by Adam Hose, who finished on 12 not out off 9 balls.
There were some nerve-wrenching moments during the chase, with Blessing Muzarabani being the most effective bowler for the Giants, taking three top-order wickets in Sam Curran, and Azam Khan was one of them. However, the Vipers maintained their nerve to breeze past the tricky target with one over still to go; such excellent batting under pressure.
The match became a true baptism of fire for both sides with the Giants’ brilliant fighting effort by Tom Curran being overshadowed by Max Holden’s poise for the Vipers. The match also stressed the need for a solid start in T20 cricket since Giants stuttering out of the blocks had put them in trouble.
This victory took a very significant amount of points into the league table for the Desert Vipers and boosted their confidence ahead in the tournament. The Gulf Giants will ponder it as one missed chance in that match as the resources were there but were not able to capitalize under pressure in crunch situations.
