West Indies’ Sherfane Rutherford contributed a small but crucial part as the Desert Vipers began their DP World ILT20 campaign with a commanding seven-wicket win over Sunil Narine’s Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on Sunday.
After electing to bowl first, the Vipers showcased disciplined bowling and sharp fielding to restrict the Knight Riders to 166-5 in their 20 overs. England’s Dan Lawrence and Sam Curran then starred with the bat, as they combined for a match-winning 95-run partnership to chase down the target at 168-3 with eight balls to spare.
Phil Salt anchored the Knight Riders’ innings with a scintillating 71 not out off 49 balls, laced with five fours and four towering sixes. He found support from Alishan Sharafu, who crafted a steady 46 from 34 balls, and Andre Russell, whose late blitz of 30 off 14 balls injected much-needed momentum into the innings.
England's Dan Lawerence led the way for the Vipers. (Photos: ILT20)
The Knight Riders’ top order faltered early, slipping to 39-3, before Salt and Sharafu steadied the ship with an 86-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Sharafu later retired out, making way for Russell to deliver fireworks alongside Salt.
Rutherford’s sharp fielding proved pivotal in the final overs, as he ran out Russell during a crucial phase to limit the Knight Riders.
Chasing 167, the Vipers encountered early hiccups. Andre Russell struck in the fifth over to remove Fakhar Zaman for 23, and Narine accounted for Alex Hales (10) shortly after, leaving the Vipers at 56-2 in the eighth over.
However, Lawrence and Curran took control with a composed and aggressive 95-run partnership for the third wicket. Lawrence dazzled with a 39-ball 70, featuring seven fours and three sixes, while Curran played the perfect foil, striking an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls with two fours and a six.
Rutherford joined Curran in the closing stages, contributing a quick unbeaten nine with two boundaries to seal the victory, which propelled them to the top of the standings.
With the tournament still in its infancy, both teams have ample opportunity to fine-tune their strategies for success, as the Desert Vipers will be buoyed by their dominant opening performance, while the Knight Riders will aim to regroup and address their middle-order frailties.