West Indies batsman Sherfane Rutherford and his Desert Vipers continued their red-hot form in the DP World ILT20, as they cruised to a 53-run victory over the Dwayne Bravo-coached Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on Saturday.

While Rutherford's contribution was a modest, unbeaten seven off three balls, the Vipers delivered a commanding performance. They posted a daunting target of 194 and later bowled out the Knight Riders for 140 in 17.4 overs.

The victory extended the Vipers’ lead at the top of the table with eight points from four games, while the Knight Riders, now fourth on the table with two points from three matches, will need to regroup quickly to keep their playoff hopes alive.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, the Vipers got off to a strong start despite losing Fakhar Zaman (11) early. Alex Hales anchored the innings with a scintillating 36-ball 58, as he smashed three boundaries and four sixes.

Alex Hales celebrates his half-century. (Photos: ILT20)

His 71-run second-wicket partnership with Dan Lawrence, who contributed 49 off 32 balls with one four and three sixes, provided the perfect foundation.

Captain Sam Curran chipped in with a steady 29-ball 35, while Azam Khan delivered a late blitz, hammering 21 off just nine balls, including one four and two sixes, as the Vipers finished on 193-5.

Jason Holder, with 2-21, was the standout bowler for the Knight Riders.

Chasing 194, the Knight Riders stumbled early, as they lost opener Phil Salt for just two. However, West Indies batsman Kyle Mayers and Joe Clarke briefly steadied the ship with a 62-run second-wicket partnership.

Clarke led the charge with an aggressive 32-ball 55, laced with eight boundaries, while Mayers contributed 21 off 20 balls with one four and one six.

Desert Vipers celebrate a wicket.

However, once Mayers fell, the Knight Riders’ innings unraveled. Charith Asalanka (five) and Clarke departed in quick succession, leaving the score at 83-4.

Captain Sunil Narine (seven) and Andre Russell (six) failed to mount a recovery, and despite a late cameo from Holder, who smashed 27 off nine balls with three fours and two sixes, the Knight Riders fell well short.

Nathan Sowter (3-44) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2-22) spearheaded the Vipers’ bowling attack, which ensured the Knight Riders never gained momentum.