Andries Gous produced a breathtaking unbeaten century to propel Desert Vipers into the final of the ILT20, cruising to a commanding 45-run win over MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

The victory sends the Vipers into their third final in four seasons, underlining their dominance in the tournament. MI Emirates will now face the winner of the Eliminator between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Dubai Capitals, scheduled for Thursday.

A brutal opening stand between Gous (120 off 58)* and Fakhar Zaman (69 off 50) laid the foundation for the Vipers’ mammoth total. The duo was later complemented by a late assault from Sam Curran, who smashed 38 not out off just 12 balls, as the Vipers piled up 233/1 — the highest team total of the season.

Gous etched his name into the record books, becoming the first centurion of the season and the first player from an Associate Nation to score a hundred in ILT20 history. His unbeaten 120 also stands as the highest individual score ever recorded in the league.

In reply, MI Emirates struggled to keep pace despite a spirited effort from Tom Banton, who struck 63 off 27 balls, including six fours and four sixes. His dismissal proved the turning point.

Making his ILT20 debut, Usman Tariq delivered a game-changing spell, claiming 3 for 33 to derail MI Emirates’ chase. Tariq removed Banton and Sanjay Krishnamurthi in consecutive deliveries in the 12th over, before dismissing Kieron Pollard two overs later as the innings unravelled.

Earlier, asked to bat first, the Vipers raced to 47 without loss in the powerplay. After a measured start, Gous shifted gears in the fifth over, hammering Romario Shepherd for two sixes and a four in a 20-run burst.

Gous reached his half-century in 29 balls, with the opening stand crossing 100 in just 65 deliveries. Fakhar soon followed with a 36-ball fifty, taking Pollard apart with a six and a four in successive balls.

The pair continued to dominate, registering the highest opening partnership in ILT20 history. Their 157-run stand ended in the 16th over when Allah Ghazanfar dismissed Fakhar. Gous brought up his century in 53 balls, as the final five overs yielded a staggering 85 runs, sealing a one-sided contest.

(By PTI Inputs)

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