Fakhar Zaman’s 67 and a rapid 21* off just eight balls from Sherfane Rutherford propelled the Desert Vipers to their third win in a row to begin the 2025 International league T20 (ILT20) season.

The Vipers successfully chased down 160 with five balls remaining in the final over to defeat the MI Emirates by five wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Zaman’s 67 came off 52 balls and included five fours and two sixes and he was well supported by Alex Hales who made 34 and Sam Curran who made 28.

Rutherford then came in a put the finishing touches on another excellent performance from the Vipers with his rapid knock that included three fours and the game-clinching six.

Zahoor Khan and Dan Mousley took two wickets, each for the Emirates who earlier made 159-6 from their 20 overs after winning the toss and choosing to bat.

Kieron Pollard led the way with 36 off 23 balls including two fours and three sixes while Kusal Perera made a patient 29-ball 33 at the top of the order.

Romario Shepherd finished 16* off eight balls while captain Nicholas Pooran was one of many batsmen to get starts throughout the innings with his 15 off 11 balls.

Lockie Ferguson took 2-25 from his four overs for the Vipers.

Full Scores:

MI Emirates 159-6 from 20 overs (Kieron Pollard 36, Kusal Perera 33, Lockie Ferguson 2-25)

Desert Vipers 161-5 from 19.1 overs (Fakhar Zaman 67, Alex Hales 34, Sam Curran 28, Sherfane Rutherford 21*, Dan Mousley 2-27, Zahoor Khan 2-24).