Shaheen & Hasaranga Spectacular Show: Desert Vipers Triumph in ILT20 2024!

DUBAI: Desert Vipers secured their inaugural victory in the ongoing ILT20 2024 as Wanindu Hasaranga’s quickfire 42 complemented Shaheen Shah Afridi’s 3/22, guiding them to a comfortable six-wicket win over Gulf Giants in the seventh match.

 

Gulf Giants, batting first, faced a daunting challenge against the formidable Desert Vipers bowling attack, managing to post a modest total of 160/6.

The Giants had a rocky start, losing two wickets in quick succession as Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Afridi struck early, leaving them reeling at 7/2 in 2.2 overs. Chris Lynn and Jordan Cox then stabilized the innings with a counterattacking 89-run partnership, with Lynn scoring a brisk half-century.

Despite Lynn’s efforts, Tymal Mills dismissed him in the 13th over, ending his knock at 63 off 42 balls. Subsequent partnerships involving Shimron Hetmyer and Cox were brief, and the Giants slipped to 124/5 in 16.2 overs. Cox remained the leading run-scorer for the Giants with a cautious 32.

In reply, Desert Vipers chased down the target of 161 with four wickets in hand and eight balls to spare. The Vipers faced an early setback with the loss of captain Colin Munro (6) and Alex Hales (21 off 20 deliveries). However, Hasaranga’s aggressive 42 off 19 balls shifted the momentum.

Hasaranga’s partnership with Adam Hose was crucial, and despite falling to Dominik Drakes in the 13th over, it set the stage for Hose to collaborate with Azam Khan for a 51-run fifth-wicket stand. Hose anchored the innings with a 39 off 35 balls, while Azam and Sherfane Rutherford ensured a smooth chase, leading the Vipers to victory in the penultimate over.

Shaheen Afridi’s impressive bowling performance (3/22) led the way for the Vipers, with support from Mohammad Amir, Tymal Mills, and Hasaranga, each taking one wicket.

Desert Vipers’ six-wicket triumph propelled them to fourth place in the ILT20 standings, trailing Gulf Giants with two points from two matches.