Andries Gous spearheaded a dominant century that saw Desert Vipers storm into the ILT20 final with an impressive 45-run triumph over MI Emirates at Qualifier 1 in Zayed Cricket stadium in Tuesdays. The resounding victory secured the appearance of Vipers in the final match, whereas MI Emirates received a second opportunity to make it to the final.
Having gone in to bat first, Desert Vipers led by a spectacular batting performance, as they amassed an enormous 233 for 1 within their 20 overs. Openers Andries Gous and Fakhar Zaman helped lay down the ground work by the most devastating 157-run opening stand that demolished the bowling of MI Emirates. Fakhar scored a fluent 69 off 50 balls (five fours and two sixes) before he was caught in the 16 th over.
Gous, however, was not to be stopped. His bat was carried throughout the innings in the USA international, as he showed a spectacular 120 not out on 58 deliveries and got 9 sixes and 7 fours. Captain Sam Curran came to his rescue towards the end of the big innings, with 38 not out in 12 balls, and contributed 76 to the continuous partnership. In a generally challenging appearance, AM Ghazanfar was the only wicket taker in MI Emirates.
In pursuit of an uphill goal of 234, MI Emirates completed 188 out of 7 with a gallant fight. Tom Banton was the top scorer in the resistance, scoring 63 off 27 ball with 41 scorers coming off 32 balls by Muhammad Waseem. The two briefly revived hopes with a 81 run stand but they were soon dismissed, leading to a collapse.
The Vipers was led by debutant Usman Tariq who scored 3 for 33 with the ball, and picked two wickets, David Payne. The overall performance emphasized the title credentials of Desert Vipers as they wait the bout.
