ILT20: Sherfane Rutherfords' blistering late bloomer helps Desert Vipers set a decent total of 178/7 against Gulf Giants in the first qualifier of the ILT20 tournament.

After losing the toss Desert Vipers came to bat first but they didn't get the start the team was looking for as their ace batter Alex Hales (03) departed early. Rohan Mustafa (23 runs out of 13 balls) started well but soon David Weise sent him to the Pavilion, and skipper Colin Munro (03) also followed them. 

While the Vipers were struggling at 3/33, Sam Billings (31) and Wanindu Hasaranga (31) resurrected their sinking boat with a 60-run partnership.

Later Sherfane Rutherford bolstered the innings by thrashing 37 runs off 19 balls which included 1 four and 4 sixes. Tom Curran supported Rutherford and got 29 runs in 17 balls with 2 fours and the same number of sixes.

For Gulf Giants, Chris Jordan got the maximum wickets 3/40, Dominic Drakes, David Wiese, Carlos Brathwaite and Aayan Khan grabbed one-one wicket each for the team.

Brief Score:

Desert Vipers- 178/7 (Rutherford- 37 runs of 19 balls; Chris Jorden- 3/40)