MI Emirates vs Vipers, 15th Match at Dubai, ILT20, Jan 30 2024 - Ball by Ball Commentary

On that note it's a wrap from us. Here's the points table as it stands. The Vipers have moved off the bottom of the table, albeit only on net run rate, while MI Emirates stay clear at the top. We've got the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders taking on the Gulf Giants tomorrow evening, so be sure to join us for that. But until then, on behalf of Vairavan and the team, this is Madushka signing off!

Mohammed Amir is Player of the Match for his figures of 3 for 26: "I was thinking Rutherford would be the man of the match the way he played, but yeah I'm happy I did something for the team. As a fast bowler it's great if I'm getting swing, and just try to hit the right areas. We [Amir and Afridi] always bowl as a partnership. If we're getting some swing we have to communicate. It's very important, especially in T20s these days, the batters are always coming hard at you."

Colin Munro: "Smile on my face but not a polished performance by any means. Bits and pieces cricket. The scoreboard says that's a good game of cricket, but speaking to Nicky P[Pooran], they're disappointed how they went about it and I'm disappointed as well. Obviously nice to get the win, but we didn't start all that well with the ball. Again Hasaranga and the seamers did really well to bring it back. Amir showcased all his skills. Ali Naseer, the way that he fielded was outstanding. But yeah, it's nice to get the two points. That catch, especially to get Nicky Pooran out there was great. Anyone else there is probably putting it down to be honest. Nice to get him back on the park after his hamstring injury. [from a batting perspective] There was a couple of rash shots, but I can't fault the effort and intent. We put ourselves in a position to quite comfortably get there, but then to throw it away and put them back in the ascendancy, to me that was the most disappointing thing. We gotta be a little bit smarter."

Nicholas Pooran: "We felt we were 10-15 runs short in all honesty, but we felt we could make it an interesting game if we could get a couple of early wickets. The bowlers have been really consistent over the course of the tournament, we spoke about challenging ourselves today and the bowling group really came up trumps again today. It is a tough one to swallow though. [from a batting point of view] It's about taking responsibility. We'll definitely rebuild. It just wasn't enough today.

Time then for the post-match presentation...

10.29pm In a topsy turvy game it's the Desert Vipers that have come out triumphant, and that too over the high-flying MI Emirates! This was a victory built by their bowlers, but sealed by some resolute rearguard batting from the tail and lower order. Having stumbled to 28 for 4, 68 for 6 and then 100 for 7, in chase of 150, cameos from Azam Khan, Wanindu Hasaranga and, crucially, super-sub Shane Rutherford took the Vipers to the brink. But when Rutherford fell with 21 still to get, it was up to Shaaheen Afridi and Luke Wood to see the game through. They took it to the death and then Afridi held his nerve to steal three off the final ball to give the Vipers a lifeline in this tournament!

3 from 1. 2 for a super over. Afridi on strike.

4 from 2. Just one hit away.

6 from 3

7 from 4

9 from 5

10 off 6. Boult to bowl.

11 off 8

DaWolf: "Bravo just seems to keep on ticking with the ball. Vastly experienced as a T20 player. A super example of how cleverness and accuracy can be just as valuable as pace or spin."

It's Farooqi

17 needed from 12, two wickets in hand. You have to imagine this is still gettable for the Vipers.

24 needed from 18 now, and suddenly it's much more manageable

Fine leg goes back now