Debutant Max Holden happy to give Desert Vipers important win

Dubai: Debutant Max Holden produced a match-winning knock to guide table-toppers Desert Vipers to a comprehensive five-wicket win over Gulf Giants in the DP World ILT20 match at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday. Having already sealed a playoff spot, the Vipers cemented a top-two finish with this win.

Holden’s unbeaten 70 ensured the Vipers cruised home in 19 overs after three-wicket hauls from Wanindu Hasaranga and Sam Curran limited the Giants to a meagre score of 129/8 despite Tom Curran’s late flourish of 64 runs in 34 balls, with nine fours and a six. Tom clobbering brother Sam, late in the Giants’ innings, spiced up the contest.

The Desert Vipers lost both openers in the powerplay, as Mark Adair removed Alex Hales and Blessing Muzarabani picked up Fakhar Zaman within the first four overs. Both wickets were the result of spectacular catches by Chris Jordan and Tom Curran respectively, leading the Vipers to finish powerplay at 42/2.

While Dan Lawrence fell cheaply to Chris Jordan, Max Holden, who came in at No 3, found the middle of the bat consistently. He joined Sam Curran in a 45-run partnership in 42 balls until Curran holed out to a great catch by James Vince, off Muzarabani.

“I am delighted to make my debut and that it went well. I have been watching the team from the sidelines, which has been a great experience to be around such great players and part of the Vipers. Everyone is itching to get an opportunity to play so it was great to get that chance. Obviously, I was a bit nervous making a debut for a new team and I was keen to make a good impression,” the England batter told Vipers’ podcast.

“To start with the win, and a score few runs, was an absolute bonus. So it is really good to get out there and we knew it was pretty important to get a win in our last couple of games to finish in that top two position because that is a nice advantage to have.”

Batting first, it was a tough outing for the Gulf Giants. James Vince was dismissed for 15 runs by Sam Curran as the Giants only mustered 31 runs in the powerplay.

Wanindu Hasaranga emerged as the most potent threat, slicing through the Giants’ top order. He bowled Tom Alsop for 17 off 26 balls in the seventh over, then trapped Jordan Cox LBW for a mere three runs, reducing the Giants to 44/4 at the halfway mark.

Khuzaima Tanveer added to the Giants’ woes by removing Shimron Hetmyer in the ninth over. Sam Curran compounded their troubles with a sharp return catch to dismiss Gerhard Erasmus.

“I tried to stick to my basics and the wrong ones, that’s my plan for success. I love to bowl here, even in the Asia Cup as well I took wickets. The fast bowlers did a great job, and the batters did their jobs, so as a team we have done our things well,” Wanindu Hasaranga said.

Vipers will play their final match of round-robin against Dubai Capitals in Sharjah on February 3.

Desert Vipers beat Gulf Giants by five wickets. Gulf Giants 129/8 in 20 overs (Tom Curran 64 not out, Tom Alsop 17, James Vince 15, Wanindu Hasaranga 3 for 10, Sam Curran 3 for 28, Khuzaima Tanveer 1 for 12) Desert Vipers 130/5 in 19 overs (Max Holden 70 not out, Sam Curran 16, Fakhar Zaman 14, Blessing Muzarabani 3 for 35). Player of the match: Wanindu Hasaranga.