Dubai, December 3, 2025: The DP World ILT20 kicked off on Tuesday, December 2, with a clash between the defending champions Dubai Capitals and the Desert Vipers at the Dubai International Stadium. It was a replay of season 3’s final, with the Vipers eventually winning by four wickets.
Speaking post the loss, skipper Dasun Shanaka shared his thoughts on how the match panned out, “We always knew the first game would tell us a lot about the conditions, but we ended up 10–15 runs short of what this wicket demanded. If we had kept a few more wickets in hand, the finish could have been much stronger and the scoreboard very different.”
He added that the team faced early pressure in the powerplay, which hurt their chances, “Cricket is a momentum-driven sport. We couldn’t set the tone either with the bat or the ball, especially in the powerplay, and that’s where they took the game away. Their batters made the most of the loose deliveries we bowled, and that early pressure made a big difference despite our later recovery.”
Batting first, the top order faced early pressure after the wickets of Sediqullah Atal (16 off 13) and Shayan Jahangir (19 off 15). Gulbadin Naib (0 off 1) and Jordan Cox (2 off 7) started off a collapse in the opening overs, but then Rovman Powell (29 off 22) and Mohammad Nabi (29 off 23) helped the side to 150 runs in their stipulated 20 overs. For the Vipers, opening Andries Gous scored a half century and helped his team to the win.
The Sri Lankan all-rounder took responsibility for the loss but was confident, saying, “As captain, I know I have to take more responsibility and bat higher up the order. Today’s collapse pushed me down a bit because we needed the innings to settle, but we’ll reassess our plans. We’re a much better side than what we showed, and I’m confident we’ll respond strongly in the next game.”
The defending champions will now face off against the Gulf Giants on Saturday, December 6, for their second match of the tournament.
About Dubai Capitals
Dubai Capitals, owned by the GMR Group, is a cricket franchise competing in the International League DP World ILT20, a premier T20 tournament held in the United Arab Emirates since 2023. The franchise clinched the maiden title at DP World ILT20 Season 3 and now enters its fourth season as one of six teams in the competition. Led by newly appointed captain and Sri Lankan star Dasun Shanaka, the Dubai Capitals will field a formidable lineup featuring stalwarts such as Rovman Powell, Tymal Mills, David Willey, Scott Currie, Jimmy Neesham, and Gulbadin Naib. As in the previous season, the team will continue to be coached by Hemang Badani
About GMR Sports
Founded in 2008, GMR Sports represents the sports sector of the GMR Group. It is driven by a mission to connect people, nurture talent, and establish sports as a powerful unifying platform both within India and globally. Committed to becoming a respected and influential brand in the sports industry, GMR Sports embarked on its journey with cricket, chosen for its widespread appeal as the ideal starting point for the Group’s first-ever sports venture.
The journey began with the Delhi Capitals, the city’s first-ever cricket franchise and the sole representative of India’s national capital in the IPL. As part of its mission to broaden its impact, GMR Sports soon diversified its portfolio, adding sports that resonate deeply with the Indian community. The company now owns UP Yoddhas in the Pro Kabaddi League and Telugu Yoddhas in the Ultimate Kho Kho League, additionally, has recently ventured into the league by acquiring rights to the Rugby Premier League, reinforcing its dedication to supporting regional talent and promoting indigenous sports. Expanding its global footprint, GMR Sports now holds franchises in international markets, including Dubai Capitals in DP World ILT20, Pretoria Capitals in SA20, Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket (US), and Hampshire County Cricket Club in England. Through these initiatives, GMR Sports continues to strengthen its presence on the world stage.
For further information about GMR Group, visithttp://www.gmrgroup.in
