NEW DELHI: The Desert Vipers created history in the DP World ILT20 by registering a record sixth consecutive victory, achieving the milestone during their annual Sustainability Match. Chasing a target of 167, the Vipers overcame the Dubai Capitals by five wickets with two deliveries to spare.
Sam Curran starred in the win, earning the Player of the Match award for his unbeaten 52 and an excellent spell with the ball, where he claimed two wickets while conceding just 17 runs from three overs.
Earlier, players took the field in a specially designed kit for the Sustainability Match, inspired by the ‘Biodiversity Stripes’ concept that highlights the alarming decline in global wildlife populations.
Speaking about the annual event, Desert Vipers CEO Phil Oliver said he was proud of what the team had achieved so far: “We started this initiative over two years ago now, turning the Desert Vipers into the most sustainable cricket franchise in the world. We have made great progress, but we know there is a lot more to do.
“Our focus this year is very much on conservation and biodiversity. We have played in green for the whole tournament this time, and rather than making our Sustainability Match a one-off green thing, we thought we would do something very special and focus on nature and conservation which is now a central part of what we are doing as a franchise.
“As well as connecting with local communities throughout the schools programme, our talent pathway, and working with a wide range of local companies, we are working very hard to make the connection between nature and sport. Because if there is something that I want to take away from today, it is the notion that there is no sport without nature.”
The special kit was showcased during the pre-match team photograph, with players holding placards reading “Play for People and the Planet” to underline their commitment to sustainability.
Off the field, the atmosphere was equally vibrant as fans filled the stadium and the Crickmas fan zone came alive with a range of activations organized jointly by the Desert Vipers and the DP World ILT20.
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