The DP World ILT20 Season 4 delivered a decisive Sunday double-header, with the Desert Vipers storming into the playoffs in record fashion, while the Sharjah Warriorz registered their first win of the campaign with a tense victory over MI Emirates.
Curran’s All-Round Brilliance Takes Vipers Through
At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the Desert Vipers booked their playoff berth with a five-wicket win over the Dubai Capitals, becoming the first team in ILT20 history to win six matches in a row.
Chasing 167, the Vipers leaned on a superb all-round effort from Sam Curran, who followed up figures of 2 for 17 with a match-winning 52 not out off 33 balls. Early momentum came from Max Holden (34 off 22), while Hassan Nawaz (31 off 17) provided a sharp middle-overs burst.
After the Capitals checked progress through timely wickets, Curran took control alongside Dan Lawrence and later Shimron Hetmyer, guiding the chase home with composure and power.
Capitals Recover Late but Fall Short
Earlier, the Capitals were kept in check before a late surge lifted them to 166/4. Leus du Plooy (54 off 44) anchored the innings, but the decisive moment came in the 14th over when Curran removed du Plooy and then dismissed Rovman Powell for a golden duck, halting momentum at 94/4.
A spirited unbeaten stand between Jordan Cox (49 off 30)* and Dasun Shanaka (29 off 18)* added 72 runs and ensured a competitive total, though it ultimately proved insufficient.
Warriorz Hold Their Nerve to Open Their Account
In Abu Dhabi, the Sharjah Warriorz edged MI Emirates by six runs, finally opening their Season 4 account after a disciplined all-round display.
The foundation was laid by Johnson Charles, whose controlled 77 off 53 balls guided the Warriorz to 174/3. A 112-run opening stand with Tom Kohler-Cadmore (30) set the platform, before Sikander Raza (29 off 22) and James Rew (24 off 14) provided late impetus.
Raza and Siddique Turn the Game in the Middle Overs.
MI Emirates made a flying start through Muhammad Waseem (44) and Jonny Bairstow (31), racing to 54 without loss in the powerplay. The match turned in the middle overs as Raza removed both openers, swinging momentum back to the Warriorz.
The squeeze intensified with Matheesha Pathirana and Junaid Siddique striking in quick succession. Siddique’s double blow in the 15th over left MI Emirates wobbling, despite Nicholas Pooran’s late 48 off 35*. Needing 25 from the final over, Pooran threatened a heist, but Siddique held his nerve, conceding just 18 to seal the win.
Milestones, Momentum and Messages Beyond the Field
While the Warriorz will take confidence from finally getting off the mark, the Vipers continue to set the pace of the tournament. The Dubai-based side also used the occasion to spotlight sustainability, wearing special ‘Biodiversity Stripes’ jerseys made from 100% recycled materials, reinforcing their commitment to environmental awareness.
As the league phase intensifies, both results could prove pivotal—one confirming a dominant playoff push, the other igniting a late-season revival.
Brief Scores: Desert Vipers beat Dubai Capitals by five wickets. Dubai Capitals 166/4 (du Plooy 54, Cox 49*, Shanaka 29*; Curran 2/17) Desert Vipers 171/5 in 19.4 overs (Curran 52*, Holden 34, Nawaz 31) Player of the Match: Sam Curran
Sharjah Warriorz beat MI Emirates by six runs. Sharjah Warriorz 174/3 (Charles 77, Kohler-Cadmore 30, Raza 29) MI Emirates 168/5 (Pooran 48*, Waseem 44, Bairstow 31; Raza 2/15, Siddique 2/35) Player of the Match: Sikander Raza.
