ILT20: Rutherford trumps run-chase after Pollard and Pooran’s heroics

Guyanese Sherfane Rutherford struck a belligerent half-century to guide Desert Vipers to victory over MI Emirates in the International League T20 (ILT20) on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.

Set a target of 170, Vipers lost three wickets, but cantered to victory in just 16.3 overs. Rutherford hastened victory by dominating an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 94 in 8.4 overs with the in-form Alex Hales.

Rutherford struck four fours and three sixes in an unbeaten 56 off 29 balls, while Hales continued his outstanding form with 62 not out off 44 balls, his fifth score above fifty in as many innings in the tournament.

Samit Patel took 2-23 for MI Emirates, who earlier recovered from 53-3 to post 169-5, thanks to a 116-run partnership between West Indian pair Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran.

Pooran fell for 57 off 49 balls, but Pollard remained at the end, unbeaten on 67 off 39 balls, inclusive of six sixes. It was Pollard’s second successive fifty, both of which have now come in defeat.

Tom Curran picked up 2-38.