Twitter Reactions: Desert Vipers scale points ladder after outclassing Dubai Capitals

Desert Vipers clinched a win by 12 runs against Dubai Capitals in match 20 of the ongoing ILT20 at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, January 27. Fans finally witnessed action after the top-tier league saw spells of showers in the last couple of days due to which the matches were abandoned without a single ball bowled. 

Opting to field first, the home side led by Rovman Powell restricted the rival team to 149 runs in their stipulated 20 overs of the contest. Powell’s counterpart, Colin Munro of Vipers swiftly hit the ground running but was unable to convert it into a big innings to help his side attain a mammoth total as he was sent packing for 40 runs in 32 deliveries by Adam Zampa. 

The rest of the side which included the likes of Sam Billings, Tom Curran, and Sherfane Rutherford also failed to explode and the trio could only register scores of 25, 21, and 22 runs respectively before getting dismissed.

Jake Ball and Fred Klaassen worked in tandem to scalp four wickets between them whereas Australia spinner Zampa relished picking a three-wicket haul and also returned economical figures of 4/16 in his four. 

Powell-Yusuf fire all cylinders in run chase 

In response to the total set by the home side, Vipers required reasonably good performances from the batting line-up to get them ahead in the contest. However, the side lost nearly half its batters in under 14 overs of the contest.

In came skipper Powell and explosive hitter Yusuf Pathan, and the duo took the onus to revive the run chase. The duo carved out an important partnership of 52 runs which included Yusuf scoring 35* runs while Powell got runs 34* in 26 balls in the chase.

Tom Curran controlled the rival batters from going big and snatched the victory in the final over. With such an impressive display, Vipers emerged victorious by 12 runs and are now top of the points table with 10 points in just six games.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the contest:

Brilliant death bowling from Desert Vipers as they defend 33 runs in the last four overs to register their fifth win in ILT20 2023.#ILT202023 | #DVvDCP pic.twitter.com/Rq7aOFZep5

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) January 28, 2023

Yusuf Pathan 🔥#ILT20

— ꧁Ɽł₮HVł₭ ࿐💖💙 (@RRithvik_18) January 28, 2023

Vintage Yusuf Pathan #ILT20

— suryA (@Cr07_suryA) January 28, 2023

That is a monster hit from @iamyusufpathan #ILT20

— mark rufus (@markrufus007) January 28, 2023

"He's a dangerous player. We've seen time and time again." Wasim Akram on Yusuf Pathan. Time and time again was likely about 5-6 years ago unless you count the Road Safety Series and that other retired league #ILT20

— Aries (@ariescric) January 28, 2023

I can't think whether to be sad or happy. Bcz both of them are ours.#ILT20 pic.twitter.com/m0siQCyTmm

— wajith.sm (@sm_wajith) January 28, 2023

What a game between Vipers and Capitals at the #ILT20. 150 is usually an easy chase in any conditions. But that was some death bowling, reminiscent of Kule and Mali at the 2014 WC final 🔥

— Dilshan Ariyawansha ✊🏻🏴 (@_ariyawansha) January 28, 2023

losing by 12 runs when 33 needed of 24 is some effort #ILT20

— Z (@ossyV2) January 28, 2023

that was some good & sensible bowling by tom curran. amazing👏🏻 #ILT20

— momina. (@theobsessedbear) January 28, 2023

Questionable intent from Dubai capitals.. #ILT20

— mark rufus (@markrufus007) January 28, 2023

@TheDesertVipers won by 12 Runs. Well played @manuz05 40(32). Excellent spell R Mustafa 2/27. Desert Vipers at top of points table with 10 points in #ILT20. #DVvDC #ILT20

— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 28, 2023