West Indians Obed McCoy and Shai Hope both played major roles as the Dubai Capitals defeated the Desert Vipers by nine wickets at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday to close out the preliminary phase of the 2025 International League T20 (ILT20). McCoy took 3-22 from his four overs to help the Capitals restrict the Vipers to 137 all out in 19.4 overs after skipper Sam Billings won the toss and chose to field first.

The Vincentian left-arm quick took the wickets of both openers Azam Khan (2) and Alex Hales (18) as well as Wanindu Hasaranga (11).

McCoy wasn’t the star of the show with the ball for the Capitals, however, as Afghan leg-spinner Qais Ahmed bowled produced an excellent spell of bowling with 4-25 from his four overs.

Dan Lawrence and Sam Curran were the highest scorers for the Vipers with 44 and 28, respectively, while Sherfane Rutherford made a two-ball duck.

The Capitals then needed only 17.1 overs to reach 138-1 and secure victory heading into the playoffs.

Gulbadin Naib finished 55* off 31 balls including three fours and four sixes while Shai Hope finished not out on 52 off 54 balls including four fours and one six.

Hope’s opening partner Adam Rossington chipped in with an 18-ball 27 including three sixes and a four.

At the completion of the league phase in which each team played 10 games, the Vipers and Capitals finished first and second on 14 points and 12 points, respectively, meaning they will face off in Wednesday’s Qualifier 1 with the winner advancing to Sunday’s final.

The loser of that game will face the winner of Thursday’s eliminator between MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz in Qualifier 2 on Friday.