Khuzaima tanveer

Sharjah Cricket Stadium: Alex Hales and Sam Curran powered the Desert Vipers to a commanding eight-wicket victory over the Sharjah Warriorz in the ILT20 Season 3, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium here on Saturday. Hales and Curran shared a stunning 128-run partnership off just 65 balls, which turned a modest chase of 152 into a one-sided affair. Hales smashed a 36-ball half-century while Curran followed with a blistering 33-ball fifty. The duo ensured the Vipers sealed the win in 14.5 overs to inch closer to the play-offs stage.

Earlier, David Payne set the tone for the Vipers with a sharp spell of two wickets. UAE’s Khuzaima Tanveer then ripped through the middle and lower order with an excellent four-wicket haul while Jason Roy made a spirited contribution for the Warriorz with 55 runs in 38 balls.

Defending 151, early breakthroughs were crucial for the Warriorz, and Adam Milne delivered by removing Fakhar Zaman and Dan Lawrence within the first four overs, giving his side the ideal start. However, Alex Hales and Sam Curran seized control of the chase. Initially cautious, Hales shifted gears spectacularly, launching three consecutive sixes off Muhammad Jawadullah in the 13th over to bring up a 36-ball half-century. Hales finished the innings with seven fours and five sixes.