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.
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.
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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