Desert Vipers locked horns with Dubai Capitals in match no. 25 of the ongoing International League T20 (ILT20) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday (February 2). Vipers defeated the Capitals by 22 runs in the clash.
Asked to bat first, Vipers couldn’t start their innings well and lost two of their batters with just 18 runs on the board. However, Sam Billing‘s steady 54 runs off 48 deliveries helped the team regain momentum. Sherfane Rutherford, who came in to bat at no. 6, changed gears for the Vipers and scored a quickfire 50 off 23 balls to power his team to a competitive total of 182/7 in 20 overs.
Rutherford hit six maximums during his fiery knock, of which five came in a row against Yusuf Pathan. On the first ball of the 16th over, Billings took a single to put Rutherford on strike, after which the 24-year-old left-handed batter belted Pathan all over the park scoring 30 runs off the remaining five deliveries. India’s veteran all-rounder was seen frustrated following Rutherford’s exploits in his over.
Here’s the video:
The maestro, Sherfane Rutherford put up a stunning batting display tonight #DVvDC.
5 back to back 6’s 😯
Big contribution to his teams total with a 23-ball 5️⃣0️⃣ 🔥#DPWorldILT20 #ALeagueApart pic.twitter.com/OSW8Av4lnh
— International League T20 (@ILT20Official) February 2, 2023
In reply to the Vipers’ total, the Capitals failed miserably in the run chase and were restricted to 160/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Sikandar Raza (41) and Rovamn Powell (33) were the highest run scorers for the team. Meanwhile, Sheldon Cottrell and Luke Wood picked two wickets each for the Vipers to guide them to a 22-run victory. Rutherford was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for his exceptional inning.
Notably, the Vipers were the first team to qualify for the playoffs, and with this win, they maintained their top spot in the points table. On the other hand, Capitals’ qualifying hopes depend on their last league stage match, which they will play against MI Emirates.
