Abu Dhabi: (PNP) The Desert Vipers stormed into the final of DP World ILT20 Season 4 with a commanding 45-run victory over MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 at Zayed Cricket Stadium. Anchored by Andries Gous’ unbeaten century and debutant Usman Tariq’s three-wicket haul, the Vipers booked their third final appearance in four seasons of the tournament.
Chasing a target of 234, MI Emirates’ hopes were dashed despite a fighting 63 off 27 balls by Tom Banton and 41 from Muhammad Waseem. Tariq’s incisive bowling in the middle overs turned the match decisively in the Vipers’ favor.
The Vipers’ innings was built on a destructive opening partnership of 157 runs between Gous (120* off 58) and Fakhar Zaman (69 off 50), the highest opening stand in DP World ILT20 history. Sam Curran contributed a blistering 38* off 12 balls to help the team post 233/1 – the highest total of the season. Gous’ century marked a historic milestone as he became the first player from an Associate Nation to score a hundred in the league, and also recorded the highest individual score in DP World ILT20 history.
MI Emirates began strongly, reaching 53/1 in the powerplay with Waseem and Andre Fletcher rotating the strike, and Banton hitting a six and a four. However, the Vipers’ bowling, led by Tariq, David Payne, and Naseem Shah, triggered a collapse in the middle overs. Key wickets of Banton, Krishnamurthi, Pollard, and Mousley shifted momentum firmly to the Vipers. Romario Shepherd’s late counterattack (39* off 23) was insufficient as MI Emirates were restricted to 188/7.
Speaking after the match, Player of the Match Andries Gous said, “It was a really special moment. Fakhar batted superbly and made my job easier. After the powerplay, we were thinking 190–200, but Sam’s innings pushed us to 230-plus.”
MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard reflected, “Chasing 233 was always going to be tough. We gave away a few extra runs, but one loss isn’t the end—we still have another chance in the Eliminator.”
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