Traded from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to Rajasthan Royals (RR) for Rs 2.4 crore, English all-rounder Sam Curran continued his good run in the ILT20 2025 as Desert Vipers registered their sixth win on the trot. Chasing 167 against Dubai Capitals, Curran's unbeaten half-century helped Vipers get over the line with five wickets in hand and two balls to spare. Vipers became the first team in ILT20 2025 to cement their spot in the qualifiers.
Curran’s double strike pushes Capitals on back foot
Earlier, Vipers skipper Lockie Ferguson won the toss and opted to bowl first. Shayan Jahangir fell early for a single-digit score. Leus Du Plooy and Gulbadin Naib couldn't accelerate. When Naib lost his wicket to Noor Ahmad for a 20-ball 21, Capitals were 58/2 in the ninth over. Du Plooy completed his half-century and fell to Curran soon after. The opener hit six fours and one six in his 44-ball 54. On the next ball, Rovman Powell fell for a golden duck. Jordan Cox and skipper Dasun Shanaka helped Dubai Capitals post 166/4. Cox remained unbeaten for a 30-ball 49 featuring four fours and two sixes. Shanaka contributed with an unbeaten 18-ball 29 cameo.
Curran finishes the run chase in style
Chasing 167, Fakhar Zaman fell for a 12-ball 14 to Mustafizur Rahman. Soon after, Max Holden departed for a 22-ball 34 laced with six fours. Hasan Nawaz hit three sixes in his 17-ball 31 before becoming Waqar Salamkheil's only victim of the day. Dan Lawrence (15-ball 20) and Shimton Hetmyer (17-ball 18) contributed with cameos whereas Curran anchored the run chase. Three runs were needed off the final over. Hetmyer fell to Shanaka but Curran finished the run chase with a six to reach his half-century. He scored 52 runs from 33 balls, including two fours and three sixes.
“We're in a nice place, have put two really good games together. The satisfying nature of taking the team over the line. Credit to the staff and the way they've built this franchise, keeping seven players from last year, lot of consistency. Thing that helps with player's confidence and role clarity and things like that. Wickets have played differently so we've been able to do the odd tactical change. Know we have to keep getting better each game,” said ‘Player of the match’ Curran in the post-match presentation.
While Vipers continue to be on the top of the points table, Capitals are placed third with three losses from two games. Their net run rate (NRR) is better than MI Emirates who have two wins from five games as well.