NEW DELHI: Alex Hales and Sam Curran’s blistering knocks powered the Desert Vipers to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over the Sharjah Warriorz in their recent encounter at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Chasing a modest target of 152, the duo forged a remarkable 128-run partnership off just 65 balls, effectively turning the chase into a one-sided affair.
Hales set the tone with a blistering 36-ball half-century, while Curran followed suit with a scintillating 33-ball fifty. Their onslaught ensured the Vipers sealed the win in just 14.5 overs, inching closer to the play-offs stage.
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Earlier, the Vipers’ bowlers laid the foundation for the victory. David Payne struck early, claiming two wickets, while UAE’s Khuzaima Tanveer ripped through the middle and lower order with an impressive four-wicket haul.
Jason Roy’s spirited 55 off 38 balls provided a brief respite for the Warriorz, but their total of 151/8 proved insufficient.
The Warriorz had an ideal start, with Adam Milne removing Fakhar Zaman and Dan Lawrence within the first four overs. However, Hales and Curran seized control, initially cautious before unleashing a barrage of boundaries. Hales reached his half-century with three consecutive sixes, while
Curran hammered Adam Zampa and Tim Southee, sealing the deal for the Vipers.
Player of the Match, Khuzaima Tanveer said:

“

Whenever I play cricket, I truly enjoy it without feeling any pressure. The captain gave me a clear plan to hit the deck hard, and I simply executed it, which led to taking wickets. Overall, I’m really enjoying my time out there”

Sharjah Warriorz captain Tim Southee said: “We got ourselves into a good position but lost too many wickets in the back half. We’ve shown glimpses of quality but haven’t been able to string enough together. With four games left, the equation is pretty simple. It was tough in the first few overs, and we needed to take regular wickets. On a positive note, it was great to see Jason Roy back in form”
In the first innings, Payne’s early breakthroughs left the Warriorz searching for stability. Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Roy responded with intent, building a 50-run partnership before Wanindu Hasaranga dismissed Kohler-Cadmore for 42.
Roy continued to lead the charge, reaching his half-century in 35 balls, but his dismissal in the 17th over derailed the death overs.
Tanveer’s decisive spell dismantled the middle and lower order, while Ashton Agar’s late cameo pushed the total to 151/8. Ultimately, the Vipers’ clinical batting performance, led by Hales and Curran, proved too much for the Warriorz, as the Vipers inched closer to the play-offs.