at the beginning of electrification ILT20 2025-26defending champion dubai capitals faced with Desert Viper In the first match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on December 2, 2025. viper captain Sam Curran won the toss and elected to bowl, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash between last season’s finalists. Capitals struggled early and slumped to 32/3 in the powerplay after losing Sediqullah Atal (13 out of 16), Gulbadin Naib (0 out of 1), and Jordan Cox (2 out of 7).
Sam Curran took a brilliant catch to dismiss Gulbadin Naib.
The highlight came in 3.2 overs when Curran bowled a full ball outside off, who edged it to mid-on off the inside edge. Curran reacted instinctively, extending his right hand for a breathtaking one-handed return catch, snatching it out of the air and dismissing Naib for a golden duck. Celebrating with NB’s signature biceps flex – a nod to their rivalry from last season’s final – Curran energized the Vipers, leaving the Capitals at 26/2.
Here is the video:
Brab, Curran-Tully is busy replaying that catch and the subsequent flex 🔥🔥#ILT20 pic.twitter.com/NeAIAUYVKj
– FanCode (@FanCode) 2 December 2025
Also read: ILT20 Season 4: Full list of presenters and commentators – from Grace Hayden to Mohammad Kaif
Desert Vipers take revenge against Dubai Capitals in patient chase
capitals recovered rovman powellExplosive 39 runs from 22 (4 fours, 2 sixes) and mohammed nabi29 off 23 (2 fours, 2 sixes), reaching 50 in 7.5 overs before reaching 100 in 14.4. However, wickets fell: Cox (2), david wiley (10), Powell at 101, Nabi at 131, and Dasun Shanaka (12) at 146, leaving them stranded at 150/8 with 14 extras. Vipers bowlers shined-david payne (2/26), Khuzaima Tanveer (2/35), Noor Ahmed (2/25)-Engaging champions effectively.
Needing 151 runs, Vipers reached 50/1 in 4.3 overs. Fakhar Zaman26 runs from 15 (1 four, 2 sixes) and Andries Gus‘ Match winning 58 runs off 36 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes, 50 runs off 32 balls). Capitals made a comeback after Gaus was out for 109 runs. Waqar Salamkhil (2/18, including Curran 7) and scott curry (2/36, removing Shimron Hetmyer 7 more Hasan Nawaz at 3). dan lawrence (19* off 16) and Tanvir (12* off 8) remained unbeaten as Vipers reached 151/6 with 6 balls to spare in 19 overs to win by 4 wickets – breaking a six-match losing streak for the Capitals.
Gaus received the Player of the Match award for his pyrotechnics as the Vipers scored early points while the champions planned a counterattack. Curran’s all-round impact (1/28) underlined his leadership in this high-voltage rematch.
Also read: ILT20 Season 4: Full squads of all 6 teams
