ILT20 2023 | Billings, Rutherford engineer Vipers’ big win over Capitals
Sam Billings plays a shot against Capitals [Source: Twitter]
Desert Vipers became the first team this ILT20 2023 season to cement their name for the playoffs. The Colin Munro-led side has also confirmed a top-two finish for themselves, as they stand at the top of the points table owing to their seven wins out of nine matches.
Rutherford’s six-hitting blitz power Vipers to 182
After being put to bat by the Capitals, the Desert Vipers lost their in-form batter Alex Hales and captain Colin Munro within the first 15 balls of the match.
However, opener Rohan Mustafa ensured his end of the wicket remained secure while wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings held the innings together with his calculated 54.
Billings’ fifty paved the way for Sherfane Rutherford to launch a six-hitting assault in the death overs. The cricketer whacked six sixes in the 23 balls he faced to score an empowering half-century.
The Vipers eventually piled up a competitive 182, with Fred Klaassen’s three-for and Adam Zampa’s economical spell posing the only challenge in the innings.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1604750421553459201/IhsBanb9_normal.jpg)
Cottrell, Wood restrict Capitals to 22 runs short of Vipers
Viper’s speedster Sheldon Cottrell struck in his first over to remove opener George Munsey for a duck. His partner from the other end, Robin Uthappa, listed 30 while Zimbabwean import Sikandar Raza top-scored in the run-chase with his 41.
Cottrell also removed a threatening Raza to finish his four overs with figures of 2 for 36. Luke Wood claimed two wickets as the Capitals’ response stopped at 160.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1604750421553459201/IhsBanb9_normal.jpg)
Brief scores
Desert Vipers: 182-7 (20)
Sam Billings 54 (48), Sherfane Rutherford 50 (23)
Fred Klaassen 3-34, Adam Zampa 1-20
Dubai Capitals: 160-7 (20)
Sikandar Raza 41 (32), Rovman Powell 33 (25)
Luke Wood 2-36, Sheldon Cottrell 2-36
Desert Vipers won by 22 runs.
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