Right then, a fourth win for the Vipers in as many meetings against the Giants, and with this victory, they have guaranteed themselves a top-two finish. All is not lost for the Giants as they are still in the hunt for a playoff spot. Up next in the 2025 International League T20, we have an exciting clash between the Sharjah Warriorz and the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday, 30th January. The Warriorz are currently languishing at the bottom of the standings but come into this match full of confidence following a resounding win. On the other hand, the Knight Riders have had a mixed run, blowing hot and cold, and they will be looking to bounce back after a recent defeat. The game will begin at 8 pm IST (2.30 pm GMT), but as always, we will be here early for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Wanindu Hasaranga is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his outstanding bowling performance. He says he tried his best and it worked for him. Adds that he loves to bowl here and he is happy to qualify for the playoffs. Ends by saying that they gave their best and it was an all-round performance.

The captain of the Desert Vipers, Lockie Ferguson says that they are pretty happy to have secured a top-two finish. Feels that the bowling effort was exceptional. Tells that the talk was about consistently hitting the hard lengths and creating chances throughout. Lauds Max Holden for the way he batted and he says that he has been working hard behind the scenes. Mentions that they have a couple of days off and informs that tomorrow they will be heading out to play golf.

James Vince, the skipper of Gulf Giants says that 130 was always tough to defend and probably they needed more runs on the board. Adds that they needed early wickets and they did get those but it didn't go their way. Says that they will do their best and see if they can qualify for the playoffs.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, after being inserted into bat, the Giants struggled to come to terms with the two-paced nature of the surface and never found any real rhythm. At 61/8, they were staring down the barrel but then came a lone rescue act from Tom Curran. His blistering 34-ball 64 powered the Giants to 129 with 61 runs coming off the last 5 overs. For the Vipers. Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 10 from his 4 overs. Sam Curran also claimed three wickets, but his otherwise tidy figures took a hit at the hands of his brother, Tom.

With 130 runs to get, Max Holden, on his Vipers debut, took charge and led the way. Despite the early loss of two openers, he remained unflustered and kept the scoreboard ticking. His partnership with Sam Curran provided much-needed stability, but the departure of Curran, followed by a brain-fade moment from Azam Khan, handed the Giants an opening. A calm head was needed at the other end, and Max found just that in Adam Hose. Together, they ensured there were no more hiccups in the chase and took the Vipers over the line with an over to spare.

The Vipers return to winning ways! After a forgettable outing the other night against the MI Emirates, they have bounced back in style to secure a top-two finish. As for the Giants, despite Tom Curran's late fightback with the bat, they just didn't have enough runs on the board. Their bowlers couldn't quite build the pressure, and they never really looked like taking charge of the game.

Strategic break! The game seems evenly poised as of now. Max Holden holds the key for the Desert Vipers as of now. Gulf Giants need a wicket of Max Holden to get the game under their control. This seems to be going down the wire. Adam Hose walks in to bat now...