Desert Vipers storm into DP World ILT20 final

DUBAI: Desert Vipers defeated Gulf Giants by 19 runs to stormed into the final of the DP World ILT20 at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday.

Asked to bat first, Desert Vipers scored 178 runs for the loss of seven wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.

They were in deep trouble at 33-3 in 5.1 overs when Sam Billings was joined by Wanindu Hasaranga. The pair put on 60 runs in 38 balls for the fourth wicket stand to revive their team’s innings.

Billings scored 31 runs off 29 balls and hit three boundaries. Hasaranga’s 20-ball 31 included four fours and a six.

Sherfane Rutherford gave the innings the impetus it needed with a stroke-filled 37. His 19-ball knock was studded with four sixes and a four. The other main contributors were Tom Curran (29) and Rohan Mustafa (23).

Paceman Chris Jordan was the pick of the Gulf Giants bowlers, claiming three wickets for 40 runs.

In reply, Gulf Giants were bowled out for 159 in 19.4 overs, still 20 runs away from their victory target.

Shimron Hetmyer was their top run-getter with 36, which came off 21 deliveries and included three sixes and a boundary. Chris Lynn added 26 while James Vince made 21.

Tom Curran had a brilliant day with the ball, picking up four wickets for 31 runs. Hasaranga followed his batting exploits with an excellent bowling performance and finished with figures of 3-36. Luke Wood took two wickets for 26 runs.

Brief scores: Desert Vipers beat Gulf Giants by 19 runs.

Desert Vipers 178-7 in 20 overs (Rohan Mustafa 23, Sam Billings 31, Wanindu Hasaranga 31, Sherfane Rutherford 37, Tom Curran 29; Chris Jordan 3-40). Gulf Giants 159 in 19.4 overs (James Vince 21, Chris Lynn 26, Shimron Hetmyer 36; Luke Wood 2-26, Tom Curran 4-31, Wanindu Hasaranga 3-36).

Player of the Match ($1,500): Tom Curran

DP World smart delivery of the day ($1,500): Wanindnu Hasaranga to Chris Lynn

Fairplay News biggest hit of the match ($1,500): Sherfane Rutherford’s six of 92 metres

Skyexch.Net Super 4s of the match ($1,500): Wanindnu Hasaranga (4 boundaries)

Sportsbuzz 11 Buzzmaker of the match ($1,500): Tom Curran for scoring 149 fantasy points

Green Belt Holder: Alex Hales

White Belt Holder: Chris Jordan