MI Emirates vs Vipers, 15th Match at Abu Dhabi, ILT20, Jan 24 2023 - Ball by Ball Commentary

That's all from us tonight. A quick look at the points table before we sign off. Thank you for your company. See you for more cricket tomorrow.

9.33pm Presentation time.Player of the Match Sherfane Rutherford: "I'm feeling good. Coming into the tournament I was doing work on my batting. Working on consistency as well. (Pleasure to finish the game) It is something I've been working on a very long time. My mindset was to play the ball and not plan. The key for me was to just let it flow and play the ball on its merit. (Conversation with Hales) When I went in, he said it is a good wicket. I took a few balls, and when I realised it was good, I chose to keep it simple."

Munro, winning captain: We set up well with our bowling. You think at 170 for 3 that batters did the job but the bowlers did. Pooran and Pollard put a partnership and it could've been 200, but Matheesha did well in his first game. (Conditions) Really good batting wicket. The new ball seams a bit so you have to absorb that and you can put pressure when the ball stops doing that. Seeing Hales take responsibility today, unbelievable, maturity he has shown. (Hales' form) It allows other guys to be free and play. There's no pressure on the boys coming in. Allows us to get used to conditions. I thought Rutherford was exceptional. Very smart batting - two hit sixes against the left-arm spinner despite the two wickets. He's been working hard in the nets."

Pollard, the losing captain: When you look at the final score, even if we got 15 more, the game would've ended next over. But as a batting team we were slow at the start. Credit to their bowlers though. (Personal batting) Relaxed, good. Trying to share knowledge and this is what it is about. I've had opportunity to enjoy playing around the world. (Catch) Continue to remind the guys that I am still there. Age is just a number. Made it spectacular in the end....cameras, TV. (Bowling effort) We have a good bunch of bowlers, but the opposition are coming hard at us. We've let ourselves down with executing plans but credit to their batters too. Having said that, this is a learning experience for everybody. We'll try to right the wrongs."

9.25pm Vipers go top again, with a NRR boost too. Emirates stay on third after back to back losses. Munro set the tone, and despite a mini wobble, Hales and Rutherford kept their cool to seal the deal. A 94 run partnership between the duo at a run-rate of 10.84. That will win you games on most days.

Emirates will feel that their slow powerplay in the first innings dug a hole today. Pollard and Pooran looked to crawl out of it with very different half centuries, however 169 is too less in Abu Dhabi.

Credit to Rutherford, though, for really taking the game by its horn. Hales, consistent as ever.

7-2 inside out field.

Strategic time out. Is it even needed? Anyway.

ChrisTaunton: "Average here of 118.7 - amazing.A far cry from his last two BBL innings - 0 and 0!"

Emirates are going to be defensive now. They need to take the game deep for NRR sake. Bravo, Boult and Pollard have a chat. Change in field.