The DP World ILT20 Season 4 opened in magnificent fashion at the Dubai International Stadium this evening, coinciding with the 54th UAE National Day celebrations. Fans packed the iconic ‘Ring of Fire’ as global music star Ali Zafar headlined an entertainment-filled opening night to mark the start of a new season of the region’s biggest T20 cricket league.
Ali Zafar delivered a high-energy performance featuring his biggest hits and fan favourites, before a dazzling National Day–themed fireworks display lit up the stadium.
Following the ceremony, focus shifted to the eagerly awaited season opener where defending champions Dubai Capitals will take on last season’s finalists Desert Vipers. The Vipers won the toss and elected to bowl first. The opening ball was bowled at 7 pm local time, officially starting the 34-match cricketing spectacle. After electing to bowl first, Noor Ahmad (2/25), David Payne (2/26), and Khuzaima Tanveer (2/35) each registered two-wicket hauls to hold the Capitals at 150/8.
Max Holden joined Gous as the duo put on a 35-run alliance in the span of 30 deliveries. The Vipers were cruising when Gulbadin Naib scalped Holden in the 10th over to leave the score at 85/2.
Gous eventually brought up his half-century in 32 balls, studded with six fours and two sixes, before he was dismissed by Waqar Salamkheil. Salamkheil followed up with the wicket of Sam Curran (7 off 10) to emerge as the pick of the Capitals attack.
Scot Currie chipped in with crucial late wickets, removing Shimron Hetmyer (7 off 6) and Hassan Nawaz (3 off 7), but the damage was done. Dan Lawrence (19* off 16) and Khuzaima Tanveer (12* off 8) took the Vipers home in 19 overs.
