Dubai, Jan 30 (IANS): A composed knock of 70 runs in 54 balls from Max Holden helped the Desert Vipers restore their authority as table-toppers with a comprehensive five-wicket victory against the Gulf Giants in the ILT20 Season 3 here on Wednesday. Holden ensured the Desert Vipers cruised home in 19 overs at the Dubai International Stadium. Having already sealed a playoff spot, the Vipers cemented a top-two finish with this win.

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. Tim David briefly rallied, launching Lockie Ferguson for a six in the 13th over, but he was dismissed on the very next ball looking for the same outcome, leaving the Giants reeling at 58/6.

Hasaranga struck again, pinning Jordan Cox on the pads for his third wicket of the night. The Giants seemed on the brink of collapse. However, Tom Curran reinvigorated the innings smashing a 30-ball fifty. He took apart his brother, Sam Curran in the 19th over, clobbering two fours and a six in what turned out to be the most productive over of the innings. Another 14 runs from Tom Curran in the final over pushed the Giants to a total of 129/8 at the end of their turn.

Brief scores:

Gulf Giants 129/8 in 20 overs (Tom Curran 64 not out; Wanindu Hasaranga 3-10, Sam Curran 3-28) lost to Desert Vipers 130/5 in 19 overs (Max Holden 70 not out; Blessing Muzarabani 3-35) by 5 wickets.