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ILT20 2025 Emirates vs Vipers Highlights: Fakhar’s Anchoring Act, Rutherford Cameo Seals Desert Vipers Win

Aakash Saini

Desert Vipers defeated MI Emirates [Source: @TheDesertVipers/x]Desert Vipers defeated MI Emirates [Source: @TheDesertVipers/x]

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Desert Vipers blanked defending champions MI Emirates in match number seven of the ILT20 2025 season at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Fakhar Zaman became the headline act of Vipers win by unleashing a run-chase special in the second half of the game. 

Here’s the timeline of how Emirates vs Vipers panned out in Dubai:

Emirates vs Vipers Highlights: Kusal Perera Gets Emirates Off To A Flier

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, MI Emirates got off to a flier courtesy of a top-order blitzkrieg from opening batter Kusal Perera. The Sri Lankan left-hander cracked five boundaries in his fiery 33-run cameo, as he staged a quick 48-run powerplay start with Muhammad Waseem until the latter’s dismissal to Wanindu Hasaranga (1-21) for a near run-a-ball 18.

Shortly after Perera got holed out by Sherfane Rutherford off Dan Lawrence (1-21) at 64-2, Tom Banton and captain Nicholas Pooran also made their way back to the dugout without forming a notable score as the defending champions slipped to 86-4 in 12.3 overs.

Emirates vs Vipers Highlights: Pollard’s Slog-Overs Fury Sets Up Competitive MI Total

Kieron Pollard at number five took over the run-scoring onus following the successive dismissals of Tom Banton and Nicholas Pooran to lift the MI Emirates to a competitive 159-6 by the completion of their innings. The seasoned T20 campaigner launched three sixes and two boundaries in his 23-ball 36 before becoming Lockie Ferguson’s second wicket of the evening.

Romario Shepherd (16* off 8) and Akeal Hosein (4* off 1) extracted 20 runs from the final over to finish off the MI Emirates innings in style. For the Vipers, skipper Ferguson bowled a tight spell of 2-25 from his four overs, while David Payne (1-39) picked up a wicket in his expensive four-over workout.

Emirates vs Vipers Highlights: Alex Hales Sets Up Steady Start For Vipers

England-based Desert Vipers opener Alex Hales clattered six boundaries from his end during his attacking 62-run opening partnership with Fakhar Zaman from just seven overs. Hales listed 34 runs off 22 balls, before he was cleaned up by Waqar Salamkheil in the eighth over of the run-chase.

Dan Lawrence and Azam Khan both recorded dismal single-digit scores by falling to Dan Mousley (2-27) in quick succession as the Desert Vipers slipped to 71-3 around the halfway stage of the innings.

Emirates vs Vipers Highlights: Rutherford Cameo Prevents MI Fightback

Fakhar Zaman composed a regal half-century, scoring 67 runs from 52 balls as he formed a match-defining 65-run partnership with Sam Curran (28 off 23). While both cricketers were dismissed by Zahoor Khan (2-24) as the UAE-based speedster rekindled MI Emirates outside hopes, only to have all their aspirations dashed by a sizzling Sherfane Rutherford cameo (21* off 8).

The West Indies hard-hitter also notched up the match-winning hit as the Desert Vipers sealed the match by five wickets and five balls to spare to remain unbeaten this ILT20 2025 season.