The Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi bore witness to a masterclass in power-hitting as the Desert Vipers stormed into the ILT20 2025-26 final with a clinical 45-run victory over MI Emirates in Qualifier 1. Led by a record-breaking century from Andries Gous, the Vipers posted the season’s highest total, a target that proved too steep even for a star-studded MI Emirates lineup.
The Vipers’ Batting Blitz: A Night of Records
After being put in to bat, the Desert Vipers started with intent, but few could have predicted the carnage that would follow. Opening the innings, Andries Gous and Fakhar Zaman built a foundation that quickly turned into a fortress. The pair stitched together a monumental 157-run opening stand, the highest in the history of the ILT20.
Gous was the primary aggressor, reaching his half-century in just 29 balls. While Fakhar Zaman played a fluent supporting role with 69 off 50 deliveries (including 5 fours and 2 sixes), Gous went on to etch his name into the record books. He became the first player from an Associate Nation to score a century in the league, finishing with an unbeaten 120 off 58 balls. His innings was punctuated by 7 fours and a staggering 9 sixes, marking the highest individual score in the tournament’s history.
When Fakhar finally fell in the 16th over to Allah Ghazanfar, there was no respite for the bowlers. Captain Sam Curran promoted himself to provide the finishing flourish, smashing 38* from just 12 balls at a strike rate of 316.67. The Vipers plundered 85 runs in the final five overs to reach a daunting 233/1.
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MI Emirates’ Response: A Valiant but Flawed Chase
Chasing 234 was always a “stiff challenge,” as MI Captain Kieron Pollard later admitted. However, MI Emirates didn’t go down without a fight. The powerplay saw them reach a promising 53/1, anchored by Muhammad Waseem (41 off 32) and a destructive Tom Banton.
Banton briefly threatened to pull off the impossible, racing to a 21-ball fifty. He finished with 63 off 27 balls, striking at 233.33 with 6 fours and 4 sixes. At 110/2 in the 11th over, MI Emirates were arguably ahead of the required rate, but the game turned on its head in a single over.
The Turning Point: Usman Tariq’s Mystery Spin
The introduction of debutant Usman Tariq proved to be a masterstroke. In the 12th over, Tariq removed the set Banton and then trapped Sanjay Krishnamurthi LBW for a golden duck on the very next ball. This double-strike sucked the momentum out of the chase.
Tariq continued his brilliance by claiming the prized wicket of Kieron Pollard (15), finishing with exceptional figures of 3 for 33. Despite a late, entertaining cameo from Romario Shepherd (39* off 23), the middle-order collapse meant the target was never truly back in sight. Naseem Shah provided excellent control at the other end, conceding only 20 runs in his four overs, as MI Emirates were restricted to 188/7.
Match Summary & Key Stats
- Desert Vipers: 233/1 (20 overs)
- Andries Gous: 120* (58)
- Fakhar Zaman: 69 (50)
- Sam Curran: 38* (12)
- MI Emirates: 188/7 (20 overs)
- Tom Banton: 63 (27)
- Muhammad Waseem: 41 (32)
- Usman Tariq: 3/33
- David Payne: 2/52
Result: Desert Vipers won by 45 runs and advanced directly to the final.
Road Ahead
For the Desert Vipers, this victory underlined their dominance throughout the season and secured their third final appearance in four years. For MI Emirates, the loss was a setback, but as the second-placed team in the league, they earned a second chance to reach the final via Qualifier 2.
This match will be remembered for Andries Gous’ historic “120 reasons” why the Vipers are the team to beat. His ability to handle the wind conditions in Abu Dhabi and capitalize on a true batting surface set a benchmark for the rest of the playoffs.
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