In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, Andries Gous scripted history to fire Desert Vipers into the final of the World ILT20. His magnificent, unbeaten century formed the cornerstone of a dominant 45-run victory over MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
Gous Unleashes Record-Breaking Century
Andries Gous played one of the most commanding innings ever witnessed in the tournament's history. His stunning 120 not out from just 58 deliveries was the catalyst for the Vipers posting a mammoth 233 for 1, the highest team total of the season. This knock was laden with records: it was the first century of ILT20 Season 4, the highest individual score in the league's history, and the first hundred by a player from an Associate Nation across all four seasons.
"It was a really special moment for me," Gous said after his heroics. "You don't get many opportunities to score a hundred, so I truly cherished it." He credited his opening partner, Fakhar Zaman, for setting a strong platform, noting that after the powerplay, a target of 190-200 was in mind. However, a blistering cameo from Sam Curran propelled them far beyond that.
Vipers' Batting Symphony Leaves Emirates Stunned
Put in to bat, the Vipers' innings was a masterclass. Gous shifted gears violently in the fifth over, smashing Romario Shepherd for 20 runs. He raced to a 29-ball fifty and forged a monumental opening stand with Fakhar Zaman. Their 157-run partnership is now the highest opening stand in ILT20 history. Fakhar overcame a slow start to compile a fluent 69 off 50 balls.
After Fakhar's dismissal, Gous reached his century in 53 balls. Sam Curran then provided a devastating finish, clubbing an unbeaten 38 from a mere 12 deliveries. The final five overs yielded a staggering 85 runs, leaving MI Emirates with a mountain to climb at 234.
Emirates' Chase Falters After Promising Start
In reply, MI Emirates showed early fight. Muhammad Waseem and Tom Banton took them to 53 for 1 after the powerplay. Banton launched a fierce counter-attack, racing to a 21-ball half-century and adding 81 runs with Waseem. However, the chase lost its spine once Waseem fell in the 11th over for 41.
The game turned decisively in favour of the Vipers thanks to debutant leg-spinner Usman Tariq. Tariq struck twice in two balls to remove the dangerous Banton (63) and Sanjay Krishnamurthi, and later accounted for the experienced Kieron Pollard. He finished with excellent figures of 3 for 33. David Payne and Naseem Shah also chipped in with crucial wickets as MI Emirates, despite a late flurry from Romario Shepherd (39*), fell well short at 188 for 7.
"Chasing 233 was always going to be a stiff challenge," admitted MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard. "Losing by 45 runs is a big margin in T20 cricket... credit to the opposition for playing exceptionally well."
Road to the Title
With this resounding win, Desert Vipers have secured their third final appearance in four seasons, underlining their status as one of the league's most consistent franchises. MI Emirates, meanwhile, will get a second shot at reaching the title clash. They will face the winner of the Eliminator between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Dubai Capitals.
Brief Scores: Desert Vipers 233/1 in 20 overs (Andries Gous 120*, Fakhar Zaman 69, Sam Curran 38*) beat MI Emirates 188/7 in 20 overs (Tom Banton 63, Muhammad Waseem 41, Romario Shepherd 39*; Usman Tariq 3/33) by 45 runs.
