ILT20 2025: Sikandar Raza happy with team’s effort after win against Desert Vipers

Dubai Capitals captain Sikandar Raza was delighted with the team’s effort after a six-wicket triumph against Desert Vipers at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai in the ongoing ILT20 2025 on Monday. 

Raza decided to bowl first after winning the toss and they were able to bundle out the Vipers at 139. Alex Hales, Dan Lawrence, and Sherfane Rutherford got off to starts but could not get a big score for their team.

Dushmantha Chameera and Zahir Khan bagged three wickets apiece for Dubai Capitals to keep the opposition at bay.

On the other hand, Gulbadin Naib scored a match-winning knock of 78 runs off 51 balls after the Capitals lost three quick wickets in the Powerplay overs.

Sikandar Raza said in the post-match presentation, “We never doubted ourselves. Last year we made it to the finals after losing three in a row and then winning four in a row. Really happy with our effort today, we were good in the field and with the ball. We thought the wicket was a lot tackier and greener.”

He added, “Thought there’s a bit of moisture, as long as the ball stayed new, it would grip and turn. After the 15th over, we realised the turn was starting to go away and it got flatter. We felt Gulbadin is in good form, so many good power hitters in the team, we’ve tried to shuffle the order to try and utilise everyone’s form. Want to players in good form to face majority of the balls. Felt we caught very well today.”

Meanwhile, Gulbadin Naib was awarded Player of the Match for his match-winning knock and he also accounted for Dan Lawrence.

He said after the win, “We are at the bottom, we are just looking for momentum after three losses. Luckily today we won. Still a long way to go. It’s not easy facing this kind of quality bowling, luckily I gave time to myself, during the break coaching staff came and said you’re looking good so I took on the bowling after that. Just wanted to go after the loose balls and back my strengths. We are lucky we face Rashid Khan, Sowter is a good quality spinner. I said sorry to Hope, it’s a part of the game. I told myself I will finish the game after that (run-out).”

Dubai Capitals will next take on the Gulf Giants at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Thursday.