ILT20 2025, Match 5 Review: Curran, Rutherford star as Desert Vipers cruise to six-wicket victory Over Gulf Giants

The Desert Vipers defeated the Gulf Giants by six wickets in a low scoring affair to complete their second consecutive victory, during the fifth match of the ongoing ILT20 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday evening. An unbeaten knock of 42 runs from all-rounder Sam Curran orchestrated a comfortable run chase for the Desert Vipers. He was assisted by Sherfane Rutherford, who finished with 40 runs in 18 balls to bring the Vipers home in 17.4 overs.

The Vipers’ pacers ruled the first innings as skipper Lockie Ferguson and Mohammad Amir ran through the Giants top and middle order with three and two wickets respectively. Leading from the front, James Vince waged a lone battle, putting on an unbeaten 76 runs in 62 balls to steer the Giants to 119/9 in 20 overs.

The Gulf Giants lost early wickets, with Mohammad Amir tapping Adam Lyth, LBW, as early as the first over.  Soon after, Lockie Ferguson scalped Rehan Khan, while Jordan Cox was dismissed by Sam Curran to leave the Giants in hot water at 32/3 in six overs.

Opener James Vince played a measured innings, taking few chances and frequently rotating the strike. However, he struggled to find support with wickets tumbling around him.

Player of the Match, Sam Curran said, “It is nice to be here for the start of the tournament, and it is nice to win on a tricky pitch. It was almost a bit of a Test match out there, trying to trust your defence. I knew they are going to go for their best seam bowlers at the top, so had to adjust accordingly.”

Brief scores:

Desert Vipers beat Gulf Giants by six wickets

Gulf Giants 119/9 in 20 overs (James Vince 76, Aayan Afzal Khan 15, Lockie Ferguson 3 for 22, Mohammad Amir 2 for 23)

Desert Vipers 121/4 in 20 overs (Sam Curran 42 not out, Sherfane Rutherford 40 not out, Mark Adair 2 for 12, Tymal Mills 1 for 23

Player of the Match: Sam Curran